Six styling ideas for a rustic wooden stool

Courtyard stools are an easy way to inject a touch of rustic cottagecore to your interior

Chunky, sturdy, with a rough patina that suggests a former busy life in a farmhouse setting, these humble, useful little stools have become must-have home accessories.

Originally antique pieces came from countries such as Mongolia or China – and are usually made from elm wood with mortise-and-tenon joints. The terminology in this area can be a tad confusing. Courtyard stools are often incorrectly referred to as ‘milking stools’, but milking stools are actually much lower and smaller – often with three legs for stability so the milkmaid could lean forward into the cow without toppling over.

Courtyard stools are also sometimes incorrectly labelled ‘worker’s stools’, but according to Karen Mazurkewich in her book Chinese Furniture: A Guide to Collecting Antiques, although worker’s stools are of a similar shape with four legs, they’re much lower to the ground. Courtyard stools are so-called because they were used in homes as extra seats and moved around within a family’s courtyard. In some Asian countries, the size or height of a stool determines class, so slightly higher stools belonged to wealthy families.

Whatever you call them, they’re super-sturdy and compact with splayed legs, simple stretcher bars and a raw distressed finish, so it’s easy to see why these timeworn seats have such enduring appeal.

For vintage stools in a range of sizes, check out the selection at Design Vintage and Acumen Collection, while Home Barn has both vintage offerings and rustic stools made from reclaimed wood. If you’re looking for authentic antique Chinese pieces, go to Shimu. For budget-friendly stools – many handmade in a rustic style – Etsy has plenty to offer.

Here are six different ways to find the perfect corner for them in every room around your home.

Bathroom perch

The dinky size of these stools mean they are a great addition to your bathroom and can fit into the snuggest corner. In a room that can lack character and often feel cool with shiny, hard surfaces, a timeworn wooden stool lends instant warmth and vintage charm. Use to stack a neatly folded pile of towels, or pop a basket on top to house toiletries or extra toilet rolls. While soaking in the tub, it can become a handy side table to keep a magazine or glass of wine just at arm’s reach, together with a scented candle to create the perfect sanctuary.

Compact seating

If your stool is the right height, it can be used as handy extra seating around the home. Tuck in around a dining table when you need to squeeze in extra guests – easier to fit in than a chair or bench – then hide away in a corner when not needed. Lower-height milking stools can be paired with a small reclaimed table in a young child’s room to make a cute desk area for drawing, crafting or doing puzzles, with an old-school vibe.

Living-room side table

When you’re curled up on the sofa or in a comfy armchair, a courtyard stool makes the ideal side table. With its bijou size, you can bring it out as you would a nest of tables for occasional use. There’s just enough room for a mug of coffee and your phone, or a stack of books. You could put a small task lamp on top for a spot of reading – think Anglepoise – or opt for a fabric shade to create a warming glow in a little nook or alcove.

Display plinth

Not only practical, we love these little stools as pedestals to show off special decorative pieces, giving them the spotlight. Perhaps a large ceramic vase filled with dried flowers, a weathered hurricane lantern with a church candle inside, an antique copper jug. Swap out your display every so often to create new interest and refresh your room.

Bedside table

A courtyard stool is just the right height to sit next to your bed. Arrange a small lamp on top, a paperback for bedtime reading and an alarm clock. Complete the modern rustic look with softly rumpled linen bedding, a fluffy sheepskin rug and a simple headboard made from reclaimed wood.

Plant stand

Stools make the ideal plant stand, and their rustic patina is perfect for the boho look. Coordinate your plant in a handmade earthenware planter in neutral textured tones, a weathered terracotta pot or a small woven basket. Go for a philodendron or fern to add leafy height, or choose a trailing plant such as pothos, ivy or creeping fig on a taller stool for a softer vibe.