How to upcycle a stool

Give your room a shabby-chic makeover with this Scandi-style stool - just paint to match your decor!

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Published: December 28, 2021 at 7:15 am

Upcycling is a trend that just keeps growing, which is great news for crafters as you can pick up old bits of furniture for next-to-nothing in charity shops and online auctions. This piano stool cost just £3 to buy, and with a bit of elbow grease and a lick of paint, it has been transformed into chic homeware that can be used as a stool, coffee table or bedside table.

Makes like this give you a fantastic opportunity to show off your unique style and if you're looking for a side hustle, projects like this will earn you loyal customers who keep coming back for more.

How to upcycle a stool - portrait

We have lots of other upcycling projects if you're looking for more inspiration, we love this upcycled chair, or how about this decoupage table project? And we love this how to reupholster a stool project.

We love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to share your upcycling or craft projects with us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, too!

You will need:

  • Stool
  • Water-based undercoat
  • Pure brilliant white topcoat in silk
  • Turquoise chalk paint
  • Chalk paint sealer
  • Paintbrush
  • Fine-grade sandpaper
  • Sponge and hot soapy water
  • Masking tape
How to upcycle a stool - detail

How to upcycle a stool

Step 1

Lightly sand down the stool using fine-grade sandpaper, then give it a good wash with hot soapy water to remove any dust and residue. Leave to dry. If your stool is older, or more rugged, it might be necessary to start with coarse grade sandpaper, then gradually work your way down to a fine grade.

Step 2

Apply a layer of undercoat to all the areas of the stool that you’d like to paint – we’re painting the legs and the seat for this project. Leave to dry in a ventilated area for the amount of time recommended on the tin.

Step 3

Turn the stool upside down so it’s easy to access underneath the seat. Stick masking tape over the screw element in the centre (and any other areas you don’t want to paint). Apply two layers of white topcoat to the legs and the bottom of the screw disc and the bottom of the feet. Leave to dry for the length of time recommended on the tin in a ventilated area.

Step 4

Once the paint is completely dry, turn the stool the correct way up and paint the top of the screw disc with two layers of white topcoat. Paint the top and rim of the seat with two layers of turquoise chalk paint and leave to dry in a ventilated area for the length of time recommended on the tin.

Step 5

Once all the paint is completely dry, remove the masking tape from the screw element. If you find that there are a few paint splatters on the screw element, then rub gently with a piece of fine-grade sandpaper to remove them.

Step 6

Following the instructions on the tin, apply a layer of sealer over the turquoise paint, to finish. Congratulations – you have upcycled a stool! Once it’s dry, find somewhere to proudly display your masterpiece.

How to upcycl a stool


We hope you’ve enjoyed this easy project on how to upcycle a stool. If you’re looking for more easy upcycling projects, why not make these wine bottle lights or how about trying out stencils (we give you a free one) in how to upcycle a chair.

Did you know that you can make your own chalk paint? Learn how to make chalk paint with our friends at YourHomeStyle.