They are one of those things.
Things you don’t necessarily think belong somewhere… until they do.
I am talking about little wood stools.
Painted, natural, detailed and simple – they come in all shapes and sizes and are absolute treasures for setting nearly anywhere.
I have been collecting vintage stools for years. The ones that have old peeling paint and years of patina from use speak the loudest to me.
Like this little chippy white one found in a junk shop. It was one the owner used all the time- and it wasn’t for sale but he sold to me after I fell in love with it.
And there is the one in the little cottage kitchen that has a special meaning. This was in my grandfathers workshop- and though the bright red and green is not my usual color scheme- I love the tattered seat and the memories that it holds.
And I do have some newer ones as well… because- slightly obsessed.
I love to use stools as little tables pretty much EVERYWHERE. And my number one tip to remember when buying a stool to use as a table- make sure the top is level. They make a lot of charming stools now that have a slight dip in the seat-which is probably super comfy compared to flat and hard wood- but those dips will not do the best job doubling as a table.
Here are some of my favorite ways to use little stools in my home and decor- and I have your back with a few shopping options included if you decide you neeeeeed one too. 🙂
7 Favorite places and ways to use little stools
#1. As an extra table
Love little stools as an extra table for spot to set a cup of tea or candle.
Or a few blooms… I mean- why not?
Find a similar log stool here and a smaller version under $40
#2. In the bathroom
I love to use a stool as an extra little table in the bathroom.
And this stool is one I get questions about all.the.time. I love to have a couple of these for using all over the place. Love this small bleached wood stool that looks like it is the same as the one I have in the bathroom
This is another one- such a cute chippy painted charming Farmhouse style stool
#2. As a spot to sit
Painted stools are great pulled up to a small table for seating as well. This vintage one is in the little cottage dining area.
A similar look- this little blush painted stool– is available in quite a few colors & finishes. Tempting!!
#3. In the kitchen
Raw natural looking wood that is similar to the ones in the kitchen
I love to use stools as an extra work spot- for flowers, for holding scissors and linens- or propping your foot while you work.
love this Rustic stool
#4. As a small side table
When there isn’t enough space for a full end table- a small stool is a perfect side table.
#5. By the hammock
Love to tuck a small stool near the hammock for holding a glass of water or cup of tea- or fresh clipped blooms.
#6. In the dining room
We don’t always have an end chair at the table- so sometimes all I need is a small stool pulled up for a spot to sit. This is that favorite that moves all.over.the.place.
#7. In the greenhouse
Basically, a stool is always a good element to have to tuck pretty much anywhere and use for all kinds of things. I love to collect vintage ones- and as you can see- those vintage style new ones are pretty big favorites too. I hope this gives you some ideas on how to incorporate a charming little stool into your home.
Happy Wednesday everyone.
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Tammie Price says
I love old stools too and have several throughout my house as well. I love all of yours and how you have them styled. Every shot is just beautiful!
Sarah says
Happy Wednesday, Courtney! I suspect I've been adding little stools to my life longer than you, only because I'm older! ???? Seriously, I've had an affinity for them forever, and well, they just seem to follow me home. I so enjoyed this post, and you've inspired me to work up a post of my own sometime in the future. It's a great topic! Like you, I use a stool along side a chair or sofa as a small table. I also use them to hold plants or a stack of books. A stool in the kitchen is perfect to pull up for that extra seat when guests are hanging around while the chef cooks. I wish our baths were large enough to allow a stool by the tub, though I hope to include one in our upcoming master bath remodel. Thanks for sharing your wonderful examples. I especially like the one that was in your grandfather's shop. Pieces with a family history are always the best!
Tami says
I love all the ideas ..
They add character and look great in any area of your home …
Super Cute ????????????????????????????
Cindy Lou says
I love them too! I use mine all over , love your decor !
Unknown says
Love this! I've collected a variety of stools over the years and once my trial attorney husband "used" one of them in a trial… It was the perfect height to make a point, though most of the time it resides beside the hearth, holding my favorite French Country design books!
SallyC says
I also have a thing for old stools and use them all over the house. You have some beauties!
Unknown says
Love stools, wonderful blog ????
Unknown says
Enjoyed your blog…wonderful creative ideas!! Thank you for sharing!
Marianna Chryst says
I have an antique milking stool..love it ….
Beth HAvey says
I have three old stools that I would never part with. And after seeing your
great ideas, I’ll be searching for another one. Thanks.
Mary says
I’m a stool collector too!
Each has a story since i remember where i found each one and Which friends I was with WHEN i bought it! One of the mosT Used is a 9’ long bowling ball bench with pale aqua chippy paint that graces one side of our dining room table. It even came with four bowling balls but the guys who carried it to the truck convINced me that they would get better use of the bowling balls than i would!
Love your collections and your style!
Debbie says
I, too love stools, and your blog got me to thinking about each one. There’s the one that came from my grandparent’s cafe, which operated in the late 1930s. The top is a little “cupped” but it’s comfortable and will hold a coffee cup.
Then, there’s the one that I bought a few years ago, on my way out the door of the habitat for Humanity store….after taking a load of donations to them!!
Many, many more, and I can remember where each one came from…
Love your blog and your newest book!
Jill says
Love the idea! Now i will be looking gor some chippy paint stools!! Your home is just beautiful, thank you For all the inspitation.
SaraH says
The link seems to be broken for the bleached wood stool on wayfair. Any tIps?
Courtney says
Sorry about that! They are always changing the pages- here you go: https://rstyle.me/+mRlJgnfRQu2MYvGLsPEubQ
Mary says
Lovely indeed! I think I will start searching for stools with great personalities!!!
Connie Hewitson says
You have a lovely home. It looks so cozy.
Blessings.
Connie