Every morning before settling in with the laptop, I sip a cup of coffee, eat a bowl of cereal and read the paper at my breakfast bar. And lately I’ve had to ask myself: why am I still sitting on these cheap, tacky stools I got from IKEA in college?

It’s time for an eco-friendly (and lumbar friendly) upgrade, and here are some versatile choices I’m liking.

The rustic weave and strong design of the Earthly Rattan stool from VivaTerra (shown at top) make the perfect fit for those of you who model your interiors after the beauty of the great outdoors and need something both practical and stylish. Plus, it provides ample back support, so you can lean back and relax.

If you prefer a kitchen with an old-fashioned appeal, then the European sophistication of the Cocopa counter stool is the epitome of classic, cozy style.

Crafted from post-industrial seatbelts, the clever Arbor barstool from Vivavi has a unique appeal that suits modern interiors with a distinct edge.