Decorating with Garden Stools: A Complete Style Guide
Struggling with cramped spaces that feel cluttered and lacking in style? I get it – making small homes functional and beautiful is no easy task. But here’s a solution you might not have considered: decorating with garden stools.
This simple yet versatile piece of furniture can change your space in ways you never imagined.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know – from its ancient roots to clever ways to style it in your home. I’ll also share tips on selecting the right materials, DIY ideas, and maintenance advice to keep your garden stool looking great for years. Ready to make the most of your space and add a touch of style?
What is a Garden Stool?
A garden stool is a small, versatile piece of furniture that’s both practical and stylish. Originally designed for outdoor use in gardens, these stools are now popular in homes of all sizes, particularly in smaller spaces. They’re compact, making them ideal for tight areas like entryways, bathrooms, or even as extra seating in living rooms.
Garden stools come in various materials, from ceramic and wood to metal, and colorful designs or patterns that can add a pop of style to any room.
Some are even designed to be used as tables or storage units, adding to their functionality. Their lightweight nature makes them easy to move around, if you need them as a side table, a plant stand, or extra seating for guests.
No matter where you place them, garden stools are a simple yet effective way to improve your home’s decor while maximizing space.
Decorating with Garden Stools
Garden stools are a great way to add both functionality and style to any room. Used as both decorative accents and practical seating, these versatile pieces can easily improve your home’s look while saving space. Here are some ways you can use a garden stool in your home:
1. As a Side Table or Accent Piece
In the living room, garden stools serve as perfect side tables next to sofas and armchairs, providing surfaces for drinks and books while maintaining visual lightness.
Use them as accent pieces in empty corners or to break up large furniture groupings, taking advantage of their sculptural quality and easy portability for entertaining.
2. As a Nightstand or Decorative Piece
Garden stools make excellent nightstands in smaller bedrooms, offering the perfect height for lamps, books, and alarm clocks.
Position them at the foot of the bed to hold throws and pillows, or use them in corners as plant stands and display surfaces for decorative objects.
3. Practical and Stylish Options
In bathrooms, garden stools provide waterproof seating and storage solutions for towels, toiletries, or plants.
Their moisture-resistant ceramic construction makes them ideal for spa-like settings, offering both luxury and practicality for getting ready or storing bath essentials.
4. Decorative Touch by the Door
Garden stools make remarkable entryway statements, providing seating for putting on shoes or serving as decorative anchors.
Use them to display seasonal flowers, hold keys and mail, or create welcoming vignettes in narrow hallways and small foyers.
5. Outdoor Spaces and Garden Setups
In outdoor settings, garden stools provide versatile seating options around fire pits, serve as side tables for dining, or function as plant stands for varied garden displays.
Their weather-resistant properties and mobility make them perfect for patios, decks, and gardens, allowing for easy rearrangement for different occasions.
Choosing the Right Garden Stool for Your Space
Selecting the perfect garden stool for your space involves considering both your needs and the overall style of your home.
When choosing a garden stool, consider if it will be used indoors or outdoors. Ceramic and metal offer great weather resistance. Ensure the material you select complements your current decor.
Think about maintenance; natural materials may require more care. Lastly, consider your budget, as ceramic and eco-friendly options offer good value.
| Material | Style & decor | Durability | Best For | Care Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | Classic, graceful, traditional patterns and glazes | High-weather resistant, chip-resistant | Indoor/outdoor use, formal spaces, traditional decor | Easy cleaning, occasional resealing |
| Metal | Modern, industrial, sleek lines and finishes | Very High – rust-resistant when treated | Contemporary spaces, outdoor patios, minimalist decor | Simple wipe-down, rust prevention |
| Wood | Natural, warm, organic textures | Medium – requires maintenance | Bohemian spaces, natural decor, and covered outdoor areas | Regular oiling, protection from moisture |
| Rattan | Casual, textured, woven patterns | Medium – best for covered areas | Coastal decor, casual spaces, covered patios | Dusting, humidity control |
| Eco-Friendly | Varied – recycled materials, bamboo, sustainable options | Varies by material | Environmentally conscious spaces, modern eco-homes | Depends on the specific material |
DIY & Upcycling Garden Stools
Upcycling is a fun and creative way to breathe new life into old items. I’ll show you how to turn everyday objects into stylish and useful garden stools.
