Step Stool Chairs

144 Ideas by Emily Hilton

We’ve all needed a step stool at one point in our lives, but few of us have considered the convenience of a step stool chair – that’s the practicality of having steps to reach something, with a chair built in to place in your kitchen or office. Infinitely useful, a portable kitchen stool with steps is the hybrid product you never knew you needed, and we’ve selected a few of the best down below.

Retro Padded Step Stool

24'' 3-Step Wood Folding Step Stool

Ridged Steel Stool Chair

I am not sure if there is any gorilla who wants to get on the top of this padded step stool - but it would be enough stable also for such a big animal. Lightweight and secure thanks to continuous rear leg support.

Vintage retro yellow cosco padded step stool mid century

A perfect mix of functionality and retro style, this vintage-looking chair can be useful in many different situations. Includes a tubular metal frame, 2 padded steps with non-slip surface, and a comfy seat and back - both upholstered in yellow vinyl.

Cosco 11-120CBB1 Retro Chair and Stool Black and Chrome

A nice and useful kitchen stool in a retro stylization. It features a solid metal frame with a stylish chrome finish. Its vinyl upholstery is comfortable and very easy to clean. Lower part of this chair includes two steps that can be used as footrests.

Foldable Wooden Step Stool Ladder Chair

Multi-Purpose Wooden Step Stool

This beautiful vintage padded step stool constitutes a good example of the characteristic Cosco furniture. Easy to assemble, it smoothly slides in and out. Chrome finish adds elegance and embodies well the retro spirit.

Step Stool

Oak Stepping Stool with Multi-Use

Black Kitchen Step Stool with Seat

Lynton 25.98' 3 - Step Wood Lightweight Small Step Ladder

Blue Vintage 32 Cosco Flip Top Metal Step Stool W Padded Seat

Practical and very stylish metal padded step stool is an impressive piece of furniture for every home. Handy steps allow you to reach higher. The seat and backrest make the whole place a comfortable place to rest.

Carlson 2.5' 3 - StepWood LightweightFolding Ladder Step Stool

This padded step stool constitutes a retro proposition for all enthusiasts of vintage design. Practical functions are smoothly combined with exquisite functionality. Includes a removable seat.

Step stool mounted on metal base and reinforced with solid supports. Seat and back is upholstered with fabric and decorated with interesting pattern. It has anti slip pads to prevent scratching the surface.

15.74" 2 - Step Steel Ladders Step Stool

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Antique White Two-Step Stool

Fletchley 3 - Step Rubber Wood Folding Ladder Bench

Two-Step Rubberwood Ladder

Solid Wood Two-Step Stool

Cantrell Folding 3 Step Wood Step Stool with 200 lb. Load Capacity

More Ideas

Step Stool Chairs

Buying Guide

Emily Hilton Interior Design Expert

Emily is an interior designer specializing in kitchen and dining spaces, with a strong focus on function, craftsmanship, and detail. Shaped by both formal training and hands-on studio work, she approaches every project as a problem-solving exercise that must balance workflow, storage, and comfort with a cohesive visual story. Her guidance helps readers transform everyday cooking and dining areas into inviting hubs that truly support how they live and gather.

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.