Back To Stool
Another white ceramic thing came to live at Casa Petersik. I know, I know. We’re nothing if not consistent. But this time it’s not shaped like an animal. Don’t dismay, it’s still quite fun. Why look, it’s a little ceramic garden stool:
Some people might declare that these little stools are too trendy, or even (gasp) over. But we don’t really subscribe to the notion that the world at large can decide when it’s uncool to like something (perhaps it’s why I wore bodysuits and stirrup pants far beyond the bounds of 5th grade, but I make no apologies and only blush profusely at the memory). Anyway, the truth is that we would have purchased this white ceramic guy ten years ago and we’re sure we’d still enthusiastically snatch him up in ten years to come, so to us that spells classic with a capital C. Really, it can live in any room of the house and work effortlessly with all of our decor. In other words, it had us at hello.
Of course we’ve seen these babies everywhere from Domino to Pottery Barn, but the normal $100+ price tag is always a bit of a drag (here’s one that’s currently selling at PB for $160). The truth is, we rarely spend over $75 on a small side table (thanks mostly to Victoria Hagan’s collection for Target). So we kept our eyes peeled for something a little less expensive- praying to the ceramic stool gods that a deal would come our way. Enter this lovely little lady, stage right. See the sweet paisley detailing?
And get a load of that price tag:
It says take me home immediately. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Do not stop to browse the exotic chocolate offerings near the checkout. Well, mission accomplished.
HomeGoods is a great place (check it out if you haven’t been!) for thrifty little finds like this. And we pored over fifteen garden stools to find the best deal of the bunch. They actually had a slew of them in different colors and patterns, but this white paisley guy was the only one that was $29 (while most of the others were $39-$59). It was meant to be!
So that concludes our ceramic stool love-fest. What do you guys think? Are there any items out there that you guys love but just can’t bring yourselves to shell out the big bucks for? Tell us what you’re coveting and we’ll send some good sale karma your way!
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I love the daybed/sofa in these pictures! Where did you get it? Where can I find something similar?
Thanks!
Hey Amy,
The daybed is actually from West Elm (I believe they still make the exact model in white and in brown). It’s called the “overlapping squares daybed.” It was a wedding gift (definitely one of our favorites!) and we still think of John’s God Mother every time we settle in on a Saturday afternoon. Hope it helps!
xo,
Sherry
Sherry I am the Homegoods queen. My blog should actually be titled that. They have a bronze colored on at mine that is on clearence and has been for months. I am thinking about getting it but its $36 and I saw the same one in a magazine. And that glass that you have….ummmmI bought 4 in all the colors they had…arent they pretty..I love em.
Oooh bronze sounds fun! Very West Elm. And $36 is a steal! So funny that you have all the colored glasses in sets of 4. Very smart! I bet a party at your HomeGoods decorated pad is fun and fabulous with all those colored glasses! Dibs on a blue one if I’m ever invited…
xo,
Sherry
I think that was a steal, and it looks fabulous next to the day bed. Oh, how I wish we had a Homegoods.
My name is Leigh, I’m a Home Goods junkie. Can’t beat their prices on towels – I found an awesome set of grey and white zebra striped towels (very similar to some I saw at West Elm) that were a fraction of the price. Just in time for the end of our bathroom renovation! I also bought my Le Creuset tea kettle there, 400 thread count sheet sets, All Clad pan, and these adorable bedside water decanters for guests. The glass decanter was only $7, has frosted glass polka dots, and this adorable little drinking glass / lid. Love it!
HomeGoods is my new favorite store. There are great finds for great deals. I picked up a serving platter and cute matching butter knives for a house warming gift – perfect! and it didn’t break the bank!
what’s with the slot in the side? Does it double as a mailbox?
Silly Jamie- It has two handles (you’re seeing one of them) for easy carrying. I bet your stylish girlfriend could tell you that, though!
xo,
s (& j)
I love, love, love me some HomeGoods :) I went on Saturday and picked up a lamp for my living room and some starfish. Its rare that I go in and don’t walk out with something!
Fantastic. I feel a trip to Home Goods coming on!
Love love love the little garden stool, of course I love the day bed, and it goes with out saying that I scour Home Goods for nifty little finds like this one (you should take a bow on the price of your prize!) But, can we talk scale for a minute?! It could be the picture, but isn’t it just a tad too small to work as an end table? Of course this comment is coming from the person who gets the scale of lamps wrong every time (I think I’ve purchased and returned more than I own). I would probably put something larger behind this beauty to make it work with the height of the arms of the sofa/day bed. Just a thought!
