The secret weapon for a restaurant interior on a budget? An industrial stool spray-painted a cheery shade (yellow or red, for instance).
Above: The Lyon Fixed Height Industrial Stools were custom powder-coated in yellow and white for Renee Erickson's restaurant The Walrus and the Carpenter in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. $176.20 for a set of two from Amazon.
Above: Heather Tierney of the Butcher's Daughter restaurant in New York used classroom stools sourced from a supply store and had them painted yellow. The Stool with Padded Seat is $45 from Adirondack.
Above: Custom Tolix bar stools in mint from Antiquaire, spotted at the Standard Biergarten in New York.
Above: Tim Kelly used industrial stools with red legs for his cafe and gas station, Kelly's Provisions in Yountville. The Modern Industrial Stool with red legs is available from Sundance for $195 (it's also available in black and white).
Above: If spray painting is not your thing, get the look instantly with Utility Stools from Schoolhouse Electric; $180 for the large, $130 for the small stool. For something cheaper, CB2 offers the Flint Barstool in gray for $129.
If you're looking for colorful stools with a rustic vibe, check out Rose Grey.