How to Update and Use a Thrifted Wooden Stool

I typically buy little wood stepstools at the thrift store if they are sturdy and less than five dollars. I recently got this solid wood stool for $2.50.

A quick makeover and this stool is ready to use in any number of places and ways in my home. It is no longer outdated looking and is fresh and ready for a new life.

Keep reading to see the steps for this easy upcycle.

I liked the thick wood top and decided to sand it completely and then paint the legs.

I lightly sanded the legs to rough them up a bit.

I wiped everything clean. If you want to see what raw wood will look like with a clear finish, get it wet to see the color. This is a good chunk of pine so it didn't look too orange. I decided to use an oops can of paint that I recently bought. i wasn't sure if it was orange or more pink, but I liked it for small projects.

This is a flat paint so it dried really quickly. I gave the legs two, quick coats of paint. I then used Matte polyacrylic finish over on the whole stool.

Little stools like this make great plant stands.

The stool helps get the plant up off the floor. Use three stools with different heights to hold plants in a cute grouping.

Another way to use a small stool is to ad height to a vignette on top of a cabinet or shelf.

The height adds visual interest and gives you another spot to display favorite items.

Place a small stool by a side chair for a foot or book rest. The stool can be stored under the chair when it isn't needed.

Or set one by a guest bed to give kids (or shorter folks) a boost into a tall bed.

There are so many other ways and places to use wood footstools in the home. Be sure to pick these gems up when you can.