Materials Needed
- Sandpaper
- Primer
- Paint
- Brushes
- Sealant
- Cleaning supplies
Step 1: Prepare and Glue the Panels
Start by gluing pine boards together to create larger panels. You can also use plywood (18mm thickness). Apply wood glue, press the panels together, and let them dry. You can join the panels using pocket holes, dowels, or biscuits if needed.
Step 2: Sand and Cut the Panels
Once the glue has dried, remove the panels from the clamps and sand them lightly to smooth any rough edges. Use a mitre saw to cut the panels to the correct length and then trim them to the correct width with a table saw.
Step 3: Shape the Stool Legs
Draw a triangle shape for the legs and cut it out using a bandsaw or jigsaw. For accuracy, use double-sided tape to glue both parts together before cutting them at the same time. This creates uniform legs for your stool.
Step 4: Add a Handle and Shape the Seat
Drill two holes using a Forstner bit to create space for a handle. Afterward, use a jigsaw to connect the holes and shape the handle area. For the seat, cut off the corners to round them, and then sand them for a smoother, more appealing look.
Step 5: Assemble and Finish the Stool
Use pocket holes to assemble the stool’s parts, adding glue for extra strength. After putting the stool together, apply a finish like Osmo oil to protect the wood. You can also add a laser engraving for a personal touch, followed by adding hinges for storage.
Painting and Refurbishing Your Garden Stool
Give your garden stool a fresh new look with easy painting steps. Clean, sand, add primer, paint, and seal. Try different styles, such as chalk paint for a farmhouse look or shiny paint for a modern design, with fun techniques.
Step 1: Thoroughly clean the stool.
Step 2: Lightly sand the surface for better paint adhesion.
Step 3: Apply primer suitable for your stool’s material (ceramic, metal, or wood).
Step 4: Choose and apply your desired paint finish.
Step 5: Seal with an appropriate topcoat.
Paint Recommendations
Here are some top paint recommendations to turn your garden stools, each tailored to a unique style and finish.
| Brand | Color Finish/Effect | Style/Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Cuprinol Garden Shades | Soft Matt, Pastels | Cottage/Farmhouse |
| Rust-Oleum Garden Paint | Smooth Matt, Brights | Modern/Pop Art |
| Craig & Rose Artisan Effect | Stone/Textured Finish | Rustic/Organic |
| Ronseal Garden Paint | Matte, Natural Greens | Botanical/Nature-inspired |
| Benjamin Moore | High Gloss, Navy | Urban/Contemporary |
| Sadolin Superdec Satin | Satin, Custom Colors | Classic/Transitional |
| Modern Masters | Metallic, Gold/Bronze | Glam/Luxe/Art Deco |
Cleaning and Upkeep for Different Materials
Keeping your garden stools in great shape requires a little care and attention, especially when they’re made from different materials. Here are some cleaning and upkeep tips for various types of garden stools to help them last longer and stay looking fresh:
Ceramic/Porcelain: Clean with mild soap and water; avoid abrasive cleaners. Dry completely to prevent water spots.
Metal: Wipe with a damp cloth, dry immediately to prevent rust, and apply a protective wax coating seasonally for outdoor use.
Wood/Rattan: Dust regularly, use appropriate wood cleaner, condition with oil every 6-12 months, and avoid excessive moisture.
Practical Tips for Maintaining Your Garden Stools
A maintenance guide covering proper cleaning techniques for different garden stool materials and essential care tips to ensure long-lasting durability and appearance.
- Always work in well-ventilated areas.
- Allow proper drying time between coats.
- Test paint colors on inconspicuous areas first.
- Seal outdoor pieces with weather-resistant topcoats.
- Consider the stool’s weight capacity for functional conversions.
- Use felt pads to prevent scratches on the floor, keep away from direct sunlight, and use coasters for added protection.
- Rotate usage to prevent uneven wear, tighten hardware regularly, and address minor repairs immediately.
- Store in covered areas during harsh weather, apply weatherproof sealants annually, and avoid standing on wet surfaces.
Conclusion
I’ve found that decorating your space with garden stools is a total game-changer for any home. You get extra seating, side tables, and storage without taking up much space. No matter if you’re in a tiny apartment or a big house, I’ve noticed these pieces work everywhere.
Think about those empty corners or when you need extra seating for guests. A garden stool might be exactly what you’re missing. You can get creative with styling or try a DIY project to make it yours.
Ready to upgrade your space? Check out other decorating blogs on the website!
