Small homes means utilizing closets and cabinets to the max. And to reach those high spaces, you'll probably find yourself needing a nifty (and easy to store) step stool. Our favorite 5 for any budget, after the jump.
1. Ultraslim Aluminum Step Stools, Williams Sonoma; $109, $129, (Supports up to 220 lbs. and folds up to 1 3/4")
2. 1-Step Rubbermaid Step Stool; Shopping Options In Your Area, (Supports up to 200 lbs. and features oversized step)
3. Slim Folding Step Stool, The Container Store; $24.99, (Supports up to 225 lbs. and folds up to 1 1/2")
4. Xtend and Climb 3-Step Aluminum Stepstool - Silver, Target; $29.99, (Supports up to 300 lbs.)
5. Easy Fold Step Stool Collection - 9", Target; $15.95/each, (Supports up to 300 lbs.)
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I've had my Polder Stepladder for years - The deep rubberized treads and high handle make this much safer and easier to use than shorter stepstools without a handle and ladders with narrow rungs. It's not extremely light, but it's sturdy and incredibly easy to move around single-handed while the other is holding a paint roller or a heavy glass cannister of sugar - I can even unfold it with one hand and a nudge of a raised knee.
It's half the price of one of those not-so convenient ladders from Williams Sonoma - and it folds to within a quarter inch of the thickness
http://www.amazon.com/Step-Stool-Mats-Chrome-33/dp/B002T14M8E/ref=sr_1_sc_7?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1271112133&sr=1-7-spell
I love kicking around the round library stools on rollers. Used to volunteer and work in libraries and still find the shape appealing so I don't worry about putting it away. I got the Melio from DWR but I am sure there are other varieties out there; check Amazon.
William Sonoma does such a great job of presentation in their catalog...hard to resist. I find I have to put it immediately into the recycle bin so that I am not tempted to overpay for stuff. Coincidentally, catalog arrived today...:)
I have the easy step (in all white) and it's seriously such a great little stool. I also got it for 65% off so it was only $4.95 - totally worth it and folds up to store away in the smallest spaces.
I am 4 foot 9 and am finding the Xtend step stool from Target very appealing... thanks for the post! :)
I bought #4, the Xtend and Climb (or something virtually identical) out of a catalog (RH?) around 10 years ago. I paid $70, and it was some of the best money I have ever spent. If it's the same ladder I have, you'll love it. It is extremely light -- you can carry it with one hand!
I have been looking for the perfect step stool recently. This Cosco Mahogany Two Step Step Stool from Home Depot looks pretty sleek, has a nice, deep step and folds flat. (supports 225 lbs.) Has anyone used it?
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xh6/R-100660348/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053