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Young House Love » Our Second House » Buying Metal Stools From An Industrial School Supply Shop

| By Sherry Petersik | December 19, 2011 | 563 Comments

Buying Metal Stools From An Industrial School Supply Shop

John wanted me to work Stool Boom into the post title because of this video (which he requests that you all check it out so that you can hum the song while reading this post). Anyway, now in stool news… we got them for our peninsula! And we’re so excited about 1) where we found them, and 2) the price (because four stools can definitely be a budget breaker if they’re priced at $250 a pop). But first, let’s chat about the kitchen budget in general for a second…

Counters View To Stove

We’ve actually spent some real money in certain areas like:

  • new Corian counters (around $1700)
  • new stainless appliances (around $2213 with the new microwave but not including a range hood that we still need)
  • new cork flooring ($848 including underlayment)
  • new backsplash tile (and lots of it, since we’re taking it to the ceiling on one wall – around $280)
  • tearing down a wall to create an extra wide doorway into the dining room ($700 to the contractor plus $90 for the drywall/trim that we did ourselves)
  • in-progress total for the big stuff: $5,831 (still need a range hood, new lighting, floating shelves, art, etc)

And like the majority of renovators, we’re also choosing areas to save, like:

  • reusing our existing cabinets (they’re solid oak, full of interior upgrades, and in great shape)
  • reconfiguring the layout ourselves (we had fun pushing the pantry around and building a cabinet to enclose the fridge)
  • priming/painting the cabinets ourselves (we did it in our first house along with in the office for our built-in desk and really dig the finished product)
  • installing as much as we can (like some of the new lighting that we have on the agenda, and those cork floors that we plan to lay ourselves)
  • using as many discounts and coupons as we can (we stacked discounts when we got our appliances and our counters, along with using a coupon code on our backsplash tile, snagging clearance cork, and getting three contractor estimates to shave over 3K (!) off the highest one)
  • selling things we no longer need on craigslist for money to put back into the makeover (so far we’ve sold our old kitchen table, our old granite, and the black over-the-range microwave that came with our house for a total of $815)

We still have a backsplash to install, cork flooring to lay, new lighting to buy/hang, and floating shelves + a range hood to go up – so admittedly it looks kinda crazy for the amount of money that we’ve spent (since many of the elements that we’ve purchased aren’t in yet). But in a month or two the kitchen should look significantly more finished and upgraded. At least that’s the plan! It’s all just a work in progress until then…

Counters5

But weren’t we talking about stools? Back to that subject. First we debated something clear/acrylic but heard from a few people who said they really disliked how scratched and foggy theirs got with everyday use and only found a few options that we liked (all of which were over $100 a pop). So we went back to the drawing board, which basically meant examining a ton of inspiration rooms. Which (duh) allowed us to pick up on a pretty obvious theme. Apparently we have a thing for industrial metal stools. We also like that they’re not wood since there are a ton of wood-legged chairs in the nearby dining room, so a contrasting metal look is a nice variation (so not everything feels heavy and wood-y).

For functional reasons we decided that our stools had to have backs (so Clara’s booster seat can snap onto one, so bigger kiddos can more easily sit up there, and even for the added support/comfort they’ll provide for adults). So it eliminated some of the cool backless ones like the stools in this photo from atlantahomesmag.com (we’ve seen similar versions on overstock for anyone interested). But that decision still left us wide open to cool science-y stools like these from Restoration Hardware. Too bad they’re $375 each, making four of them a budget breaking $1,500 (sniffle).

So we set off to find some thrifty (preferably secondhand) options for our kitchen – hopefully at around $60 each or less (you know, in an ideal world where perfect $60 stools abound). We actually found an awesome vintage one at a local thrift store for 50 beans (it was even counter height and not bar height, which is what we need) but there was only one and we needed four. Wop wop. So we took to the internet to try to find some sort of industrial warehouse or bulk manufacturer who made science-y counter height stools in our price point. What do ya know, we found these guys on a school supply website of all places:

Stools School Outfitters Sc

I know, I know – it looks more than a little nerdy in that pic (especially because they placed the backrest super high- it’s adjustable). And because it’s not in a delicious room like the other stools above (nothing looks as glamorous when it’s cut out on white). But oddly tall adjustable backrests and white backgrounds aside, there was just something charming about getting lab stools from a school supply place.

