A simple stool can be way more than extra seating—it can be your favorite little stage for decor.
Style a Spa Towel Stack
In bathrooms, I’ve styled a stool with a neat towel stack and a little soap dish on top for that spa vibe. It’s one of those stool decorating ideas that looks fancy but takes two minutes.
You might like:
- Round Wooden Stool: Choose a sturdy, solid wood stool to anchor your bathroom decor and provide the perfect display surface.
- Plush White Hand Towels: Create that luxurious hotel feeling by neatly stacking soft, high-quality white cotton towels for guests to use.
- Wooden Soap Dish: Complete the serene spa vignette with a natural wooden soap dish to hold your favorite artisanal bar.
Use a Stool as a Plant Stand
My go-to stool decorating move is parking a leafy plant on a wood stool to lift it closer to eye level. I’ve done this with everything from small pots to trailing vines, and it makes the whole corner feel intentional.
Check these products out:
- Small Wooden Plant Stool: Elevate your favorite houseplant to catch the light and add warmth to any empty corner instantly.
- Terracotta Plant Pot: Choose a classic clay pot to provide breathable housing for your greenery while adding rustic charm.
- Woven Seagrass Basket Planter: Add texture to your floor plants with a natural woven basket that complements wooden furniture perfectly.
Top It With a Pretty Tray
When I want a stool to act like a tiny table, I add a decorative tray on top so drinks and candles feel “contained.” I use this trick constantly because it keeps the stool useful without looking cluttered.
These products might help:
- Round Stone or Concrete Tray: Anchor your decor with a textured stone tray that adds natural contrast and keeps candles secure.
- Set of Flameless Pillar Candles: Create a cozy, worry-free glow on your new side table setup with realistic battery-operated candles.
- Small Wooden Tripod Stool: Use a versatile wooden accent stool as a base to create a stylish, portable side table.
Display Fresh or Dried Flowers
I love placing a chunky vase on a stool because the floral arrangement instantly becomes a focal point. In my workshop, I’ll even set a jar of clippings on a stool while I’m working—pretty and practical.
Might be a good match:
- Ceramic or Terracotta Vase: Choose a matte, earthy-toned vase to create a warm, rustic focal point on top of your wooden stool.
- Dried Pampas Grass: Add height and texture to your arrangement with fluffy dried stems that last longer than fresh flowers.
- Small Wooden Stool: Elevate your decor with a simple, sturdy wooden stool that serves as the perfect pedestal for vases.
Make a Cute Entryway Drop Spot
I’ve used a stool near the door as a tiny landing zone for a bag, keys, and a small dish. It’s also the easiest seat for pulling off boots without dragging in a bulky bench.
Some ideas to consider:
- Round Wooden Stool: Choose a sturdy wooden stool to create a cozy seat for removing boots and holding essentials.
- Small Wooden Trinket Dish: Keep your keys and small jewelry organized right by the door with a charming little bowl.
- Boho Patterned Area Rug: Define your entryway space and add warmth underfoot with a textured, patterned rug runner.
Turn It Into a Mini Nightstand
A stool works beautifully beside the bed when you don’t have space for a full table, and I’ve done this in guest rooms more times than I can count. Add a small lamp and you’ve got an instant stool nightstand moment.
A few relevant products:
- Round Wooden Accent Stool: Use a simple wooden stool as a versatile base for your bedside essentials to save valuable space.
- Textured Rattan Table Lamp: Add warmth and necessary reading light with a natural, textured lamp that fits perfectly on smaller surfaces.
- Woven Storage Basket: Keep extra blankets or cozy slippers tidy and organized near your bed with a charming woven basket.
Create a Cozy Lantern Corner
On a porch or near a fireplace, I’ll style a stool with a lantern and a little greenery to warm up the space. I like how a stool keeps the lantern off the floor so it feels more styled and less accidental.
A few choices to try:
- Round Wooden Stool: Elevate your decor with a rustic wooden stool, perfect for displaying lanterns and adding farmhouse charm.
- Black Metal Candle Lantern: Create a warm, inviting glow by placing a classic black metal lantern atop your styled stool.
- Faux Eucalyptus Stems: Soften the look with realistic faux eucalyptus greenery that adds a touch of life without maintenance.
Add a Basket Underneath
If the stool has open legs, I tuck a woven basket underneath for blankets or craft supplies. I started doing this after realizing stools are basically tiny stages with bonus storage underneath.
Give these a look:
- Woven Seagrass Basket: Store throws or magazines stylishly with a natural woven basket that fits perfectly beneath your open stool legs.
- Textured Throw Blanket: Drape a lightweight textured throw over the basket or stool to add cozy softness and visual warmth.
- Round Wooden Stool: Create a versatile vignette with a simple, round wooden stool that serves as both seating and display.
Try the Dipped-Legs Look
Painting just the bottom few inches of the stool legs gives that crisp dipped paint style without covering all the wood grain. I’ve done it in soft neutrals, and it always looks modern while still feeling rustic.
Consider these options:
- Painter’s Tape: Ensure crisp, clean lines on your stool legs by masking off the area before you start painting.
- Chalk or Acrylic Paint: Choose a durable, matte finish paint to easily coat wooden legs and achieve that modern dipped aesthetic.
