This Vintage Decor Is Easy To Find At Thrift Stores (And Easier To DIY)

If you're a regular thrifter, there's one piece of decor you might be overlooking: vintage stools. There are so many ways to decorate with stools in your home. These compact, often quirky finds can instantly elevate any room with a dose of charm, personality, and texture. From upholstered footstools with gorgeous embroidered fabric to wooden vanity seats, they're the type of decor that can fit anywhere: beside your couch, under a console table, or in a cozy reading nook. The best part is that they're often affordable and don't have heavy wear because they don't get used as much as chairs or larger pieces of furniture.

Unlike larger vintage furniture, stools are easy to transport, store, and refurbish, which makes them a great entry point for anyone new to DIY projects. Plus, they're versatile enough to fit just about any aesthetic, whether you're into mid-century modern, farmhouse, or cottagecore. Even if you find one with outdated fabric or worn legs, it's nothing a little creativity and elbow grease can't fix. A quick reupholstering or coat of paint can completely transform a stool's look, and you don't need professional skills to do it.

When searching for vintage stools, look for pieces with solid wood frames, unique legs, or high-quality fabric you can clean or swap out later. Look for wooden milking stools if you want a vintage farmhouse aesthetic or even antique bar stools with an Art Deco flair. Avoid pieces with structural damage like wobbly joints or deep cracks, but don't be afraid of a little cosmetic damage because that's easy to fix. If the stool is upholstered, you can re-cover it using your choice of fabric and a staple gun. A light sanding followed by a few layers of stain and a protective coating of polyurethane can breathe new life into wooden stools while maintaining their vintage charm. Of course, there are things to consider before reupholstering vintage furniture. For example, make sure the original fabric isn't rare or valuable before you tear it off the stool seat to replace it.

If you want to upgrade your thrifted stool, customize the design based on how you plan to use it. Add hairpin legs for a retro look or use dramatically patterned upholstery fabric to make it pop. They're a great way to show off your DIY skills without committing to a complicated furniture makeover. Once refinished, vintage stools work well for uses outside of sitting — think a plant stand, nightstand, and hallway or entryway console. A secondhand stool might not seem like much of a find, but once it's cleaned up and styled, it can anchor a room with personality and warmth. You won't want to leave the thrift store without buying these home decor steals.