Often considered an understated addition to interior designs, modern stools, with their versatility and potential, can actually be powerful tools in elevating a home’s luxury appeal. Used as a side table, tucked under a console table or displayed as a decorative accent, modern stools stand out in both form and function.

As interior designer Elsie de Wolfe said, “It is the little touches that make a house a home.” Stools exemplify the truth of this sentiment perfectly. These small yet impactful pieces offer flexibility and comfort, a key aspect of a home feeling comfortable to live in, and making them an ideal investment.

Small stools are simple pieces of furniture but can considerably impact luxury interiors with the right stylistic choices. For instance, consider a small wooden stool with a red leather seat in a living room with classical interiors. It will add a lot of character, interest, aesthetic appeal and a convenient seating spot for your visitors. There are a range of other stylistic choices you can opt to lift the luxury quotient of your interiors by adding one or more small stools. The world’s leading designers continue to come up with inventive designs for stools that are aimed at elevating the aesthetics of luxury homes. We offer high-end small stools from hundreds of leading brands and in this feature, we will look into the ways in which they complement luxury homes.

Glossy oak brown small wooden stool with a leather seat, creating a striking contrast with a white sofa and marble coffee table.

Are Small Stools a Good Idea for Luxury Spaces?

Stools are not a recent trend. For millennia, people from many cultures and countries have used these pieces of furniture to improve the comfort and functionality of their homes. They have developed from basic wooden blocks to fascinating designs that come in a wide variety of materials and styles. The stool's understated appeal may blend in perfectly with any room decor, whether it is made of modern metal or rustic timber materials.

Incorporating a small stool into a room is a simple yet impactful way to enhance the overall style and elevate a room’s aesthetic. Be it a busy living room with a small wooden stool or a well appointed bathroom where they can be used as a wooden bath stool, with the right approach, a stool can effort;esly transform the utility of a space.

Luxury spaces are defined by attention to detail—how even the commonly unnoticed things are styled to perfection. Modern stools made of marble, velvet or polished wood depict sheer elegance, incorporating luxurious textures and features in a subtle yet noticeable way.

Brown velvet and white marble small stools, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any room.

Stools can also be styled as timeless design statement pieces. Stools are the oldest form of seating and have been in use since ancient times. They were in use in ancient Rome and Egypt, and over the past thousands of years have evolved to become an integral part of most households. Their timeless practicality is one of the main reasons why they work well as statement pieces in most areas. Place a metallic small stool with a bright-coloured seat in your living room to create a point of interest for your visitors and make a stylistic statement.

The portability of stools helps to provide seating while still allowing seamless flow through spaces. When placed strategically, they can complement unused spaces, ensuring they maintain movement and visual balance without interruption.

Different Ways to Use Them

Stools can be incorporated into a number of areas within your home. Be it the kitchen or the dining room, from wooden crafting to velvety strokes, stools are more than just seating. Here are some of the ways modern stools can stand out in different areas:

1. In Living Rooms

Small stools add functionality and decor in any living room when utilised correctly. Without being loud and busy, their compact design makes them great additional decorative pieces. They can be used as extra seating for guests, which can double as a side table, perfect for holding coffee mugs or books. For relaxation, stools make excellent footrests, elevating the seating area’s comfort without compromising style.

2. As Display Platforms in Any Room

Rooms can look more welcoming and luxurious when the right elements are used. A well-furnished, compact piece adorned with decorative objects like vases, plants, or sculptures adds height variation and visual interest to onlookers. For a more natural flair, wooden tables with leather accents can be used to house decorations.

Modern small stools with wooden legs, perfect as display platforms in any room.

3. For Bedrooms

For an elite hotel-like feel, a pair of upholstered stools in leather or velvet offers style and elegance to the bedroom. They can also be used as chic seating beside dressing tables, adding texture to the ambiance. Small stools can also work effectively as bedside tables—perfect for storing nighttime essentials or as a surface for books or candles.

