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Stools can make a great addition to any home. Perfect for bar-style seating, kitchen entertaining with friends or professional use, this product is a stylish way to sit comfortably. Some models are also designed to help you reach high places or as a handy portable seat for days out.
How We Compared Stools
To find the right stools, we considered multiple factors, including:
- Type
- Material
- Size
- Adjustability
- Strength
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
Stool Reviews
Display4top Adjustable Swivel (Editor’s Choice)
Our top pick and Editor’s Choice is this high-quality model. Made from top-spec materials and featuring a well-crafted design, this stool is a wonderful addition to any home.
The Display4top stool has a generously sized padded seat with moulded foam for enhanced comfort. The PU leather cover helps to keep it clean by resisting water damage, scratches or discolouration from oils. The product can also swivel around 360 degrees, so you can find the perfect orientation for your needs.
This option is lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to move around if required. The height can be adjusted via a gas pressure spring below the seat, thus making it a good choice for short and tall individuals. The maximum height is 60cm, while the lowest is 42cm. It’s easy to assemble, too – coming with detailed instructions.
Pros:
- Large padded seat
- PU leather cover
- 360-degree swivel
- Lightweight
- Height adjustable
Cons:
- The padding could be thicker
- Its wheels may not glide smoothly
IntimaTe WM Heart (Luxury Choice)
Our luxury choice has a very comfortable seat and a specially designed shape that moulds to your contours. The cushion is covered with PU leather material which is resistant to stains, while the tubular metal base is finished in polished chrome.
The IntimaTe WM Heart stool adds a touch of mid-century modern flair to any space. The crescent-shaped seat has an integrated backrest, which looks great and offers good support to your posture. The adjustable height feature ensures everyone can sit comfortably, while the 360-degree swivel makes it easy to move around.
This model also includes built-in footrests that reduce fatigue when seated for a long time. The weighted pedestal base ensures stability and reduces any risk of the stool toppling over. It comes disassembled but is simple to put together with just the tools provided.
Pros:
- Contours to your body
- PU leather cover
- Adjustable height
- Footrests
- Weighted base
Cons:
- It could be a little uncomfortable for long periods
- The stool may wobble
Spranster Folding Step (Best Value)
Our best value choice is this collapsible model. Its compact dimensions mean it’s easy to store, so it’s a good option if you have limited space in your home. The lightweight, folding design and integrated carry handle also make it great for taking with you to picnics or other events.
The Spranster is suitable for both children and adults. It has a skid-resistant surface which is non-slip to prevent accidents when standing on top. This model is strong enough to support weights of up to 300 pounds, thanks to its tough construction.
When collapsed, this product is only 2-inches thick, so you could also pack it away in a bag for easy transport. The accurate spindle design ensures it opens and closes smoothly, with no dragging or catching. Overall, it’s fairly comfortable to sit on and will come in handy if you need to reach somewhere high in your home.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Strong enough to support 300 pounds
- Collapsible
- Smooth opening/closing
- Built-in carry handle
Cons:
- It may pinch fingers when closing
- The top platform could be larger
Millhouse Modern (Best Design)
If you need a stool that will bring a contemporary boost to your room, then our best design choice is well worth a look. This set boasts a stylish aesthetic feel and is made from high-quality materials too.
The Millhouse stools have a total adjustable height of between 91cm and 112cm, so they’re ideal for use at a breakfast bar or kitchen island. The seats are finished with beautiful grey PU leather that complements most colour schemes, while the polished chrome base has an attractive shine.
Each stool also comes with a footrest for additional comfort. The moulded back supports your body well, and the slim metal lever is simple to operate. Just pull it up to activate the gas lift feature and adjust the seat as needed in seconds. Both items are manufactured according to strict fire safety regulations and approved by the SGS for extra peace of mind.
Pros:
- Beautiful contemporary styling
- Grey PU leather cover
- Padded backrest
- Gas adjustable height
- Set of two
Cons:
- The material may show up dirt easily
- They might be a little squeaky
Beldray Large (Best for Practicality)
This model is our best practical pick thanks to its easy-to-use design and strong construction. Perfect for those moments you struggle to reach, this stool will give you the boost you need to get household jobs done effortlessly.
The Beldray stool measures just 40cm in height, but don’t let its dimensions fool you. This model is made from super durable materials and can support up to 150kg in weight. It’s strong yet light at just 0.3kg, making it easy to move around without fatigue.
