Step Stool Chairs

Our Picks

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Retro Padded Step Stool

Ivy Bronx

This step stool with a padded seat has a retro throwback look to it due to its nostalgic frame design and metal accents. Available in black, gold/white, or teal, it is recommended that you avoid using electricity near this stool.

Designer Advice:

For a fun vintage look straight from the swinging ‘60s, opt for the teal color option and purchase objects such as tea-towels for your kitchen in similar teal, aqua, or mint shades. Pastel shades are associated with this era, so don’t be afraid to commit to your color scheme for a retro look that remains timeless.

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Calimesa 2-Step Wood Step Stool with 200 lb. Load Capacity

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Ridged Steel Stool Chair

Winston Porter

This step stool can support up to 200lbs and is foldable for convenience. Featuring slip-resistant steps, its ridged design is sleek and trendy and will ensure comfort when you are using it as a seat.

Designer Advice:

Available in an antique walnut color, this step stool with a seat will fit into any contemporary kitchen. You can use it as seating for a kitchen island, or in a living room when you have extra guests around. The wood gloss finish makes it look expensive, so we recommend pairing it with furniture in a similar walnut hue for a cohesive look.

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Modern Folding Kitchen Step Stool with Seat

Mowery 24' 3 - Step Wood Folding Step Stool

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Modern Folding Kitchen Step Stool with Seat

Gracie Oaks

The understated modern design of this kitchen step stool is sure to fit into any kitchen, and the two color choices of white and cappuccino mean you can choose your perfect match. It has slip-resistant steps and feet, and a safety latch on the side.

Designer Advice:

Slightly curved at the edges, this step stool in white would look great in a kitchen with gray accents such as gray walls, tiling, or countertops. While white accents would also match, sometimes an all-white kitchen can look bare and unwelcoming. By introducing elements of gray, you can create a cozy atmosphere.

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3-Step Wood Retractable Step Stool with 200 lb. Load Capacity

Black Kitchen Step Stool with Seat

WFX Utility™

Simple and with a minimalist design, this step stool has three steps that then retract to turn into a handy seat. With a 200lbs maximum weight limit, it features telescoping and can fold for easy storage.

Designer Advice:

The smooth matte black finish of this step stool seat means it isn’t just limited to a kitchen, although it would look sophisticated when paired with a black or marble kitchen island. However, it does not have any anti-slip features, which could cause accidents when it is used as a step stool.

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Multi-Purpose 2-Step Wood Step Stool with 550 lb. Load Capacity

Wooden Kitchen Step Stool Chair

Alfi Brand

Wider than others on this list, this step stool chair has a generous weight capacity of 550lbs, ideal if you often lift heavy objects or often need two people on a job. Better still, the wooden frame is lightweight and easy to transport.

Designer Advice:

We recommend using this stool in the kitchen or in an entryway, where you could place shoes and bags in the open space when your stool is not in use. Alternatively, its rustic wooden design would look amazing in a farmhouse coastal kitchen with a stripped-back kitchen island or cupboards.

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Buying Guide

Step stools allow you to safely and quickly get tasks done in the home or office. It is a tool for freestanding utilization, meaning they are ideal when you need a slight raise when you want to get something from the top kitchen shelf, or when you need to change a lightbulb. There is a wide range to choose from, but you don’t just want any padded step stool, you want the one that is best suited to your needs. Shopping for a padded step stool can be a difficult process, so here is a buying guide to help you out.

What types of step stools are there?

Your choice when shopping for a step stool will be between folded and molded designs. You will need to think about where you are going to store your step stool. If you have got space enough to keep it under the counter without folding it, a molded step stool is a good choice. However, if space is limited, a folding step stool will be more convenient. It collapses and flattens allowing you to store it in a cabinet or closet.

What are padded step stools typically made of?

The material of padded step stools will depend on what you are going to use it for. Step stool materials include:

Fiberglass: If you are working on an electrical project, non-conductive fiberglass step stools are a safe option.
Metal: Steel and aluminum step stools offer enhanced durability and portability.
Plastic: Ideal for light maintenance tasks.

How high should a step stool be?

Your step stool should suit your requirements and specifications; therefore, it is essential that you choose a padded step stool with the appropriate height that will be safe and effective.

One-step: For the items that you just need to reach up and grab quickly such as getting a glass out of a cupboard.
Two-steps: Great for tasks such as overhead repairs, filing, and stocking shelves.
Three steps: Work well for maintenance jobs such as making repairs, window washing, and painting.

How much weight should a step stool hold?

Your padded step stool should be able to comfortably hold the weight of the person using it and their tools. The manufacturer's instructions will display the maximum weight allowance for the step stool. It is important that you do not exceed the weight allowance to avoid injury.

What additional features to look for in padded step stools?

Once you have decided on the type of step stool you are going to get regarding size and style, you might also want to think about additional features such as:

Wheels for easy maneuvering
Handles for easy carrying
Platforms to rest your tools on.
There are small step stools that you can attach to a chair and use as a footrest.

What different styles of step stools are there?

Although a step stool is not exactly a part of the furniture, you will get it out when you need to use it, some people will still want it to match the décor in their home. There is a wide range of styles, designs, and colors for you to choose from including:

Floral
Block colors
Classic wood
Chrome plated
Solid dark wood

Take away

It is essential that you don’t purchase a padded step stool blindly, you will need to pay attention to several features especially weight, material, and height.