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The Best Vanity Stool

Last updated on December 11, 2020
Best Vanity Stool

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If you’ve been on the real estate hunt at all, you know that two rooms can make or break a house: The kitchen and the master bathroom. But as much time as we spend obsessing over kitchen decor, that bathroom too often gets neglected.

One particular object that doesn’t get enough attention is the humble vanity stool. That’s surprising, considering that for many of us, it’s the first seat we use after rolling out of bed in the morning. Since the decor in our bathroom is more or less set, it’s important to find a stool that not only complements this relaxing vibe but supports us during what can be our lengthy makeup routines.

The first thing to do is a little measurement. It may not be the most fun part of picking out a stool, but a seat that’s too high won’t let your legs fit under the counter of your vanity — and one that is too short will wreak havoc on your back. Most stools are petite seats that have a height of 18 or 19 inches, which should be fine for most vanities. If you have a recessed table that runs a little shorter on a taller one that requires a bar-style stool, break out the measuring tape. Your stool should be approximately 10 inches lower than the underside of the counter. That will allow your legs plenty of room.

Depending on what your makeup nook looks like, you may also want to give some thought to the width of your stool. If your vanity is set up in the bathroom, space might be at a premium, especially if there are others using it. Make sure your seat tucks underneath the vanity without sticking out to stub any unwary toes.

Now that the math is out of the way, you can shop for comfort and cohesiveness. Cushioned seats are the way to go if you’ve got a little extra to spend. Plush or not, there are a ton of designs to choose from, ranging from spindly-looking thrones to tufted stools that resemble ottomans. Just make sure that the look of your stool matches that of your bathroom.

Our Picks For The Top Vanity Stools

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Best All-Purpose

SONGMICS URDS51W Concave Vanity Stool

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

SONGMICS

URDS51W Concave Vanity Stool

This compact stool can fit most any makeup nook. The legs will support plenty of weight without sticking out and causing spills in tight bathroom quarters. The built-in cushion is comfortable enough to sit on for extended periods of time.

Overall Take

Perfect Height, SizeWith a compact profile, this sturdy stool fits under any vanity.

 Best for Families

HomGarden Adjustable Hydraulic Vanity Stool

HomGarden

Adjustable Hydraulic Vanity Stool

If you like to cover a lot of area while doing your morning routine, this stool is for you. The wheels are able to roll even along carpeted floors, and the height can be adjusted to fit a variety of countertops. This seat can adapt to salons, desks, bathrooms or most any other setting.

Overall Take

Mobile OptionThis adjustable stool travels up, down or side to side equally well.

 Best for Teens

BirdRock Home Faux Fur Vanity Stool

BirdRock Home

Faux Fur Vanity Stool

With just a few screws needed, this seat is easy to assemble. The result is a striking piece of furniture that can complement a wide variety of decor types. The low profile makes it easy to slide under any makeup desk.

Overall Take

Flashy Yet FunctionalA furry look and easy assembly make this a great stool for fashionable sitting.

 Best Classic

Organizedlife Wood Legs Vanity Stool

Organizedlife

Wood Legs Vanity Stool

The thick legs on this stool are equipped with pads on the bottom that treat fragile bathroom floors with care. Assembly is a breeze with this item, but the quality wood and thick construction ensure that it's built to last. The demure yet attractive profile fits in with any vanity.

Overall Take

Understated, Sturdy DesignExpect easy assembly and years of use out of this seat.

What to Look For

If you have a makeup table in the bedroom, you have a lot more freedom to make your vanity stool look and feel like a throne. Not to say that you can’t do the same in the bathroom. Just know that bathrooms do tend to get humid, if not downright wet. That means a lot more wear and tear over time on certain fabrics. Make sure that if you have a cushioned stool that it’s made from water-resistant material. It’ll keep its color better and last longer in general.

More to Explore

It’s unknown when humans first dedicated a piece of furniture solely to makeup, but the earliest examples of what we now know as a vanity table date back to the 1600s. The increasingly complex beauty rituals of European nobles necessitated the creation of dressing tables or “toilette tables.” These creations could be quite complex and might include multiple compartments, folding tops and even a built-in water basin.

More to explore