They’re admittedly not exactly the same (aka: not nearly as amazing in shape or finish) as the stools in the above inspiration images, but those were sadly (very) out of our budget. And we had a feeling in the right room these affordable guys could really be elevated (you know we’re all about mixing high and low, so things like the new counters, ceiling height backsplash, new appliances, pretty pendant lights over the peninsula, and cork flooring should really elevate them). And the price was riiight. They were $33 each (we got the fixed height 24″ ones). Which means for $168 (including tax and shipping) we got four stools delivered to our door. Here they are in our still very raw and completely unfinished kitchen (but just scroll up to see how metal stools can look pretty darn cool in more finished spaces).

Stools After From Stove

As for their finish, they look nice with the stainless appliances, but once the room comes together more I’m not above tweaking them if I think they’ll look better that way (they were $33 after all…). I’ve definitely contemplated these four options:

  • trying a deeper color, like the brown and oil-rubbed-bronze Elle Decor stools that are up a few photos (thankfully metal takes spray paint really well, and any painted metal chairs that you’d buy from a store are essentially just spray primed and painted in thin and even coats). I was thinking I could even upholster the seats with rough chocolate leather or something, along with using ORB spray on the leggier metal parts.
  • spraying them all white with wipable leather or vinyl upholstered seats if we want them to gleam like the counters (we’re contemplating a deeper toned accent treatment under the peninsula behind them, so white could really pop – more on that in a minute).
  • somehow roughing them up by scuffing, sanding, and maybe even tinting them with some sort of metal stain or glaze that would give them more of an aged/beat up look like some of the more expensive antique-ish stools out there (they could then be sealed with poly so they wouldn’t rub off on anyone)
  • spraying them shiiiiiny shiiiiiny chrome like the ones in the Cote De Texas photo a few pics back
Stools After From Hall

We’ll have to wait and see as the room evolves. You know we like to tweak/learn/figure it out as we go. Our house is like a big puzzle and I’m Nancy Drew… and maybe John’s Scooby Doo? Wait maybe Burger is Scooby and Clara is Nancy Drew. And I’m Angela Lansbury. And John is Mulder. Or is he Skully? I always forget which one is the guy. Update: the guy is Mulder. Thanks google.

Ugh- but those orange-y wood cabinets are really cramping our style. We’re actually working on trim and baseboards and puttying and sanding right now… which means priming and painting are just around the corner! So I know some of you might not “get” the stools at all right now (mom!) but I promise when the rest of the room starts to make more sense around them, you might come around. Just give us a chance to get the room a bit more developed. Pretty please? When in doubt,  just remember that our first house eventually looked like this, but while it was in-progress it looked like this. Haha.

Stools From Dining Room

We especially love how the two adjoined spaces don’t look too wood riddled since we skipped wood stools for the kitchen and went with metal for some nice variety.

Stools Close On Backrest

And although they look a bit light on their feet (thanks to the airy metal construction) these dudes are solid. Not wobbly. Not lightweight. They’re lab stools for goodness sake. So there’s no flimsy feeling because they’re made to last decades in classrooms with people/teens/teachers of all sizes sitting/beating on them. Most likely while using bunsen burners.

In the comfort department they’re actually really comfortable (there’s a bit of flex in the back rest, which is really nice). I mean it’s not like sitting in a padded armchair, but for stools at a counter we think they’re perfect. And Clara’s booster chair snapped right into the one on the end, so that was nice (it said it worked with any chair with a back, but it was good to have confirmation that she was nice and secure up there). Yup, that means we’ve all been eating (and generally hanging out) at the peninsula these days!

Cookies Clara Baking 1

Look, here are Clara and John making cookies at the ol’ new peninsula (can’t see much of the stool, but she’s all strapped in and happy to help stir). More on what amazing concoction they were making here.

Speaking of Clara’s assistance, she also “helped” us assemble the stools. Check out our little leftie in action:

Stools Clara Screwing Stool

And now for a Burger photobomb:

Stools Burger Photobomb

He couldn’t resist getting in on the action too.

Once we have some amazing (we’re actively on the hunt) pendant lights hanging over them above the peninsula things should start coming together a little more.  We sort of have something like this in mind, but we’re definitely not 100% settled yet.

Kitchen Light

Oh and speaking of the peninsula, a few of you couldn’t tell from the installation photos that we got the corners of it rounded, so here’s a pic from the top with a penny on the edge to show how they’re softly curved. Hooray for no sharp corners (for the bean’s noggin and our hips!).

