Vintage Step Stool Makeover

How to Redo a Vintage Step Stool

If you’re a fan of vintage furniture and enjoy DIY projects, then you’ll love the idea of giving a vintage step stool a makeover. These charming pieces can add a touch of nostalgia and character to any space, and with a little creativity and some simple tools, you can transform them into stunning statement pieces. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to give your vintage folding step stool a stylish makeover.

Table of Contents

What is a Folding Stepstool?

Maybe you’re wondering what is a folding step stool. This shapely piece from the past is a practical helper in the household. Step-ladder stools are halfway between a ladder and a stool. They may be used to reach targets that are at heights between ~2m and ~3m.

Here is my vintage folding step stool I bought at a thrift store for €3 (roughly $3).

A simple fold-out mechanism reveals the two additional steps.

Most vintage step ladder stools made in Europe in the 1960s and 1970s come with a stainless steel frame. The steps and top are usually made of plywood or solid wood. Formica tops are also very common.

For today’s makeovers, my friend Christelle brought two chrome stepstools with solid wood steps and tops. These items were in rather good condition for everyday objects over 50 years old. There were of course some signs of age: some pitting to the chrome frame and traces of use on the wooden parts.

You can see below some pitting to my stool’s chrome legs.

Tools and Supplies You Will Need for this Project

Clean and Prep

Before starting her makeover, Christelle cleaned the two step stools thoroughly. She removed any dust and dirt using a mild soap and water solution. Once clean, she let the pieces dry completely.

While cleaning, she inspected each piece for any damage or rough spots. She used sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces.

Paint the Step Stools

Before painting, you need to choose a color palette. You should decide on a color palette that suits your style and the overall theme of your space. Vintage-inspired pastel shades or bright and bold colors are great options for vintage furniture.

Consider using water-based outdoor furniture paint to ensure the best adhesion and durability. Outdoor paints provide water-resistant and long-lasting protection for pieces that see a lot of wear and tear.

The chrome finish of tubular steel frames was damaged on both stools. So, Christelle decided to paint them with spray paint: one with gold paint, and the other one with silver paint. Before spraying, Christelle dismantled the stools.

Then she started painting the wooden steps. One stool was painted in white, the other one in peacock blue. If you are like me and love peacock blue painted furniture, you should have a look at this project: Upcycled Sewing Machine Table into a Desk: Painted in Peacock Blue + Wallpaper. Christelle used a roller for larger areas and a small brush for intricate details. She applied two thin coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.

It was now time to get creative and add personal touches to make these vintage stepladder stools truly unique.

Christelle stenciled a star pattern on the top of each stool and added some thumbtacks as decorative accents on the edges of the stars.

Once the paint was completely dry, she applied a clear sealant to protect her newly painted vintage stepladder stools. This will help protect the paint from scratches and ensure its longevity.

Christelle can now enjoy her revamped step ladder stools.

Finding the perfect spot in your home for a revamped vintage stepladder stool is an easy task. Step stools are so versatile. Of course, they could be a great addition as a seat, a side table, or even as a plant stand.

Giving a vintage step stool a makeover is a fun and rewarding project. This is a perfect project for beginners. With a little time, creativity, and effort, you can transform your grandma worn-out piece into a stunning statement piece.