I love that my current kitchen has a ton of cabinets and storage. But let’s face it, when you’re 5’2 it doesn’t matter how many cabinets you have when half of them are out of your reach. To solve that problem, one of the first things I did after moving into this house was to hunt for a good step stool. There are two things short girls absolutely love, high heels and step stools! I realize that several of you are blessed with height and may not be able to relate. You have my permission to look down on me (literally) and gloat that you don’t have these kinds of issues. And while you are at it, I’m okay if you laugh because I can’t reach the plates on the second shelf. But keep in mind, if we ever get on an airplane together and one of us is cramped in the seat and the other one of us has plenty of leg room due to her “travel sized” legs I may not feel bad for you. As I sit in comfort, I will remind you that you laughed at me. lol
So now that we have established I am essentially the size of a middle schooler, you can understand my love of stools. I was hoping to find something like grandma had in her kitchen. You know the kind that looked like a chair but also had those wacky pull out steps that transform it into a stool. Did your grandma have one too?
The Yard Sale Find…
It wasn’t but a few months after moving in here, that I was driving through town with one of my very best friends and on a whim we decided to stop at some yard sales. It was on our third stop that I spotted an old Cosco step stool from the 60’s. I was happy to buy it for 10 dollars and immediately took it home. My husband was equally excited when he saw the grimy 50-year-old vinyl masterpiece of a purchase. He completely understood my vision and we both burst out and did a happy dance. Kidding. He has never spontaneously broken out into a synchronized happy dance with me but it is a pretty funny thought. What actually happened was, I showed him my new stool with a big fat grin on my face and he gave me the puzzled look that basically says, “You are a whack-a-doo but I love you”. He probably would have complained that I was bringing home more junk but I think he was secretly celebrating that he wasn’t the one in the car with me on the yard sale adventure. The truth is, he would rather have his teeth set on fire than go to a yard sale.
So here she is in all her glory. How about that not so clean vinyl? Lovely huh?
Cosco Step Stool Makeover begins…
The rubber tread pads on the stool were already peeling up so I took them off knowing I would re-glue them after I gave this modern wonder a fresh coat of paint.
Before I start projects like this, I always grab a Ziploc bag and label it with the name of the project so I can keep all the screws together. I have been known to have a screw loose from time to time so I like to take extra precaution! Okay in all seriousness, this has saved me many times from losing those pesky little pieces. Especially when projects get set aside and finished at a later date. I also snap pictures with my phone before I start and step by step as I disassemble furniture. That way when I put the pieces back together I have pictures to reference if I get stuck.
Before I could paint the frame, I needed to remove vinyl from the seat and back support. I turned the stool over to see how it was put together and figured out the order to take it apart. Fortunately, it came apart easily.
The seat and back support of the stool each came apart in two pieces. The top was covered in the vinyl and there was second metal piece that fit inside the bottom that held the vinyl cover in place. The two pieces were secured with metal tabs.
Once I had my stool apart I gave it several coats of off white spray paint. I used Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover in Heirloom White.
After I had it all painted, I removed the old vinyl and used a scrap of piece fabric to cover the seat and back support. The material I used was really thick and didn’t conform easily. The fabric and I got into a little battle and that’s when I got resourceful and pulled out the plastic clamps. The plastic clamps helped hold the material in place while I stretched the fabric around the seat and back support.
I was careful how I placed my fabric so the pattern of my fabric wouldn’t appear crooked once it was on the seat. Once I had the fabric just the way I wanted it, I pulled off the clamps and inserted the plate that fit inside the back and secured the tabs. Now all that was left to do was to attach the seat and back support to the stool frame.
I glued the tread pads back on and I was done.
Hang in there 2nd and 3rd shelf dishes, I’m coming for you.
I loved how cute it turned out and for 10 bucks I couldn’t be happier.
How do you feel about yard sales? Do you love them or hate them? What are some of your favorite yard sale finds? I would love to hear about it in the comments below.
