Suddenly, every stylish room has this one simple piece of furniture in common – why designers are loving the versatility of the humble stool

I spend a lot of time looking at rooms. All rooms – kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, entryways, I could go on. I see rooms in magazines, on social media, designers' projects, and recently I have been seeing the same piece of furniture being used across the board. Something I don't see all that often, because what piece of furniture works in both a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room?

The piece of furniture in question is the humble stool. A small but versatile piece that can be used as a seating, a side table, or storage, and designers are clearly loving that rustic, laid back feel this furniture trend can add to a room too.

I spoke with designers on why they think stools are such a key piece that we should all be scattering about our homes, and I am now convinced that I need one in every room.

1. They work in all sizes of spaces

Jenna Kincaid, Vice President of Brand Creative at Lulu and Georgia says, 'I think when people are styling a room, they struggle with what is the right amount of items to have in the room. The default way of thinking is that too many items will make the space feel small and crammed, so I think people tend to avoid adding pieces for fear it will be cluttered.'

'But, not having enough in the space also throws off the balance,' continues Jenna. 'This is why I love working in smaller accent stools because they can do so many things at once. They serve as a functional spot to rest a drink or add a table lamp, and they can vary in height, texture, or finish to give the room more dimension. I love to work in a funky shape or unique material like a bold stone with a stool because it just adds a little pop of fashion.'

So while you may be hesitant to incorporate more furniture into a small room, stools are a great way to do so while keeping that balance of full but not cluttered.

2. They are multipurpose

A practical and stylish piece of furniture, stools are more than pretty, they're a handy accessory that can be relied on for movable seating and extra surfaces.

Any good living room idea should feature one. You have the perfect reading nook when you position a stool beside the sofa, ideal for holding a lamp and your favorite book. And that's not all, you can use a stool as a handy side table that sits empty until guests arrive, acting as a spare seat or the perfect vessel to hold snacks.

Hannah Oravec from Lawless Design says, 'Stools are one of the most underrated pieces for your home. They are versatile and effortlessly stylish. Whether you're designing a cozy living room, a luxurious bathroom, or a welcoming entryway, stools can be added to the room. They are a nice addition because they are flexible, able to be multipurpose, and moved around easily. They also can bring an additional texture and material to the mix to create warmth. Stools bring polish and practicality.'

3. They have a rustic charm

If you want to add some rustic decor ideas to any room, a stool can be the answer. Their quaintness and charm can make a contemporary space feel lived-in and aged, and of course, they go hand in hand with country decor ideas too, blending seamlessly into historic, cottage-inspired homes.

Helen Parker, Creative Director of deVOL Kitchens says, 'I would also choose stools that are slightly different in color and style to the furniture they are being used for, rustic old stools work really nicely with a clean sharp Shaker kitchen, they add a little individuality and character to a room. Really nice old stools are very hard to come by so don’t be put off by buying new ones, they can still have a rustic feel, and unless you want an eclectic mix of different ones then at least you can get two or three of the same if you go for new.'

4. They soften a space

Bringing variation in terms of height and texture, stools are the perfect way to soften the architecture of a room, providing a sense of peacefulness and simplicity against a bold wallpaper or ornate architectural feature.

This entryway showcases the impact of the unassuming stool. Providing texture and height that contrasts with the muted walls, it brings a sense of serenity and style while still tying in with the rest of the decor.

Kate Walker, founder of Kate Walker Design explains, 'The stool is a small yet powerful element in the choreography of the space. It serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose, offering a surface for ritual objects or daily essentials, while softening the architecture with its sculptural form.'

Touching on soothing decorating ideas, Kate adds, 'From a space planning perspective, it invites pause and presence, enhancing the usability of the room without encroaching on its flow. It’s these quiet moments of utility and beauty that transform a room from purely functional to deeply personal.'

5. They are mobile

Most furniture is pretty static, you wouldn't think to shift it around your home. But stools are movable, and this is a big part of why they are so useful to have dotted around your home, you can make use of them in different rooms depending on where they are needed.

This is why they can be such useful additions to kitchens and pantries. The nature of these rooms is very built-in, there's not much furniture that you can move around easily. But a stool can be helpful to add some extra seating at an island or a step to help you reach higher cabinets. You can also move it out of the way when not in use, so it won't block walkways or important floor space.

Shop our favorite stools

Stools have endless benefits, both practical and aesthetic, which is why they make a welcome addition to every room in the home. If you've taken a fancy to stools and want to implement more stylish (yet handy) pieces throughout your home, our ottoman ideas will provide you with plenty of inspiration.