About six years ago as my interior designer was finishing our family room, she asked, “how do you feel about garden stools?”
“A garden what?” I asked her.
Garden stools were quickly becoming the perfect room accessory and I was late to the party. Now I’m a full on believer.
Garden stools are barrel-shaped stools made of ceramic. They come in every color and finish you can imagine, and can be used indoors and outdoors.
Garden Stools originated in China 1,000 years ago. They were designed to be placed in gardens for them to enjoy sit and enjoy the outdoors. They are now found in the most refined of living rooms, the most boho of bedrooms and sophisticated or relaxed outdoor spaces.
When I interviewed HGTV’s Vern Yip he said if he only had $200 to buy something for his home, he would buy a garden stool. His primary reason is their versatility. Garden stools can be used as end tables, coffee tables, extra seating or to add a pop of color in a neutral space.
I own three, and am considering adding another one or two to our home. We use them as a pretty end table between two chairs, as an accessory stool in our family room and I have one outside as a pretty side stool to hold drinks or extra seating.
You can find garden stools at almost any price – this one I just placed outside on my balcony was only $40.00 from Homegoods.
Here’s a few I found online that I like (all within my favorite color palette – I’ve told you before that I’m consistent!), and some more images I found for inspiration.
1) Pier 1 ::: 2) Z. Galliere ::: 3) Gilt ::: 4) Wayfair ::: #5 Frontgate ::: #6 Also Frontgate
I love how they grouped two as coffee tables in the image below. The dark blue is such a pretty way to add color.
Source: Apartment Therapy
Source: Livinator
They look flawless no matter where you put them. Garden stools can be in the most casual outdoor space, or as this image shows in a very high-end, luxurious outdoor space. Side note – the fringe detail on those drapes has me swooning. I can never get enough drapes. Outdoor ones are on my “I want” list!
Source: Minimalist
Maybe you could pick one up this weekend to add a little something fun to your home!
Shop more affordable pieces here!
I thought that it was really interesting how these went from being a nice way to sit and enjoy the outdoors, to beautiful side tables. I think that these are a great way to make the house stand out. It would be really nice to get a chance to decorate with some of these. Maybe I will when my kids are a little older.
Great observations, Gerty! They are really functional aren’t they? I’m getting ready to buy a few more for outside and considering adding a pop of color. Jus FYI – Homegoods often has a ton of affordable garden stools if you want to use them like you said!