Hey Carmil,
You’re such a smart cookie to think about scale! And because there’s nothing on the other side of the daybed (there’s no end table on the other side because we have a dining table in the corner so we didn’t want things to get crowded), we thought a little drum stool on one side would feel a bit more balanced than a big side table on the left with nothing on the right! It definitely makes more sense in the whole context of the room, and the thing we love most about our new stool is that he’s definitely going to hang out in every room of the house. Perhaps plunked down next to a chair in the den next, or maybe as a new side table in the guest bedroom. He’s definitely going to get around.
And thanks to the small-ish size we can squeeze him in almost anywhere, so as long as there’s not a monstrous table on the other side of the object that he’ll soon live next to, he should fit right in (balance is key!). But it bears mentioning that because these stools have a relatively small surface area, keeping whatever’s on top of them small and in proportion to the stool (no lamps or large stacks of hardcover books) will help the little guy work in almost any arrangement. Hope it helps!
xo,
Sherry
Did I see that right? $29.99? Seriously!?!?! That’s such a great find! I love it!
I love the white ceramic stool! I’ve been looking at those too (at Home Goods), and have seen the bronzey one someone else mentioned. That’s a fabulous one too.
Target had square shaped ones (one in a turquoise/grey/white Moroccan design) during the Home Event…and I’m mad that I didn’t snatch one up then. Especially at 50-75% off. What was I thinking? Ah well.
Anywho, I am coveting Louis Ghost chairs, the West Elm square shaped Capiz shell chandelier, Restoration Hardware silk curtains in a camel/bronze color, white sheepskins from Ikea (they currently only have grey), the acrylic console table from CB2, the West Elm parsons table in white, more palm trees from Home Depot or Lowe’s, and topiaries!
Oh and so many other things too….for instance, I love those chandelier decals. [I'm pretty sure they're "oh so 15 minutes ago" but like you, I really try not to let the retail marketers tell me what to buy and what to love. (Sorry Sherry & John, I know you were/are in that field
:-) :-) :-)]
There’s more….but, I’ll cap it off there!
Happy Monday!
Haha, it’s true Katy. Back in our advertising days in New York, we used to push baby shampoo, luxury cars, tampons, and milk (of course the celebrity Got Milk campaign was the most fun… and you can probably guess that tampons were the least exciting).
As for all the items you’re coveting, we totally hear ya! A Louis Ghost chair has been on my list forever and it’s not going anywhere, and of course you know we love a capiz chandelier! Thanks for sharing your wish list. We’ll send some sale karma your way!
xoxo,
Sherry
Gasp! I’ve been looking everywhere for one of this in a creamy white.. they only have odd colors at my local home goods.. but the price is right! I don’t care if they’re over either, I just like the look in an empty corner. Great buy!
I’ve been looking for a small scale velvet covered storage ottoman to sit in front of my Ektorp chair for ages. I finally found one at Target for $59.99 and it even had the little bun feet I wanted. And then they CANCELED my order and now nothing else comes close. Sigh.
I love it! I was in Home Goods last weekend and saw an awesome assortment of ceramic garden stools too – I can’t believe I didn’t pull the trigger! Your post has inspired me to take another trip out there to pick one out. Way to score another fab decor deal!
That would look amazing in our guest room as a 2nd night stand. We don’t have enough room for a full table, but I love that little guy.
Unfortunately the closest homegoods to me is all the way in VA Beach and it’s inside a TJMaxx.
Well, I work part-time at Pier 1 Imports (mainly for the 25% employee discount), and I’ve been desperately wanting a papasan chair, which with the cushion is around $130..which isn’t a bad deal, but not in my price range for “things I don’t absolutely need.” Even with the discount, it’s still a great price, but I’m waiting for the one special day that they go on sale even more! We also sell garden stools, but they’re in that higher price range that you speak of.
Are they meant to stand over a faucet? Is that what the hole is for?
Hey Victoria,
There are openings on both sides of the stool which serve as handles for easy carrying (since they were originally intended to be used in the garden as a place to sit as you trim your plants and tend to you garden, they were designed to be easy to move and pick up). Hope it helps!
xo,
Sherry
I actually almost bought one of these the other day but I wanted to come back home and see were I would put it first. I’m still deciding on whether to get one or not. They were 29.99 at Old Time Pottery as well. I haven’t been to homegoods in a few weeks so if I decide to get one I may check theirs out as well.