Happy Creating,
Ps. If you like the little flower arrangement I put together in the stool picture, you may want to check out my tips to create your own arraignments from simple grocery store flowers.
How to Arrange Flowers like a Pro
Check out these great sites I will be linking up to….(here)
Receive smiles in your inbox!
Join my mailing list to stay up-to-date on all my DIY Projects, Thrifty Décor Ideas and Family Fun!.
Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.
Share this:
- Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
- Click to print (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
Carie says
Hello there! Just picked up this same style stool for $8 at a ReStore. It needs love, and I need access to the top shelf in my closet (4’11” club here!). Question…did you take the entire thing apart to paint it, or did you just remove the seat and back?
Jennifer says
I just removed the seat! Good luck 🙂
Debbie Dorman says
I have this exact stool that was my grandmothers. Ready to give it new life so as I was looking for direction I ran across your article. Thank you so much!
Emily says
How did you get your fabric to stay in place when clipping the back piece back on? I’m using a vinyl and am struggling with keeping it in place. I tried using 3-4 clamps, but I think they were too heavy duty because they left a mark on the vinyl. The project is just sitting in my kitchen, so any suggestions would be appreciated!
Jennifer says
I think I used those cheap plastic hand clamps. Also you may want to try using a hair dryer to heat up the vinyl to make it stretch easier . Hope this helps.
Hugs -Jenny
Candy Walsh says
Yay! I’m so glad I came across this!! I bought one exactly like yours about two weeks ago and have everything to redo it, but really wasn’t sure how, so you’re a stool saver!! I too am vertically challenged and wanted a stool to keep in the kitchen so I can put my other one somewhere else and stop lugging a stool around with me, lol. I had no idea just how easy the recovering process would be! Did the rubber step pads just pull off in one piece? I was worried that I would rip it and was going to just tape it off before I sprayed the frame. It’s not in the greatest shape, but I want to keep the Cosco label on it.
Thank you so so much!! Oh and my husband thought it was a high chair?!?!?
Jennifer says
Oh my goodness that is so funny your hubs thought it was a highchair! My rubber pads did come off easily. You could try to lift them with a putty knife to see how easily its willing to lift off. Good luck. You are going to love it!
XO -Jenny
Tami N. says
Thanks for the details. I found a very similar stool at Good Will for $4.88. It is gray and very dingy. My husband did ask why I always buy junk. I have had the good intentions of tearing it apart, painting and recovering. But the metal tabby things made me wonder if I took it apart, could I get it back together. After reading about yours–what was I so afraid of? Will have to get on it, after all the other projects I already have going.—-Tami
Jennifer says
That is awesome Tami! I love that you found one for 4.88. I’m always a little afraid too before I dive into pulling something apart. Good luck with your stool makeover.
Have a great week, Jenny
Cricket says
Great makeover. I love the material you used. I love love love the Houndstooth pattern. I felt like I was reading my own biography. My husband soooo does not like me getting anything second hand, let alone off the curb. Most of the time my ideas seem loony to him but he likes the results (even though he won’t admit it!). And I also have the everyday struggle of being 5’1. Two years ago, we were in the hardware store and I saw this folding step ladder. We bought it and boy has it been a game changer for me. I tag that puppy along with me throughout the house. Although it’s just a folding step ladder, I’m going to pretty it up and give her a fresh new paint color.
Jennifer says
That’s funny Cricket, we do have a lot in common! I am with you on carting step stools all over the house too 🙂 Have a great day -Jenny
Kristy says
I have this exact stool! I found it on the side of the road for free! My Nana had one and I had to have it. It needs a makeover in a desperate way! Did you have any rust to deal with? Mine has a little so I’m wondering how to treat it.
