A Review of Our Serena & Lily Balboa Counter Stools

It’s hard to believe it’s been over four years since we added our Serena & Lily Balboa counter stools to our kitchen!

Since then, I’ve received more questions about these stools than anything else in our home, so I thought this would be a good time to do a follow-up review, sharing how the stools have held up over time, how I keep them clean, and more.

Adding the Serena & Lily Balboa counter stools to our kitchen was the last step of our kitchen remodel, and they gave this space the focal point and finishing touch it needed. 

There’s something about the natural look of the rattan, paired with the crisp white cushions, that tied this space together.

These counter stools changed how we use our kitchen

I love having people keep me company while I cook, so comfortable island seating was important to me. 

And I noticed that after we got these stools, people were more likely to sit and chat for a while. 

They’re amazingly comfortable and sturdy, which seems to draw people to them as soon as they walk in the kitchen.

And, since the seat backs aren’t too high, they don’t obstruct the view into our adjacent breakfast nook and hearth room.

If you live in a home where the kitchen, family room, and breakfast nook all meet, like ours, I think it’s a good idea to choose low-profile stools so your line of sight is open throughout the room.

Balboa stools are beautiful from every angle

Unlike other styles of counter stools, the Balboa is lovely when viewed from the front, side, and back–which is especially great for us, because they sit right in the middle of our kitchen and are seen from every angle.

I love everything about the Balboa design:  the variations in tone, the natural texture, the slightly angled leg lines, and the brass footrests and end caps. 

The Balboa line is made of mahogany, covered in woven rattan, and available in two finishes:  “natural” (which is what we have) and “mist,” which is a light gray color. 

Each stool comes with a tailored seat cushion, available in several colors, patterns and finishes, including stripes and gingham. 

I chose the Perennials® Basketweave in White, but if I ever want to change the look, I can simply switch out my cushion covers.

Happy gatherings

Our Balboa stools have played a part in big family occasions like birthdays, family reunions, and holidays, as well as small get-togethers with friends.

When our grands come to visit, they love to sit at the kitchen island  — and since these stools are so sturdy, we’ve never had a problem with them tipping over when the kids climb up and down.

I also love that the seat cushions have a rubberized bottom to prevent them from sliding around.  Here’s a look at the backing:

It’s also nice that I don’t have to get uptight or worry about smudges from little hands, since the cushions and stools are so easy to clean.

The Balboa stools are comfortable and versatile

Our last kitchen stools were metal backless stools that weren’t comfortable at all, so adding these stools to our kitchen was a game- changer. 

The cushioned seats and back support make the Balboa stools extra comfortable, even for long meals or chats.

I also love the versatility of these stools — they work beautifully with every decorating style, including my semi- coastal, traditional, farmhouse, contemporary kitchen!

How well are the Balboa counter stools holding up?

Now that you know how much I love the look and function of our Balboa counter stools, the big question is: how are they holding up?

Before writing this post, I took a close look at the stools, including the legs, underside, rattan weaving, and footrests, expecting to find at least a few signs of wear and tear.

But I couldn’t find anything wrong with them — other than the seat cushions are flatter than they used to be — although that’s to be expected with any type of cushion. 

We’ve now used these stools daily for over four years, and I’m happy to say they still look as beautiful as the day they arrived on our doorstep. 

The Balboa stools are heavy and sturdy, holding up to 300 pounds.  My husband is a big guy and sits on them every day while he eats his lunch, and we’ve had zero issues with the frame holding up.

I think the brass footrests and leg caps are why we haven’t had any damage to the cross-pieces or legs.  

How do you take care of Serena & Lily Balboa stools?

Our Balboa stools are very easy to keep clean.  I simply dust the frame with a microfiber cloth every now and then. 

The seat cushions are designed to repel water and resist staining, which is perfect for our busy kitchen.  I’ve found that if I blot spills right away, I often don’t need to wash the covers.

The seat covers are removable — and although I’m not sure whether you’re supposed to machine wash them, I’ve washed ours several times, and they always come out looking like new.  

After washing, I let the covers air dry, rather than putting them in the dryer (which is what I do with all the slipcovers in our house).

And it’s nice to know I can order replacement covers if I ever need them.

Should you choose a counter stool or barstool for your kitchen?

The Serena & Lily Balboa stools come in both a counter stool height and a bar stool height.  My kitchen stools are counter height, so the seat is about 24 1/2 inches from the floor, without the cushion.

If you’re wondering whether to get counter stools or barstools, here’s how to choose the right stool height for your kitchen island or bar area:

Measure the height of your kitchen island (or bar). 

• If the height is 36″ to 39″ go with a counter stool (24″ to 26″ seat height). 
• If the height is 40″ to 42″ go with a bar stool (28″ to 30″ seat height). 
• Allow 9 to 12 inches between the top of the seat and the bottom of the counter or bar to allow for leg room. 

Serena & Lily counter stool options:

What to know about Balboa counter stools

Since these stools are individually woven and crafted, you should expect some variations in tone.  If you’re wondering whether the Balboa line is right for your space, you can order Balboa furniture swatches in both natural and mist.

The variation in color is actually one of the things I love about our Balboa stools.  However, if you’re looking for a cookie-cutter stool, where each piece is exactly like the next, these might not be the right stools for you.

The other thing to know is that the Balboa stools are a bit of an investment. However, when you consider the amount of workmanship and quality that goes into each stool, I think they’re worth every penny. 

And, after seeing how beautifully they’ve held up after years of use, I know we’ll have our Balboa stools for years to come!

Would I recommend the Serena & Lily Balboa Counter Stools?

Our Serena & Lily Balboa stools are not only beautiful, but beautifully made.  And, after seeing how wonderfully they’ve held up, I feel good about recommending the entire Balboa furniture line to others.

I hope my Balboa counter stool review answered all of your questions, but if you’d like to know anything else, feel free to leave a comment below or contact me here.

This isn’t a sponsored post, but I did receive store credit in exchange for my honest review. Serena & Lily provided me with these counter stools during our kitchen renovation a few years ago.  However, as always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. 

kitchen & breakfast nook sources

For more counter stool ideas and coastal decorating ideas, you might also be interested in these popular home decor posts from my blog:

2024 Kitchen Trends and Decorating Ideas You Will Love
Our Kitchen Sources
Modern Coastal Kitchens Filled with Inspiration
How to Choose the Best Counter Stools or Bar Stools for Your Kitchen
Serena & Lily Sale Schedule and Top Sale Picks
What is Coastal Grandmother Style? (and why I’m loving this trend)
2024 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Color Trends
A Simple Guide to Kitchen Cabinet Sizes and Dimensions
My Favorite Nancy Meyers Interiors (and How to Get Her Style)
Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home
Beautiful Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire Your Next Renovation
A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Kitchen

I hope you found this post informative and helpful.  Please let me know if you have questions about our kitchen counter stools or anything else in our home. Have a wonderful day!  xo Jane