I have an odd obsession with benches and stools. If they are old, I love them even more. I can almost always find a home for them someplace as they are so versatile and come in so many different shapes and sizes. I find them in antique shops, online, and locally. My two favorite local sources for vintage benches and stools are Porch and Diani Living.
Tiny stools make great risers on furniture or are useful in the bathroom to hold those extra rolls of toilet tissue.
I love how this little stool elevates this vintage French bottle in this vignette.An air plant (or t.p.) on a tiny bench in the bathroom adds a bit of character…This little guy is a pretty way to hold an extra roll or two of t.p.
Narrow benches are among my favorites. I have one in almost every bedroom I decorate! The slender dimensions are great for smaller spaces like hallways.
In our Big Sur home, the guest room sports a vintage bench…perfect for bedtime quilts.In my client’s bedroom, an antique elm bench from Porch, shows off two of her pretty red throws.I love having a bench to put bed linens or pillows on at night.My dad made this narrow bench out of left over beams.Our narrow hallway is the perfect spot for this bench from Terrain.One of my dad’s homemade benches adds the finishing touch in this hallway gallery.
I also love using benches for displaying books or other decor…
This bench holds a selection of design books below with plants and other favorite collectables above.This antique bench holds a lamp and a collection of white pitchers.
Benches and stools also make excellent side and end tables for the living room or bath.
We found this chippy old bench in a Vermont antique center. It makes the perfect side table in my parents Vermont home. Notice the sweet three legged stool that is just right next to the leather chair. I purchased this a few years ago from Wisteria and wish they would bring it back!This vintage stool from Porch is just the right size for holding a drink.Another find from Porch adds a rustic touch next to our more modern sofa.This stool is perfect next to the clawfoot tub…great for candles, flowers, a book, or a glass of wine!
Sometimes I buy a stool simply because I fall in love with it, even when I have no idea how or where I’m going to use it.
This old stool I found in Vermont has a spot in our Connecticut kitchen. It’s actually the perfect step for reaching things in the upper cabinets!This quirky little African stool has been moved around a lot, but seems at home wherever I place him.
And let’s not forget the pouf. They are perfect for that extra seat or two!
This wool pouf is from CB2 and yes, I really do sit on it! CB2 has a large selections of poufs at reasonable prices. Etsy is also another great source.
So if you find a bench, stool, or pouf that speaks to you, I say go for it! You can almost always find the perfect spot for it. Happy hunting!
Hello, I love this post, every picture was an inspiration. I’m currently redoing my great room and love your black lamps and the round wood coffee table on little legs. Do you mind letting me know where I may be able to find them or something similar?
Much appreciated!
Pam
Hi Pam. Thank you! The black lamps are the Dormant Task Lamp (it was a different name when I bought them!) from Wayfair. The coffee table I bought locally from Porch in Carpinteria.
Best,
Elizabeth
Hello, I love this post, every picture was an inspiration. I’m currently redoing my great room and love your black lamps and the round wood coffee table on little legs. Do you mind letting me know where I may be able to find them or something similar?
Much appreciated!
Pam
Hi Pam. Thank you! The black lamps are the Dormant Task Lamp (it was a different name when I bought them!) from Wayfair. The coffee table I bought locally from Porch in Carpinteria.
Best,
Elizabeth