Once you have finished your task, this stool can also be folded down for hassle-free storage. The hinges move smoothly, and an integrated handle pops up once collapsed for enhanced portability.
Pros:
- Collapsible design
- Can support 150kg
- Lightweight
- Compact dimensions
- Built-in handle
Cons:
- This model could pinch fingers when folding
- It may creak during use
KKTONER Saddle (Best for Versatility)
If you need a comfortable and versatile option suitable for a range of applications, this model could be your ideal choice. Adjustable and strong, this stool impressed us with its clever design and ergonomic features.
The KKTONER has a saddle-style design which keeps your pelvis in a neutral position while seated, thus reducing strain on your back. The PU leather cushion is resistant to damage from water or oils and is simple to wipe clean in seconds.
Fully height adjustable from between 49.5cm to 65.5cm at the front, this stool is suitable for most users. It comes with five roller wheels for effortless movement and can be swivelled 360 degrees. This product weighs just 4kg, yet it’s surprisingly strong – capable of easily supporting up to 135kg.
Pros:
- Ergonomic design
- PU leather cushion
- Water/oil resistant
- 360-degree swivel
- Height adjustable
Cons:
- The padding could be quite thin
- It may not be comfortable for male users
Yoassi Step Stool (Best Wooden)
This compact stool is crafted from solid natural bamboo, with a sturdy design that’s built to last. It measures 39 x 25 x 34cm, so it has a decent size but is still easy to fit into most rooms.
The Yoassi stool impressed us with its attractive lacquer finish, which makes it waterproof and simple to wipe clean with just soap and water. It can be used as a seat or double as a storage/display table if required. The edges are all smoothly polished for a sleek look, and the non-slip feet will protect your floors from damage.
This model is strong enough to support loads of up to 200 pounds, partly thanks to the reinforced screws that are subtly placed throughout the structure. It may need to be assembled upon delivery, but as it consists of only a few pieces, this shouldn’t be too complicated.
Pros:
- Made from solid bamboo
- Beautiful lacquer finish
- Doubles as a storage table
- Supports up to 200 pounds
- Non-slip feet
Cons:
- It may have the manufacturer’s name engraved on it
- It could be a bit unsteady if stood upon
How to Choose a Stool
With so many options on the market, choosing the best stool for your home can be tricky. Below are our top tips on what to consider when shopping for your new model.
Type
The best type of stool for you will depend on your intended use. Bar stools are taller and designed for breakfast bars or at a kitchen counter. Folding footstools are ideal for helping you to reach high spots or for outdoor events, thanks to their portability. Saddle stools are popular with medical professionals or those who spend a long time sitting. Once you have decided what you need a stool for, you can start narrowing down your search.
Material
Thanks to their durability and ease of cleaning, PU leather-coated stools are popular. This material can simply be wiped down and is naturally resistant to water damage or stains from oils. Solid wooden models are sturdy choices, but they’re often more vulnerable to stains if they do not have a protective coating. Plastic, on the other hand, is a lightweight and strong preference suitable for most uses.
Size
If you have a small home, then it makes sense to opt for a more compact model. Some stools are collapsible, so they can be folded down and easily stored until you need them again. If you have plenty of space instead, we recommend choosing a larger option so you can really get comfortable.
Adjustability
An adjustable stool will be the best choice for those who are particularly tall or short. Many models have gas-controlled height adjustment, so you can tweak the dimensions to suit your own. This feature is also helpful if you plan on using your stool at a home bar and dining table. Changing the height will allow you to use it at different tables or counters without needing multiple seats.
Strength
If you’re heavyset or need a stool to help you reach high places, take a moment to check the maximum weight limit. Some models can support as much as 300 pounds, but others will not be as strong. The last thing you want is your stool to collapse beneath you, potentially causing serious injury.
Summary
Our top pick and Editor’s Choice is the Display4top Adjustable Swivel stool. This model stood out thanks to its beautiful design and top-quality construction. The large padded seat is very comfortable, while the PU leather cover is durable and easy to clean. The height-adjustable pole allows you to tailor the level to suit your needs, and the 360-degree swivel makes it simple to orientate as desired. This stool is also lightweight, so you can move it around your home if needed without unnecessary strain.
Kelly is an expert in consumer product research, which is very important when it comes to finding the most useful and aesthetically pleasing items for your home. This became her passion after finding it very time-consuming to wade through all the product information online.
She has a keen attention to detail which she brings to her articles, Kelly’s goal is to help you find what you need without spending too much time searching for it.