I’m sure to spend this post fluctuating between snickering and gagging. You don’t really think too much about a word until you write it. Repeatedly. For an audience. Such is the word ‘stool.’ Many of you grown-ups would have never thought twice about me discussing my stool makeover. But if you’ve been reading this blog for awhile, then chances are you’re snorting along with me. So let’s talk stools, shall we?!
Every home with young kids has a little step stool like this in a bathroom. I mean, how else are they going to glop toothpaste in the sink and spray water all over the mirror, if they can’t reach? I guess I’d gone too long without holding a paintbrush, because I spontaneously decided this stool needed softening.
I raided my fabric swatches for something that coordinated with the Kids/Guest Bathroom, and found this sample. I had checked it out from JoAnn Fabrics ages ago for $5, and apparently never taken it back. I’m assuming that means I paid for it, and it’s mine? Hope so, because my stool is wrapped in it.
These samples are the perfect size for a throw pillow or other small project, and $5 is a fraction of the cost per yard for these high-end fabrics. Jackpot! Does anyone know the proper protocol for “purchased” samples? (JoAnns refunds your $5 if you bring the sample back.)
Moving on. For the base, I simply took my fabric to the craft store and chose a coordinating color from the row of $1 acrylic paints. After brushing on a few coats, I sprayed it with a high-gloss finish. Then I cut the fabric to size and stapled it to the underneath, folding the corners like a package. (No foam or batting needed since this is a foot stool.)
Remembering this stool’s intended mess-maker user, I covered the top in a second layer of clear plastic shower curtain liner, to protect the fabric from water and stains. Using oil cloth would be perfect for this kind of project, but I didn’t think of that until after. You could also use clear contact paper, or laminated fabric.
Now instead of junking up the bathroom with kid gear, this little stool adds to the decor! (Just because kids use it, doesn’t mean it has to be hosed down with yellow duckies.)
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| Of course it looks like this everyday. Don’t your kids keep their bathrooms this tidy?! |
I chose green to pull from the Anthropologie knobs and plants, and foresee this color ending up on the “5th wall” at some point. The wall stripes and shower curtain have a slight purple undertone that also work well with the fabric.
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| Someone needs to touch-up that vanity paint. ‘Someone’ usually means me. |
I’d say $6 for paint and fabric is a steal for a custom step stool that looks intentional for this space!
Kid tested and approved!
Have you turned an everyday household object into something special? Don’t flog me, but if you’re in the know regarding the fabric samples, please share with the class.
** Also linking up to Home Stories A to Z, Tip Junkie, Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Just a Girl, Remodelaholic, The Shabby Nest, The DIY Showoff, TaterTots & Jello, Serenity Now and Thrifty Decor Chick**
