33 Tropical Garden Stools

FOR OVER 1,000 YEARS, garden stools have served as little outdoor workhorses on decks, at poolside, in gardens, or whereever an extra seat or mini table was needed.

However, in recent years this decorating staple has been re-discovered as wildly popular functional decor for home interiors as well as outdoor environs.

ORIGINS GO BACK TO CHINA

According to historians, garden stools of some type can be traced back to China's Song Dynasty (960 to 1279 A.D.) There was a great interest in enjoying your personal garden area back in the day; and sititng in the mud wasn't an enticing option. That's why garden stools found favor with the the rich and poor alike as simple, space-saving seating for homes, courtyards and gardens.

The traditional barrel shape still sold today was designed by Chinese artisans living during the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644 A.D.).

At first, the primary material employed to make a garden stool was either natural stone or ceramic, as both performed well in all kinds of weather. Some say these early renditions were inspired by the garden tradition, beloved by Buddhists, whereby rocks and tree stumps were repurposed as meditative seating. Porcelain and ceramic later became the materials of choice for outdoor garden stools; while wood was commonly used to make inside versions.

As stool designs evolved over the centuries, Chinese artisans added more intriquing decorative elements, including pierced motifs, fretwork, raised designs (especially faux nailheads), and even metallic paint.

From the start, creators have enjoyed decorating stools by painting all sorts of patterns, birds, fish, flowers and greenery on them. Depending upon the effect desired, sometimes main background colors will be subtle to blend in with the painted designs.

In other instances, background shades will be in sharp contrast to the colors chosen depicting patterns, or various living things flying, swimming or growing around the stool's surface.

Delicate patterns, then and now, are still popular. One that has stood the test of time is the traditional Chinese style featuring blue ornamentation on a white stool.

PERFECT FOR EVERY ROOM

America was a bit late to the garden stool party, as designers and homeowners here didn't seem to recognize it as a furniture treasure until the middle of the 20th century. But since then, the country - and indeed the world - has embraced this little homegoods treasure.

Go to any home furnishings shop (online or IRL) and you'll find a plethora of options in materials, style, color, shape, design and size. Why? Just as the ancient Chinese discovered centuries ago, the garden stool is not only attractive, affordable and beautiful, but also highly flexible in what it can do.

You can use a garden stool as:

an extra seat for the indoor or outdoors (check the weight capacity and delicacy);
an end table to display photo frames, hold a flower vase or your cell phone, or rest your purse or a drink;
a serving table for trays of food or drink;
a coffee table in front of your couch or chairs (use one or two stools);
a storage piece in hold towels in a bathroom, or toiletry items inside a shower stall (if the stool is waterproof);
a fun design element for adding a pop of color;
a wardrobe seat inside your closet or bedroom for when you put on/off your shoes, clothes or pantyhose;
a stand for plants or seasonal decorations (inside or outside);
a nightstand in a bedroom to hold a lamp, alarm clock, phone or book; etc.

33 GARDEN STOOLS

There are literally thousands of garden stools in the marketplace. However, not all of them are ideal choices for those of us seeking coastal or tropical pieces for our homes. What to do?

Well, we have a solution! Tropics Lifestyle staff conducted extensive research for you, dear reader, and found almost three dozen uncommonly unique garden stools we think you'll love as much as we do.

Hopefully these little beauties will inspire you to get out there shopping for a new stool. If you find a gem, please share your success by emailing us (info@tropicslifestyle.com) a photo we can share with other readers. T

TROPICSLLIFESTYLE

HOME E Furniture

33

TROPICAL GARDEN
STOOLS

$150

$150

$695

$190

$117

$112

$274

$230

$92

$375

$179

$184

$189

$466

$199

$198

$179

$195

$385

$100+

$240

$150

$123

$196

$281

$300+

$425

$350

$350

$534

$219

$233

$224

TROPICSLLIFESTYLE

HOME E Furniture

33

TROPICAL GARDEN STOOLS

$150

$150

$695

$190

$117

$112

$274

$230

$92

$375

$179

$184

$189

$466

$199

$198

$179

$195

$385

$100+

$240

$150

$123

$196

$281

$300+

$425

$350

$350

$534

$219

$233

$224

TROPICAL GARDEN
STOOLS