Love love LOVE that gorgeous stool!! The nearest Home Goods to me is a bit of a hike so I’ve never been, but I’m definitely hightailing myself over there ASAP! Hopefully I can find something just as awesome – and I seem to remember that the mirror in your bathroom is from Home Goods…ok, definitely have to make the hike!
Love your “Too Cute Stool” and the color is perfect! I have been “hearting” a beauty of an ottoman at Big Lots lately…just waiting on them to reduce that price just a little bit more. I’m sorry but $300 for an ottoman {although a very cute Ottoman} is too steep for my budget right now.
Blessings
Lisa
Too funny I was at HomeGoods last week and I saw there huge selection of garden stools. There were so many choices and all around 39 to 59. You were lucky I didn’t see any for 29 near me. I stood there trying to figure out if I really did love it and had the same convo over whether or not the trend is over or on it’s way out. I couldn’t come up with a decision on what to do so I left empty handed, but your post now has me itching to go back and snag one!
WOW – what a great find! I’ve been wanting one of these, but you’re right – they are typically so pricey! I’ll have to check out HomeGoods. Thanks for the share and it looks fabulous in that room!
SUCH a great find! I’ve been seeing these stools everywhere but – like you guys – winced at the $100+ pricetags! You are such great little bargain hunters :)
I wish wish wish WISH Home Goods was in my neck of the woods. I would be there All The Time.
Where is there a Home Goods near Richmond? I searched on their web site and there wasn’t a location within 50 miles?
Hey Sarah and Lori,
We actually were up visiting John’s parent’s in Northern Virginia two weekends ago when we stopped in at the HomeGoods up there (right by Ikea, our other favorite stop in that neck of the woods). Can’t wait for one in Richmond!!!
xo,
Sherry
Which HomeGoods did you go to? Last I checked our Richmond one isn’t open yet? I’m dying for it to open!
I’d never heard of HomeGoods, so I just assumed that chain hadn’t made it to the West Coast (I’m in Los Angeles). But one of your other commenters mentioned it in the same post as buying palm trees (not that palms are only on the West Coast, but it’s what got my attention). And coincidentally palm trees of various sorts were on BIG TIME SALE this weekend at Home Depot – I literally thought I read the prices wrong.
Anyway, so I checked out the HomeGoods website and what do you know? They have TONS of locations in this area. None that I would drive past regularly (so I don’t have to feel silly about not noticing them), but definitely within driving distance! I’ll have to check them out next weekend! Thanks for the tip. :)
I am coveting, this is sad as it’s only $25 but still… those magnetic bamboo boxes for letter sized paper while it is sold out so I am holding out. I feel like should be able to find one ~$18 or so without paying shipping somewhere. Help oh gods of discount.
Hilarious! I posted about the stools at HomeGoods this morning, too! I visit every HG around me (and trust me, there are TONS in the metro Detroit area!) and I have yet to see them at $29.99 like yours. What a great score! The one I’m after is $36 on clearance or there is a great one for $39.99 that I’m also thinking about (both are white of course since I, too, have a love of all things white). I love them since you can use them as a table or a stool when you need extra seating (mine will go on the back patio).
That’s too funny Heather S! Great minds must blog alike. I love the idea of using them on a back patio, too. Do you know if they can be out in the winter weather without cracking or freezing? I’d love to set mine out on the porch from time to time (he really is going to live in every room if I can help it) but maybe I’ll just do that in the warmer months and bring him into the sunroom or the house when it gets cold…
xoxo,
Sherry
Love Homegoods. I have slowly added to my kitchen supplies by shopping there, they have such great deals! I also love finding random imports there at deep discounts as well that I’ve seen in my treasured UK decor mags.
I’ve been wishing for a Moroccan pouf, but really can’t spend $300 on one …
http://www.johnderian.com/imports/poufs.html
You did great! The shiny curves juxtapose the straight, angular lines of the daybed and the pattern in the rug. I like the paisley pattern, too, for the same reason. More of a feminine touch and way cuter than the PB version. And, I think the size works. It’s hard to tell from a photo how proportions work in a room. Unless you have a magazine stylist for a mate. Hmmm. Maybe mine should look into that!
