Little things mean a lot. If you caught our recent post on vanity tables, you know the importance of carving out a little bit of space for yourself to rejuvenate, get ready for the day, and wind down at night. While having a vanity or a dressing table is definitely a perk, it’s the vanity stool that gives you a place to sit and reflect. In fact, sometimes a compact stool is all it takes, as you can pull it up next to your bathroom counter or a console table and voila: instant vanity!

Today’s post is a roundup of vanity stool possibilities. From the glam to the earthy, we’re showcasing a range of options, including a few that encourage you to think outside of the box (hello dual-purpose furnishings). After scrolling through the options below, we think you’ll agree that there’s power in the most petite of pieces. [metal vanity stool below featured at Wayfair]

Plush and Glam

If you’re looking for a vanity stool that instantly channels a luxe look, something upholstered with a hint of gold will definitely do the trick. Anthropologie’s Velvet Floret Stools (available in green and pink) feature cotton velvet fabric over a tropical hardwood frame. Polished brass bands add the perfect dose of gilded shine:

CB2’s Pleated Boucle Ottoman Stool showcases an abundance of pleats, as well as textured boucle fabric that’s pulled together at the base with a ring of brass:

A tufted round cushion and gold-toned legs make Mercer 41’s Temple Meads Metal Vanity Stool an eye-catching piece, and brushed velvet upholstery that’s also available in pink creates a rich, jewel-toned effect:

Brass is definitely a top trend when it come to glamorous vanity stools, but this curved seating option by Everly Quinn (featured at Wayfair) is unique in its form. Curves and lines intersect to create a retro-modern stool that’s striking enough to stand on its own if not accompanying an equally elegant vanity.

Urban Outfitters’ Wire Loop Chair is a more casual take on glam vanity stool style, thanks to a matte finish and a vintage vibe. A looped back provides a whimsical dose of elegance:

Clean-Lined and Streamlined

If a vanity stool with a streamlined look is a better fit for your space, there are plenty of no-frills options that are as sleek as they are stylish. Consider Crate & Barrel’s Oden Round Upholstered Stool, available in three colorblocked palettes. Durable velvet gets the job done, and bold stripes offer a fresh look.

A circular base complements the circular cushion of Mercury Row’s Mcevoy Vanity Stool. Neutral tones create a serene look and offer true versatility:

The Velvet Bernadette Vanity Stool has a classic look with the power to complement a variety of design styles, from the traditional to the modern. A solid oak frame and a blue velvet cushion are the perfect pairing, as shown below.

Wood for the Win

When searching for your dream vanity stool, it’s hard not to notice the large number of offerings crafted from wood. Not only does wood evoke the earthiness of nature, it’s durable and versatile. Wooden stools and benches are often seen in powder rooms, resting next to the shower or the tub while topped with towels and soaps. It’s easy to move them to the mirror, where they can double as vanity seating. Anthropologie’s Zuri Outdoor Stool does just as well indoors:

Also from Anthropologie, the Agatha Pine Stool is available in black, neutral, and white-tipped. Reclaimed pine is the material of choice, and a classic silhouette makes this piece a true standout.

For another vanity stool option with angled legs, check out Crate & Barrel’s Tulio Stool, crafted from teak certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. A contoured seat adds comfort, while natural wood grain creates a gorgeous surface. Another great option for displaying folded towels in the powder room, this piece is an ideal vanity stool, due to its thoughtful design:

Union Rustic’s Macri Accent Stool adds another level of depth with visible tree lines, as if a tree stump were foraged and brought indoors. Instant earthy style for your vanity:

Are we seeing a trend here with circular wooden stools featuring angled legs? Target’s take on the look involves a smooth surface crafted from solid rubberwood. Say hello to the Hearth & Hand Shaker Accent Table or Stool, available in black or natural (shown below).

We now move into rattan territory, which can evoke everything from the tropical and breezy to the sleek and retro. Serena & Lily’s Avalon Stool features a bent rattan frame accented with hand-wrapped strips. A comfy cushion is the icing on this cake:

Gorgeous and sleek, the Ria Stool from Urban Outfitters is inspired by 1970s design and beautifully executed. An X-base and round tabletop crafted from looped rattan create an unforgettable silhouette:

Spa stools are an ideal way to evoke a resort feel in your home, and Etsy shop In This Space’s M Bamboo Spa Stool is no exception. Consider this piece for a modern vanity stool, especially if your vanity is in the powder room:

Creative Solutions

We end today’s post with a reminder that thinking outside of the box can result in some truly creative solutions for your vanity stool. If you’re short on space, a dual-purpose furnishing just might be the answer. A case in point: a side table can double as a stool. Urban Outfitters’ earthenware Mila Scallop Ceramic Indoor/Outdoor Stool features a lovely scalloped base. When not in use as a stool, it can double as a side table, as shown below.

If your search for the perfect vanity stool isn’t leading you to your dream solution, take some time to browse low counter or bar stools. On her blog Eyeswoon, Athena Calderone showcases her beautiful master bathroom, pointing readers to this textured, upholstered counter stool from CB2 for a similar look:

Another chic option from CB2 is the Chiaro Clear Counter Stool, crafted from acrylic and steel. Also note that acrylic furnishings help cultivate an uncluttered look, thanks to a “barely there” appearance. Then again, the elegance of acrylic is sure to get noticed!

We end with a friendly reminder that an ottoman may be the plush vanity stool you’ve been searching for. Cylindrical ottomans are timeless, thanks to a retro-modern look that’s clean-lined and comfy at the same time. Below we see a collection of Bumper Small Ottomans from Blu Dot:

Wood or metal, acrylic or rattan, the vanity stool of your dreams represents that perfect combination of comfort and style. The good news: a range of compact pieces are yours for the browsing, allowing you to find a seating solution that reflects the style of your space, as well as the size of your budget. Happy shopping, and thanks for reading!