The Best Stepping Stools for Hard-to-Reach Places in Your Home

Every homeowner needs a stepping stool, and once you have one, you'll rely on it to access everything from the top part of your pantry or a hard-to-reach, deep shelf at the back of your linen closet. Unfortunately, not everyone has the storage space for a full-blown ladder—nor do you always need that much of a leg up. That's where stepping stools come in. These smaller options are generally just a foot or two in height and can either be tucked under another piece of furniture or folded down to fit into the back of a closet or under your bed. To give you a lift—whatever your vertical needs are—we went ahead and culled several of our favorite options.

You'll find a few varieties of stepping stools on our list: single-step, folding, multi-step, or some mix of the three. Stools with just one level are often just a box-shaped piece that doesn't fold or flatten; these double as benches or additional seating for children and normally fit under end tables or can be stowed away at the bottom of a coat closet. Folding stepping stools are taller, allowing you to reach higher items. These pieces are normally foldable and can be hung on a garage or pantry wall—or slid horizontally underneath a bed or sofa. Multi-step iterations, as the name implies, boast at least two steps; some can also be folded, while others serve better as a displayed bench or mobile storage solution. 

What all of these stools have in common, though, are aesthetics—not a single option is an eyesore. Let that serve as yet another reminder that even the most utilitarian house essentials can be aesthetically pleasing. Ahead, find the perfect stepping stool you won't mind leaving out.

Made in Sweden, this solid wood stepping stool is minimalist in appearance, but maximizes space by offering a 17-inch boost. Just don't forget your toolbox—you'll have to assemble this piece yourself once it arrives.

Shop Now: IKEA BEKVAM Home Indoor Solid Wood Step Stool in Black, $84.95, amazon.com.

The slim profile of this piece will make it a favorite in your home. When unfolded, it offers nearly 39 inches of height. It comes in a variety of colors, but we love the cherry red option, which will keep your stool from getting lost in a corner when it's folded up. You'll be able to spot it when you need it.

Shop Now: Ascent Designer Series Slim 2-Step Stool, $54.99, bedbathandbeyond.com.

Made in Italy, this nontraditional stool has plenty of flair. Rest your feet on it while enjoying your morning cup of coffee or use it when you need to get to that just-out-of-reach shelf.

Shop Now: Purill Step Stool, $82.99, wayfair.com.

The perfect stool for a bedroom or powder room, this petite option is great for kids. Don't let its slight stature fool you: It's absolutely sturdy enough to give you or your children a leg up.

Shop Now: Jenny Lind White Step Stool, $79, crateandbarrel.com.

This teak step stool pulls double duty, acting as a step or even sitting stool when needed (it works well during bath time) and a shelving unit (for not-so-frequently used bath products, for example) when not.

Shop Now: Serena & Lily Smoke Teak Step Stool, $148, serenaandlily.com.

You don't have to tuck away this double-step stool when it's not in use—it's too nice to look at. The frame is powder coated with white paint and topped with mango wood tiers.

Shop Now: Crate & Barrel "On the Double" White Wooden Step Stool, $69, crateandbarrel.com.

For a small boost, turn to this sustainably-sourced blackened-oak option. Finished with tung oil and the Japanese wood-charring technique shou sugi ban (this makes it waterproof), the nearly nine-inch-tall stool can be stored in a closet or left out as a decorative accent.

Shop Now: Peg and Awl Handcrafted Wooden Step Stool, $120, food52.com.

Searching for a stool that will make it easier for little hands to reach a countertop for snacks or toys? This iteration will get them there. At just six-inches in height, this stool is the ultimate little boost—and the anti-slip surface will keep kids safe.

Shop Now: EKOBO "Bano" Bamboo Kids Step Stool, $29, burkedecor.com.

If you're looking for a compact stepping stool that can be stored in tight spaces, you're going to love this model, which comes in a serene sage colorway (amongst others!). The piece folds down to a depth of two inches and weighs in at just 10 pounds; made of aluminum, it boasts three steps so you can access every level of a room with ease.

Shop Now: Frontgate Ultralight Slimline 3 Step Stool, $137.08, frontgate.com.

For those looking for a small boost, this option is the answer. The nine-inch-tall piece is one level, and can easily be tucked under side tables or in linen closets.

Shop Now: Little Architect Stool in Rose, $125, burkedecor.com.