Sherry,
Garden stools are here to stay!!!! Mine got a TON of mileage this week when my mother came to visit and we made her a makeshift bedroom in our living room (gotta love 1 bed apts). This stool was a multi-tasker: from bedside (airmattress-side, rather) table, to impromptu catch all for drinks and snacks, AND it was a Homegoods steal at 20$!
Great find!
-courtney
Hey Sherry,
I’m not sure how they stand up to cold weather but I bring all my patio items into the basement in November and put them back outside in April so it should be safe! I cannot wait to start decorating the back patio this year (plans are already in action) and a nice ceramic garden stool is just what I need. I don’t care if it is an old trend – they look great and serve dual purposes which is perfect for me.
~H.
I love visiting the Home Goods stores in my area. I have picked up beautiful paisley upholstered storage boxes, small dishes, white ceramic flower votive holders, and several coffee table books for low low prices. I usually make a bee line for the huge mirrors, lamps, and rugs to see if there is anything new.
Can I say how jealous I am? Great find! I have recently moved to the Seattle area where I am 144 miles away from the closest Home Goods store (luckily it’s in Oregon, so when I do make it… NO SALES TAX!) After being spoiled with a few back home in the San Francisco Bay Area, the home section of my local TJ Maxx seems soo small.
I just posted 2 new blogs about my favorite new finds at Target. They are no steal of a $30 deal but they are still quite affordable. The chairs and ottomans could be perfect for some of your design advice suggestions.
Hey Melissa,
Thanks for the tip! I’m headed over to check out your finds…
xo,
Sherry
Home Goods is the mecca for finds. I bought something very very similiar to this lamp
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p11808/index.cfm?pkey=call%2Dtable%2Dfloor%2Dlamps
for a mere $45!!!
I love this, may need one. Someone already mentioned, but just to second, Old Time Pottery (another love) has them in several colors for $29 too, if you can’t find them at Home Goods! That was probably way too many commas…
What a great find!
Oh my gosh, me again! Had to chime back in on Home Goods.
I’m in my Home Goods all the time! When I need a quick get-away from hubster & the kids (& running off to Cabo is out of the question) I grab a Starbucks & walk the aisles of Home Goods, checking out EVERYTHING. Their clearance areas are amazing. I’ve scored some incredible deals there. (I especially find it a cool place to score very affordable wall art….on clearance….)
My problem is that I kind of nickel & dime myself by doing that….so, I spend $10 here & $15 there…and don’t end up saving up & having the cha-ching when the bigger, or more expensive items catch my eye. Sigh. (must practice more discipline, young grasshopper.)
You know it’s bad when the Home Goods manager knows you by & comments when she hasn’t seen you in a day or two. :-)
Wanted to tell yall that I bought a Starck ghost chair on EBAY for $100! I got it from a furniture dealer that was selling slightly scrated chairs. I got it and it looks perfect! Check ebay and set up a favorite search so it will email you everytime a new one is posted.
Hey Emily,
Wow! What a score. Thanks so much for the tip!
xo,
Sherry
You always find such great stuff at great prices!
Love the look in your sunroom with your daybed and new stool! I have a great antique daybed that I am holding on to despite that my family keeps urging me to get rid of it. A stool like that would be perfect. It’s new home will be the office as soon as I can get some manly help in moving it! I’ll be on the look out at Home Goods and TJ Maxx.
I went to a local HG last night and what did I see? Your exact stool – three of them in fact! It is more of a cream than white but still pretty. It was also $29.99 at my store but I ended up getting a plain white one for $36 since it was a little taller and wider than yours. Love HomeGoods! :)
Sherry! I love your bargain shopping. I’ll often buy something just because it’s cheap, well, and of course, I’ll love it too!
I had a question about your rug. I know it’s from JC Penney, but which color is it? Cappucino or Deep Camel? I really like this rug. I’ve been eyeing it on their website for awhile, but it’s always hard to see the true color since they don’t have this in my store. Thanks!
Hey Kiley,
It’s the cappucino colored honeycomb rug, which is more of a nice mocha tone than a deep chocolate. Hope it helps!
xo,
Sherry
Yep it does help! On their site, it looks much more chocolatey! ha ha. Thanks for writing a great blog. I love reading it.
So, I know this was posted up sometime ago, but I just found it. I must admit, I was jealous of the fabulous deal you got on the garden stool! However, I’d like to thank you because I went to Homegoods today and found a white garden stool! Best of all it was only $49.99. It’s identical to one West Elm had! Anyway, thanks for everything. Love the blog!
Sweet deal. So glad you found one!
xo,
s