Stools Penny On Corner

But back to the stools (I’m all over the place today, huh?). Have you scored a deal from a school supply company or other unexpected source? Have you recently purchased new stools or chairs? Are you into the whole rough/ industrial mixed with fancy/polished look? It’s definitely not for everyone, but it’s funny how many of our inspiration kitchens are exactly that.

Psst- Ahhhhhh- who saw the Dexter finale last night? Don’t want to give anything away, but it was craaaaaazy! We’re still taking about it.

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Comments

  1. Lindsay Nicole says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:03 am

    I love the stools and I love even more that the title of this post is “Stool Boom.” We are big Waiting for Guffman fans here… we actually have been known to do a “Christopher Guest Fest” with our friends.

    Good luck with the rest of your kitchen reno – it’s coming together wonderfully!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:12 am

      Haha, a Christopher Guest Fest sounds hilarious.

      xo,
      s

  2. Christa says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:04 am

    Hahaha…whoops! I posted this reply on the wrong blogpost AND I put the website in the wrong place! I read your blog every day but this is the first time I’ve ever commented. Utter fail!

    Well, let’s try again! Here’s the link and let’s pretend this is referencing your fun holiday hallway ideas! And the stools are great too :-)
    http://pinterest.com/pin/19632948345106988/

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:12 am

      Haha- no worries! That link worked for me the first time too (maybe I could see it because it was in the blog line of your entry)? Love it!

      xo,
      s

  3. jen says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:05 am

    ZOMG we’ve been HUGE Dexter fans all six seasons, but this year, it was almost an afterthought to Homeland on Sunday nights. Y’all have to check it out (the whole season is on demand) if you haven’t.

    Love the science lab stools, btw. We recently put in some school house lighting and are loving the whole retro school house thing.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:11 am

      We’ve heard amazing things about Homeland! Will have to Netflix the whole season!

      xo,
      s

  4. Monika says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:05 am

    What is amazing is that I’ve been eyeing the same pendants for our kitchen. I first saw them at Pottery Barn (here: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/calhoun-glass-pendant/?pkey=cpendants) – check it out for many photos of the pendants in rooms, over counters, etc. I think they are beautiful. The only thing that concerned me is a couple of comments that they are hard to keep clean/sparkling looking and that the glass is delicate (i.e. hard to remove and clean). Nonetheless, I’m leaning 90% towards buying them and love the discount thanks to you guys. But what an amazing coincidence that you featured the lights I’ve been obsessing over! :)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:11 am

      That’s too funny! We’ll definitely keep you posted if we go with them!

      xo,
      s

  5. Gavin S. says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:06 am

    Too cool! Love that you ordered from a school supply store. Also, so glad to hear that you are considering doing a roughed up wood look under your peninsula. Perhaps something akin to the console table? As the owner of a peninsula/bar with stools, I can tell you that the amount of scuff marks left (even by my grown-up friends!) and the time spent cleaning them are enough to make you want to run out for a can of dark paint (or, even better, some darkly stained boards/panels).

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:10 am

      Haha- yes, we thought our console table wood distressing experience might come in handy!

      xo,
      s

  6. Tracy says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:06 am

    I LOVE THEM!!!! I am so digging everything you are doing in the kitchen right now. Probably because we did our own open shelves with tile behind them (2 year ago..still in progress) and I’m getting tons of great ideas for continuing to spruce up our own space. I love the idea of sanding/glazing the chairs to increase the rustic feel. Have you thought about stenciling some numbers or letters on them as well? Sort of like this? http://knockoffdecor.com/numbered-bureau-with-rope-pulls/ It would be awesome to do numbers/letters that mean something to you, but seem random. Great conversation starter.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:10 am

      That’s really fun!!

      xo,
      s

  7. Barb says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:07 am

    I have been waiting for “that” to happen in dexter. It happened early on in the books the show is based off of. But still it was so exciting, I was on the edge of my seat with my jaw dropped. And that is not a reaction I ever have when watching regular television shows.

    Reply
  8. Becky says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:09 am

    What an interesting place to find a great deal on furniture. I think the stools will look great as the room comes together, especially if you end up going with something a little more industrial for lighting. The wood wall on the peninsula sounds awesome and white would really pop on that. Otherwise, I think ORB or a bright color will stand out more with all of the white that is planned to be added throughout the kitchen already. You guys will figure it out though… excited to see the next step!

    Reply
  9. Jen @ The Decor Scene says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:09 am

    I love where you are going with the kitchen. I also love your idea of maybe installing the wood on the backside of the penisula. I really think it would look awesome. It would all make sense then with the stools, the wood, the flooring & the cabinets and counters. Love the inspiration picture. Gorgeous!!!