4. As Kitchen Furniture

Positioned at a kitchen island or breakfast bar, modern stools can fit in as convenient seating while having breakfast or having a conversation. Stackable stools are also a good idea, as they can be stacked away while not in use, keeping the periphery open. They can also be a great help as stands in accessing things out of reach.

Elegant velvet and marble top dressing table stools, ideal for enhancing your bedroom decor.

5. In Bathroom Spaces

A small wooden stool can serve the purpose of holding bath essentials when kept near the bathtub. For a luxurious touch, a plush, upholstered stool can be placed near the vanity area to make your grooming routine more indulgent. They are ideal for tiny bathrooms because of their modest size, and their design—whether it be minimalist, sculptural or enhanced with metallic accents—improves the aesthetics of the area.

6. Elevating Terraces/Balconies

Hosting friends on terraces calls for compact seating solutions, and small stools are the best option. Styled with weather-resistant materials paired with decorative accents, they blend seamlessly with the outdoor decor. As table surfaces, they provide a chic stand for drinks, books or lanterns, elevating the functionality of the area.

Cozy grey small stools complementing the sofa and black coffee table, enhancing the outdoor setting.

7. In Kids Playrooms

Stools are an ideal addition in kids play areas. Their lightweight design allows kids to move them around easily. For extra safety and aesthetic appeal, choose stools with soft, rounded edges, bright color or whimsical forms. They may also be used as little tables for books, toy stacking or sketching.

8. Laundry Room Helper

Transforming a utilitarian space into a polished, well-designed area of a laundry room can be done with the help of stools. Stools with small storage options can help in keeping detergents and other wash essentials while serving the purpose of a quick resting spot as well. A durable stool can also help in holding a basket of clothes, a convenient ad-hoc surface when you need one.

Colorful small stools placed in a kids' playroom, adding style and fun to the space.

9. In Your Den

The den is one of the most personal parts of your home but it is also a place where you entertain your closest friends over a game of darts or just spending some quality time together.

Lend the room the right balance of style, panache and seating comfort with a set of small stools.

10. Entryway Essentials

One useful place to put on or take off shoes is a little stool positioned in the foyer. It makes an inviting and useful area when combined with wall hooks or a mirror.

To store umbrellas, keys and other small objects, pick one with concealed storage.

Classy  grey small bar stool with a round base, placed beside a modern sideboard.

11. Home/Outdoor Library Setup

A bookshelf with high shelves surely needs a handy, portable stool to reach them. An upholstered-carved stool can complement the classic, cozy ambiance of the space. For an outdoor book club gathering, stools can be used as a seating option or can double as snack holders.

12. As Ad-Hoc Seating

Stools can complement any space in a house when paired with the right element to match the aesthetic of the place. For entertainment or game rooms, playful or modern designs can add a stylish kick to the space. A meditation or wellness room calls for stools with minimalist designs with natural materials like bamboo to contribute to a serene atmosphere. Brass is a good option for implementing in restful areas and make excellent complements to the warm ambiance of a fireplace. Small bar stools are also perfect for kitchen islands.

Stylish grey small bar stools with metal legs, placed next to the contemporary bar counter.

How FCI London Can Help You

FCI London has more than 40 years in the luxury furniture and interior design industry, and we pride ourselves on being a trusted name creator of luxury interiors in London, both large and small.

Our longstanding relationships with the best craftsmen and designer brands from all over Europe are at your disposal, and we offer first-class delivery and installation of any product you purchase through us, ensuring that your experience is stress free and convenient..

Visit our 30,000 sq. ft.showroom, the largest luxury showroom in London, to discover, explore and experience a wide range of contemporary and traditional coffee tables, along with professional advice from a team of experienced and award-winning interior designers.

Utilise our complementary services like 3D Rendering, project planning, and enjoy our signature personalised service. We aim to make your design journey as seamless as possible, saving you time and effort wherever possible.

Book your appointment today!

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From getting your proportions right to nailing your style, our design team is at your disposal to help you find the perfect stools and bar stools. Take advantage of our free consultation service by visiting our award-winning showroom today.

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