Jennifer says
Hi Kristy! This one did not have much rust but I have another old stool in my home that did have lots of rust. On that one, I used a wire brush and naval jelly to remove as much rust as I could. Then I sprayed it with rust blocking primer. Lastly I sprayed it with the final color. I wasn’t hard and it has held up well over the last 6 years. I hope that helps. Have a wonderful day, Jenny
Marie says
Sanding the chrome will help and mothers chrome cleaner for motorcycles or wheels. The seat clips off. Easier then I thought. The e 6000 glue worked on the new fabric for seat. clips right back in. Tada
Stella Lee @Purfylle says
I remember these step stools and just how ugly they were even when they were new but you’ve made it more beautiful then ever! I’ve included this project in my Earth Day round up. http://www.purfylle.com/2016/04/36-earth-day-ideas.html
Jennifer says
Thank you so much Stella Lee 🙂
Sheeree Atkins says
would you say a yard of fabric about? I will send you a picture when I have finished mine!
Jennifer says
Great Sheeree! A yard is more than enough. I look forward to seeing yours. -Jenny
Lisa B. says
Good Morning! I wanted to let you know that your post has been selected as a Feature for the Welcome Home Wednesdays Link Party! Please stop by this morning to see your post linked up and grab your Featured Button too!
Jennifer says
Good Morning to you too!!! Thank you so much Lisa.
Erin - Suburban Simplicity says
Looks like you solved your height problem with a beautiful solution! Great job on the makeover! Thanks for sharing at Welcome Home Wednesdays! See you tomorrow! Hope all is well!
Jennifer says
Thank you Erin! I appreciate that. See you tomorrow over at Welcome Home Wednesdays
Karen says
I really like what you have done.
Jennifer says
Thank you Karen. I’m glad you like it. Have a great day! -Jenny
Jody says
Love your stool. My sister snagged one at a 60’s and 70’s shop a few years ago. I love your material and as I am shrinking from my original 5’2 I need help. Yard sales are the greatest. In my kneck of the woods er… City, not so many anymore. I will be on the lookout.
Jennifer says
I’m so glad you like it Jody. Good luck on your yard sale hunt. If you don’t have many local sales you may want to do what my sister and I have done. We map out a day trip to hit flea markets and yard sales. We don’t count on finding anything but it is more of a fun girls adventure. But we always find stuff. It’s usually when I’m not “in need” that I find the best stuff. Good luck, hugs -Jenny
Stephanie says
Fantastic Makeover! We are featuring you this week at the Talented Tuesday Link Party, thanks for sharing!!
Kim says
Great makeover. Thanks for sharing at Wow and it will be featured this week.
Jennifer says
Oh wow thank you Kim!!!
Kati says
Wow, this is such a beautiful transformation! I want to find one to redo now 🙂 Thanks for sharing at the Wednesday Showcase party.
Jennifer says
Thank you Kati!!
Mary Hunnicutt says
What a fabulous makeover! I love it!
Jennifer says
Thank you Mary, I appreciate that!
simple nature decor says
Thanks for sharing this on Dream Create and Inspire, love the vintage stool makeover… if you have a few stop by and visit, love to hear from your
Maria
twelveonmain says
Such a great makeover! Pinning! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!
Lacie Ring says
Hi Jenny! Thank you for linking up at Funtastic Friday! This stool turned out incredible! It’s so cute I would end up using it as decor and never be able to actually use it as a stool…lol!
Michelle Marttila says
Fabulous!!! Thanks for the inspiration to refresh my old stool! Absolutely love the new look…awesome job!!! 🙂
Betty Renne says
That’s sooo Cute, love the Hounds tooth!
Jonni - Minnie's Milestones says
Great make over!
nikkifrankhamilton says
Jenny, you crack me up, girl! My mother is only just over five foot, and I am just shy of 5 foot 4 inches. So we are both accustomed to seeing below the kitchen cupboards, instead of looking into the shelves at eye level. You are not alone, my friend.
In fact, we had a stool very similar to this, that my mom used in the kitchen all the time. In fact, she still has it. But it doesn’t look nearly as nice as yours. I love the fabric that you chose, houndstooth is one of my favorites, and I love the raised effect of the weave. It really looks fantastic.