    Reply
  10. Kelly says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:10 am

    I love that you’re thinking about reupholstering the stools – I’m 100% on board with that (because my opinion is so important :) )! I’m a high school teacher, so seeing those stools as-is reminds me of the art room where students have colored/painted/drawn all over the seats. The structure of them looks great, though, and I like the steel color.

    Reply
  11. Jessica says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:12 am

    I’m not trying to be a negative nancy, i really do like the stools, but I’m curious about the width at the bottom? Seems like they are so snug that it would be kind of hard to get in and out of one without pulling it completely away from the peninsula.. especially if there was a person already seated at the neighboring stool. Maybe it’s just the way I’m viewing it? Anyways, my unsolicited vote (if you decide to altar them) is super shiny!!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:18 am

      Haha, not to worry! We’ve had four people seated in them (adults while Clara slept) and they’re fully functional for pulling out and getting in while others are still seated! We would have totally returned those babies if they weren’t… function first! Maybe it’s just the pics? We should snap some photos of us sitting in them using the camera on a tripod with a timer one of these days!

      xo,
      s

  12. Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:13 am

    Clara is so precious helping her dad. Sooo sweet. Love the lab stools…great look for your kitchen!
    I posted about a wonderful DIY kitchen on my blog today that you guys might enjoy seeing. It has a stainless counter and gorgeous marble flooring tile. Here’s the link: http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/12/beautiful-kitchen-renovation-welcome-to.html

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:16 am

      So charming! Thanks for sharing!

      xo,
      s

  13. Tux says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:15 am

    As soon as I read the post title I had that song in my head. Awesome.
    I got to listen while I read.

    Looks great PS

    Reply
  14. Amanda B. says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:15 am

    I’ve gotta say, I’m not on board with the whole industrial-look trend. Maybe because I work in manufacturing, so I just think of work when I see galvanized metal, exposed bulbs and wood pallets! Even so, I am still excited to see what you do to these stools to transform them to go with your chic new kitchen! Love the projects and the writing as always, you guys. :)

    Reply
  15. Shannon says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:15 am

    I’m now trying to convince my husband to get these stools for our kitchen. I have a degree in Chemistry and spent years sitting on stools very much like the ones you purchased! I just love them and agree that it breaks up all the wood you see in the dining room.

    They do hold up very well for decades. The “wood” seat will also get a cool patina on them eventually. I can hear their distinctive squeaking in my head fondly. Oh, after a decade or so, you may need some WD-40! LOL

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:21 am

      Haha- we’ll have to get some of that in a few years!

      xo,
      s

  16. BrassyDel says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:16 am

    I could totally see y’all spray painting those stools a bright red or something else fun and funky.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:21 am

      Yes, that’s definitely a possibility once the room comes together (you know we love a pop of color…).

      xo,
      s

  17. Sarah C says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:16 am

    You guys never cease to amaze me! I “get” the stools and think they have a lot of potential to make the room fun. As far as finishing them, it seems like something you would want to wait and see how the dark floors and white cabs. look after they are in the space.

    Nice work!

    Reply
  18. Colleen says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:17 am

    I like your stools. But more importantly… how could Dexter end that way?!?!?! Seriously… how is he getting out of this one?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:20 am

      I know, right?!!!

      xo,
      s

  19. Laurie says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:17 am

    Thank you Thank you!!! I too have been searching for 4 cool industrial looking stools and now they are on the way to my doorstep. I just ordered these. Can’t wait for them to come. Also thinking about powder coating them a cool color – look at my blog to see how we did this with some hardware. Thanks again you just made my day!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:20 am

      I love your powder coating posts! So much fun!

      xo,
      s

  20. Lynn says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:17 am

    I think the stools are awesome! Of course, my dad’s a science teacher…

    The photo studio in town has the front of their counters covered with a dark-stained OSB and it looks really cool. Plus it would be cheap!

    Reply
  21. Barbara D. says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:19 am

    Oh wow! We got the exact same stools from the same place a month or so ago!! Love ’em!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:22 am

      That’s so awesome to hear!

      xo,
      s

  22. Julie in TX says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:19 am

    I LOVE the science stools!!! Even if you didn’t alter them (although I’m certain your touch + cool science stools = awesome) they fit you and your space so nicely!

    Good call on going with a chair with a back. I own 4 of those “too cool” backless stools and anyone and everyone gets a back ache after about an hour sitting on them. At least they are pretty to look at. We’re saving our pennies to switch them out!

