The Functional Yet Charming Thrift Store Find You Should Never Leave Behind

Every dyed-in-the-wool thrifter has items they're always on the lookout for. Maybe it's sturdy baskets, vintage fabrics, or cast iron pans. Some of these things are easier to score than others, but one of the most common items you'll find at thrift stores is stools. Small- and medium-sized ones are the ultimate prizes among them, since they take up little space and have scores of uses, both practical and creative. Even if you happen upon a tall, counter-height stool, miniaturizing can be a cinch for anyone with woodworking experience by sawing off the lower parts of its legs (@HomeImprovementWoodworking on YouTube has a great guide for beginners). Small or medium stools in nearly any material or condition are worth snagging. What can't a coat of paint do? Structurally weak ones — within a limit — can still prop up a potted plant or serve as a perch for a coffee cup next to your recliner.

Look for stools with aesthetically pleasing wear and tear, like chipping paint or weathered wood. In the case of chipping paint, lead exposure in antique furniture is a genuine risk. If your chosen piece was likely painted before 1978 (when lead paint was banned), seal with a clear lead encapsulating coating to keep you and your family safe from dangerous flakes.

Also keep an eye out for stools with interesting detailing like turned wood legs, inlays, metal with cool patina, or funky upholstery. Try to see beyond ugly things you can change, like tattered fabric or an unsavory paint color. Don't dismiss vintage folding camp stools, either; they often have wood or metal frames that weather nicely, and you can easily replace or cover stained cloth seats with paint, patches, or appliques.

With some imagination, your new small or medium stool can live inside or out, in any room of the house, on top of other pieces of furniture, or directly on the floor. Decorate with stools in your home in a way that's practical, too. Have an empty corner that's begging to be accessorized? A tower of stacked small stools fills the corner with visual interest while making them easy to grab for other purposes.

A mini stool topped with a large potted plant will bring an empty space to life, either on the floor or on another surface. Elevate a plant or tchotchke on a tabletop to add dimension. Set another on a dining table for a buffet tray or a fresh pizza and trivet. A stool standing next to a bathtub is a convenient and attractive way to keep a stack of towels on hand. Likewise, folded blankets atop a stool of small or medium-sized stool (possibly inside a larger basket) keep coverlets off the floor and a little closer to the line of sight.

When storage space is at a premium, go vertical both to store stools and to have them double as storage. A collection of folding camp stools can slide onto hooks on a wall for quick access while entertaining or to treat yourself to a footrest without being a permanent part of a room's footprint. Some creatives have used old chairs as upcycled shelving, and a stool can serve this purpose, too. Mount it on brackets, slide a board or basket between the legs and braces, and display or organize something that needs it.