There are some days I love a great yard sale, when I find a good piece for a great price. Usually I am on the lookout for a piece of furniture, so I drive by many sales if I don’t see a big piece. Who knows what I’ve missed out on, right? My husband doesn’t love them, but he’s always game to drive me and help with the heavy lifting. He doesn’t usually see my vision with a piece, until it’s done, and then he’s happy that we put in the effort.
Jennifer says
Thanks Nikki. You are totally missing out because the crazy stuff is often in the back. Lol. I actually try not to go because I have been told we are out of room and not to bring home one more blankety blank piece of furniture! But I occasionally can’t help myself 😉
Big hug from me Nikki, wishing you a wonderful day -J
Lynn Spencer says
Oh Jenny, you make me laugh! And your husband and my husband need to form a support group…after 30 years of marriage, he just rolls with all my projects and finds.But about that chair…WOW! Really lovely. You did a fantastic job! I love the fabric you chose and how you completely changed the look of it. And, we’ll be quite a pair at the conference this summer, all 5’2″ of you and all 510″ of me!!!
Have a great day Jenny!
Hugs, Lynn
Jennifer says
haha I know! I kind of got the idea you were tall and we will be own Laurel and Hardy. Yes our husbands need a support group. Fortunately my man is a quiet just roll with it kind of guy so he hasn’t started drinking yet. But if he ever complains I remind him how hard he chased after me and CHOOSE this!
Thanks for the love Lynn- have a great day, Jenny
Angie Chavez at Knick of Time says
I have an old stool similar to this that has been waiting for a makeover and yours inspires me to get it done. It looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing it at Talk of the Town – I pinned it to the Knick of Time party board! 🙂
Lisa @ Fun Money Mom says
Wow…you did a fabulous job! I love the pattern you chose and you would never know what it looked like before!
Clearissa says
That is a cutie patooty for sure. I can relate because I’m 5’2″ as well and I have a step stool on both levels of the house. Your’s is much cuter than either of mine. #talentedtuesday
Laurie says
My Grandmother had one of these too! Actually, both of my Grandmothers had these. My husband and I searched for one and last year and we finally found one in good shape. Unfortunately it did not get the gorgeous makeover your stool received. My husband kept it for himself and it is part of the “man cave”. Thanks for sharing your project! Pinned and tweeted to share.
~Laurie
Beverly says
What a fabulous job you did with this! It looks wonderful. Thanks for giving such a great tutorial, too. We’re happy to have you linking up at Snickerdoodle Sunday. Pinned and Tweeted.
butterfliesds says
That really turned out beautiful. Great job.
Vickie says
Sweet makeover! I love your paint color and choice of fabric. Visiting from Cozy Little House.
tarahlynn says
Love this! My Grandma had an old Costco stool too but instead of the steps pulling out, they’re built right in and you have to raise the seat to access them. Its been on my “to do” list for awhile now, so glad I saw this, I’m going to have to plan a little makeover for it! Thanks for posting!
Christine @ www.rustic-refined.com says
Loving the makeover you did! I never took the time to turn those types of stools over to see if they could be recovered. I swear, I must have passed by a few of them at flea markets and antique stores. But not after seeing this.
Thanks so much for joining the Dishing It & Digging It Link Party. Have a great week!
Merryjo Agnel says
I love this stool makeover. This is a great idea! Thanks for the inspiration.
Mimi says
What a sweet makeover! And as a fellow ‘shortie’, I completely get how excited you must have been!
Sarah says
Cute! Love the choice of fabric. I grew up in a house with a yellow step stool just like this. ‘-)
Sharon Blue Willow House says
You did a wonderful makeover on your Cosco stool. I have one in desperate need of a makeover. You inspired me to get busy. I would love for you to share it Vintage Charm http://www.bluewillowhouse.com/2016/04/07/vintage-charm-25/
Debrashoppeno5 says
We had a stool like that when I was growing up also and they are handy. Yours came out so cute. Good choice of fabric, it is so bright and cheerful.
