Garden stools have long been used as outdoor seating. Many of today's styles are waterproof and extremely durable, allowing them to withstand harsh weather without too much wear and tear. Outside of their traditional uses, homeowners and apartment dwellers with all sorts of different decor tastes are finding creative ways to use their stools. Here are some tips on how to think outside the box.
How To Style a Garden Stool
Shelves and tables are great for showing off all the unique decor around your home. If you're looking for a unique way to showcase special items or somewhere to display a unique piece of pottery or glass, consider using your garden seat. These stools often have ample surface area to fit a wide variety of decor, including decorative lamps. If you have a small space in need of a little extra lighting, a garden stool will fit perfectly. If you have any statues or trophies, placing them on a garden stool adds more visual interest and can serve as a conversation piece when you're entertaining friends and family. Plants look fantastic on top of stools, especially when they have unique colors or features.
Bring It Indoors
While garden stools are typically used for outdoor seating on patios and porches, bringing them indoors opens you up to a whole new way to use them. Repurposing an extra stool as a small end table is the perfect way to spruce up your living or family room without having to buy a new piece of furniture. You could even place two matching stools together, add a glass tabletop to create an eclectic coffee table. Garden stools are a great addition to your entryway or mudroom and add a pop of personality to rooms otherwise tricky to style. Large hallways are another wonderful spot for a well-placed stool, as they don't take up too much room and add character without interfering with foot traffic. Use your garden stools as extra seating when hosting guests and throwing parties. They're easy to move around and take up very little space in storage.
Make Garden Stools Functional
Just looking at a garden stool, you may not realize how functional they can be. Flipping a stool upside down allows you to use it as an umbrella holder and would look great in your entryway. You could even leave it outside on a covered porch to prevent rainy items to prevent the rain from getting indoors. Place a decorative basket on top of a taller stool and use it to store keys and mail. If you want to repurpose your stools in this manner, be mindful of any decorative holes or cutouts as your items may fall through. For those who need an extra small table in the bathroom, placing a garden stool inside creates a simple space for you to place your phone, book, or coffee mug while you're getting ready. Many stools also have cutouts, making them the perfect charging station if you place them near an electrical outlet.
