The stool has become an integral part of many kitchens — whether it’s pulled up at an island, a peninsula or a high cafe table.

“So many people have that open floor plan, with the kitchen island and a great room,” and the previously separate functions of cooking, living, entertaining and working blur together, said Kate Lester, an interior designer in Hermosa Beach, Calif.

That means whichever stools you buy have to be multifunctional and look good enough to be part of your living space.

Most are available in two heights, Ms. Lester said — counter height and bar height — so measure carefully when you’re choosing. Counter stools usually have a seat height of 24 to 27 inches and are intended to be used under a standard kitchen counter that’s about 36 inches high; bar stools have a seat height of about 28 to 30 inches, to work with a higher counter of about 40 to 42 inches.