Only Short People Truly Get This One Household Essential

published Sep 24, 2018
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(Image credit: Hayley Kessner)

While everyone can argue for the necessity of a step stool, those of us under 5’5″ really truly understand the day-to-day need for this one household buy. All those high places where you managed to squeeze out some extra storage are only good if you can reach them, right? But finding a modern step stool that actually looks good? From DIYs to online buys, we’ve got you covered.

(Image credit: Wayfair)

The extra features (safety latch, non-skid feet, and grooved treads) on this aluminum and steel stool from Wayfair make reaching higher much safer. (Plus, we love all the available colors). 3-Step Aluminum/Steel Step Stool, $154.99.

(Image credit: DIY Candy)

This project from DIY Candy is part-step stool and part-chair for a young person, and is so polished. The white and wood combo is beautiful.

(Image credit: Bed Bath & Beyond)

This solid steel stool from Bed Bath & Beyond is a solid choice. Reminiscent of the classic Tolix chair, this mini take offers a more modern color palette in mint, navy, and pale pink! ACE Casual Furniture Kids Stool, $24.99.

(Image credit: Lovely Indeed)

Chelsea’s family has the sweetest tradition of making each child their own step stool chair. How special would that be to have a step stool custom just for you?

(Image credit: Crate & Barrel)

A different take on a two-step, wood and white stool. The streamlined frame on this Crate & Barrel stool looks incredibly modern, but still sturdy enough to reach those high shelves. On the Double White Wooden Step Stool, $69.

(Image credit: Chris Loves Julia)

Chris & Julia planned out the details for this project. The little metal addition on this stool gives it a slightly industrial feel that’s hard to find at a big box store and they cleverly made the stool small enough to store under a cabinet.

(Image credit: Muji)

MUJI is the king of all things clean and simple. Their bath stool is everything a step stool needs to be, distilled into one, uniform form.

If the wood tops aren’t for you, try Tasha’s white concrete take. The contrast between the concrete and dark slats looks incredibly polished and coordinates with a lot of vanities.

(Image credit: IKEA)

IKEA’s VILTO stool comes in pale birch or painted black. Either option brings a small dose of Scandinavian coziness. VILTO, $19.99.

(Image credit: Brepurposed)

Bre of Brepurposed pulled off this adorable project with just one piece of 1 x 4 x 8 wood. I love how she matched the stain to her cabinets to make it feel like a finishing piece and not an afterthought.

(Image credit: IKEA)

The Apartment Therapy team loves the BEKVÄM stool. It’s naturally beautiful out of the box, but also a blank canvas for any makeover or hack. BEKVÄM, $19.99.