- Paint Brush Set: Apply your chosen color smoothly and evenly with brushes designed for detailed furniture and craft projects.
Go for a Distressed Farmhouse Finish
When a stool feels too “new,” I paint it and lightly sand corners for an aged distressed look. I’ve learned to keep the distressing subtle—just the edges—so it reads charming, not beat-up.
These products might be useful:
- Chalk Style Furniture Paint (White): Apply this matte finish paint as a base coat to easily achieve that vintage, whitewashed farmhouse aesthetic on wood.
- Sanding Sponge Block Set: Use these flexible sponges to gently sand edges and corners, creating a natural-looking distressed effect without damaging the furniture.
- Clear Furniture Wax: Seal your distressed paint job with clear wax to protect the finish while enhancing the wood’s natural, aged character.
Whitewash to Show Off the Grain
A quick whitewash finish is my favorite way to brighten an old stool while still letting knots and grain shine through. I’ve used this on thrifted stools that felt too dark, and it instantly made them feel airy.
Explore these options:
- Water-Based White Wood Stain: Use this semi-transparent stain to brighten wood furniture while keeping the natural grain patterns beautifully visible.
- Assorted Sandpaper Pack: Prepare your stool for staining by removing old finishes and smoothing rough spots with these flexible sheets.
- Staining Rags or Lint-Free Cloths: Apply and wipe away excess whitewash effortlessly with these cloths to achieve the perfect rustic coverage level.
Stencil a Simple Seat Pattern
Stenciling the stool top is an easy way to add personality, especially if your room needs a little pattern. I’ve done simple stenciled shapes and sealed them, and the stool looks custom without being precious.
You might give these a try:
- Geometric Pattern Stencils: Choose a reusable stencil with a geometric or circular design to easily create a custom look on your wooden furniture.
- Chalk Style Furniture Paint: Apply a matte, fast-drying paint for your design; it adheres well to wood and creates a crisp stenciled finish.
- Clear Protective Top Coat: Seal your new stenciled design with a clear matte or satin polycrylic to protect it from daily wear and tear.
Wallpaper the Stool Top
If you’ve got leftover wallpaper, a stool seat is the perfect small “canvas” for it—then protect it with a clear topcoat. I’ve tried this for a patterned stool top, and it’s such a fun surprise detail.
A few things you might like:
- Removable Floral Peel and Stick Wallpaper: Choose a vintage floral pattern like this to instantly give your plain stool seat a classic, upholstered look.
- Water-Based Clear Polyurethane Topcoat: Seal your new wallpaper design with a durable clear coat to protect the surface from everyday wear.
- Precision Craft Knife Set: Trim your wallpaper perfectly around the stool’s round edge for a seamless and professional-looking finish.
Do a Two-Tone Paint and Stain
A two-tone stool—stained top with painted legs—looks instantly curated, like you bought it that way. I lean on this paint and stain combo when I want rustic warmth but still need a clean color to tie in.
A few suggestions:
- Wood Stain: Enrich the natural grain of your stool’s seat with a warm, inviting tone that highlights the wood’s character.
- Matte Furniture Paint: Give the legs a clean, modern update with a durable matte finish that contrasts beautifully against natural wood.
- Painter’s Tape: Ensure crisp, professional lines between the painted and stained sections to achieve that perfectly curated dipping effect.
Add a Tie-On Linen Cushion
For stool decorating that feels cozy, I’ll make a simple tie-on cushion in linen or canvas so it’s comfy and removable. I love that it softens the whole look while still letting the stool’s wood frame show.
A few helpful options:
- Linen Chair and Stool Pads: Add instant comfort and rustic charm to your wooden seating with a soft, durable linen cushion.
- Natural Jute or Cotton Twine: Use strong, natural twine to securely fasten your cushions while enhancing the farmhouse aesthetic easily.
- Cotton Piping Cord: Create a professional, tailored finish on your DIY cushion edges with this essential sewing cord.
Add Rustic Metal Accents
A few small metal brackets or corner plates can make a plain stool feel like a farmhouse heirloom. I’ve added metal accents to reclaimed-wood stools, and the mix of wood and metal always turns heads.
Some handy options:
- Iron Corner Braces: Reinforce joinery and add industrial flair by attaching these sturdy brackets to your stool’s legs or seat.
- Decorative Clavos Nails: Hammer these rustic nail heads into the wood to instantly mimic the look of antique furniture joinery.
- Flat Mending Plates: Create a reclaimed look by securing these metal plates over joints or cracks for authentic farmhouse character.
Pour Resin With Pressed Botanicals
For a real conversation piece, I’ve embedded pressed flowers in a thin resin layer on a stool top, then sanded and sealed it smooth. It keeps the stool functional, but the seat looks like a little piece of art.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Clear Epoxy Resin Kit: Create a crystal-clear, durable surface for your stool by pouring this easy-to-mix resin over your chosen botanical arrangement.
- Dried Pressed Flowers Pack: Design a stunning natural scene with this variety of real dried flowers and leaves, perfect for resin crafting.
- Unfinished Wooden Round Stool: Start your project with a blank canvas using a simple, unfinished wooden stool ready for your custom artwork.