Marynell says
Love the fabric, so fresh looking!. I have redone a few of these, they are awesome (I am 5′ nothing) I put a layer of vinyl over my fabric so wipe off is easy.
Jennifer says
Yes Marynell that works great! This is actually my second one. I used a iron on clear vinyl on the first several years ago. It does help a lot. This time around I wasn’t going to fret it. I did give the fabric lots of scotch guard. Thanks for stopping by. Have great weekend Marynell
Pili Gomez says
I remember a friend of mine had one and loved to use it every time I went to her house! You did a wonderful job, the fabric you chose and the white paint make it look so neat and pretty!
Thank you so much for linking up with us at #sweetinspiration, have a wonderful weekend!
Sherry says
Love these stools they had one at my grandmothers! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
Jennifer says
Thank you Sherry. The fact that it reminds me of old warm memories is the best part about it. Have a great weekend- Jenny
Patricia Speakman says
I also have one of these stools, and truly need to refinish it, hopefully it is as easy as your instructions show, love your fabric choice. Hopefully when I get started refurbishing this stool it will turn out as well as your’s did, thanks for the info.
Jennifer says
Patricia it really wasn’t hard. I am sure yours will turn out great. You are going to love it! Blessings and good luck – Jenny
gerhardamandanel says
Very well done! The end result is stunning and no one will think it is a ‘cheapy’!
Jennifer says
Haha oh but it is a total cheapy and I love that! Thank you for you kind words, have a great weekend-Jenny
Chef Carol says
Jenny, I’m 5’2″ also, so I know your pain. The step stool is precious and I love the fabric you chose. Can’t beat a $10 find that turns out so well. Thanks for sharing on Your Inspired Design Link Party #30.
Jennifer says
Hi Carol, I knew I wasn’t alone in the the 5’2 club! 🙂 thanks for the love, have a great weekend -Jenny
Lisa says
Cute! I have a vintage stool waiting for an update too. Thanks for the great inspiration.
Jennifer says
That’s great Lisa. They are kind of fun to do. Good luck with yours! Have a great day-Jenny
Anita says
This is a great idea! Thanks for sharing at Link Party Palooza.
Jennifer says
Thank you Anita
vrmm26 says
Totally reminds me of my grandma but yours is much prettier. Hers was strictly utilitarian. Can’t remember the last time I stopped at a garage sale but given your find, I should probably get over it and pull the car over! Visiting from Friday Finds.
Jennifer says
Thank you so much. I have a second really old stool that I use a lot. It was utilitarian. Those can be fixed up very cute too .
littlevintagecottage says
I love this stool makeover, the fabric is so sweet!
Tania
Jennifer says
Thank you so much Tania!
Terry says
What a sweet makeover! I love your choice for fabric, it’s so fresh looking! I hope you have a great day!
Smiles!
Terry
The Curator’s Collection & Making Broken Beautiful (Thursdays)
http://thecuratorscollection.wordpress.com
Jennifer says
Awwww thank you Terry. Wishing you a great day too!
Michelle Schurman says
Jenny, once again, this is ADORABLE. I love to see all of your new projects. Yes, yes…LOVE yard sales and second hand stores!!
Jennifer says
See, I knew all the cool chicks go to yard sales! . Thank you for the kind words Michelle
Holly - Creatively Living says
It turned out so cute! Good job!
Jennifer says
Thank you so much Holly ❤️
Maggie Overby says
Cute makeover! My grandmother had one of these and I remember it was my favorite thing as a child. Hers was not nearly as pretty as yours is now though.
Jennifer says
Isn’t funny how as a child something as simple as a kitchen stool stood out to us. I love that you remember grandma’s kitchen stool too. Have a great weekend Maggie, hugs – Jenny