    Reply
  23. ana says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:20 am

    I love the kitchen update, piece by piece… and the stools are really cool, I love the idea of lab/school items in a house, it has a nostalgic feeling to it. I have to tell you, that Dexter episode was insane I hit rewind 4 times on the DVR because I could not get over it!!! Hope you have a great holiday! I love reading the blog, wish I could be so on top of my own, maybe one day you guys would like a house crashing in my home… its been a work in progress since we purchased it in March, but it is starting to take the shape I want.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:22 am

      Ooooh feel free to submit house crashing pics! You know we love to poke around…

      xo,
      s

  24. Shannon says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:21 am

    LOVE the chairs!

    Maybe in the end if you decided you wanted to brighten them up or make them more shiny that would be cool too, but who would think to get get stools from a school supply company!

    Reply
  25. WendyMI says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:24 am

    Wow… marking that website to see what other goodies they might have!!!

    Knowing your love of Home Depot and Lowe’s, might I also recommend their two Allen & Roth Edison-style pendant lights… Item #198671 and #348489. I have a couple of the latter lights and love them… but for another room have been watching Shades of Light because they have more options in brushed nickel (aka yummy!)

    Can’t wait to see the room come together. Right now it’s so mish-mash but I trust your vision and think it will fall into place beautifully.

    Reply
  26. Resa says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:24 am

    Love the stools!! That site has other great finds like school lockers and tables too.

    Try govdeals.net ? Or Is it .org for radom finds. A cute old school grade kitchen set (which i see on gov deals from time to time) would be fun in your space for Clara. We once got a “lot” of school maps on gov deals, from a local school district, for a bargain. (have more if u r interested)

    Great recap. You guys are so inspiring.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:50 am

      Thanks for the tip! We’ll have to check it out!

      xo,
      s

  27. Mary says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:25 am

    I think the stools will look great with some kind of darker finish but of course waiting to see how they look with the cabinets painted and the dark floor is a good idea.

    Reply
  28. Ruthy T. says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:26 am

    i’m so glad you’ve done all the research and shared your gems with us! I never would’ve even thought to check there! did it come up in a google search or did someone suggest it? Thanks again for sharing your money saving tips!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:45 am

      John did a bunch of google searching and that site had the best prices and reviews (the same chairs were sold by a few different school sites, but these were the cheapest price for four of them including shipping).

      xo,
      s

  29. houseofearnest says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:29 am

    your new stools are FABULOUS! I really cannot wait to see it all continue to come together!

    and… my husband and I watch dexter on Tuesdays… strange, I know. But after that, I’ll have to talk him into it tonight after monday night football!

    Reply
  30. Lilly says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:29 am

    Wow they look so open and airy I was hoping u guys went for something like the very first ones without the backrest but yes it is very important to acomodate the little beans booster. These really work in ur space its still industrial looking but light and airy at the same time. And the price is awesome. Good luck guys, ur awesome.

    Reply
  31. Wom Mom Ethne says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:30 am

    Homeland’s super good. Haven’t seen the last season of Dexter yet. Can’t wait till it’s on video. I really like the pic of the dark wood back-of-peninsula from the pic you found.

    Wondering, how sturdy are the cork floors? Are the metal feet of the stools going to scratch it up badly?

    Stools really bring me back to college bio and chem. I do recall them being rather uncomfortable, so the upholstering idea is good.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:40 am

      Our cork floors should hold up fine with the stools in action all day long (they actually have rubber foot grippy things to help them slide like most stools). The cork is sealed in a way that it’s sort of like hardwood when it’s installed (and then we’ll seal it again to give it even more strength and get into those cracks) so nothing like chairs moving in and out should dent/scratch it. Someone dragging a fridge across it a few times a day might not be too good for them though…

      xo,
      s

  32. Emily says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:30 am

    I’m having semi-bad flashbacks to college when I see those stools – just because my school has a ton. Oh and I still am in college, but it’s Christmas break so a girl doesn’t want to be reminded of anything school-related. If you want to see pictures of what they look like scuffed up and worn, I can definitely send some pictures! ;) I do know if anyone can make those stools look amazing, it’s YOU GUYS!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:37 am

      Haha, thanks Emily! Sorry for the flashbacks! You’re so lucky to be on Christmas break! Those were the days.

      xo,
      s

  33. Miranda says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:30 am

    I can’t wait to see the kitchen all together…seeing it piece by piece is definitely building the anticipation! Dexter finale blew me and my husband’s minds! I hate we have to wait so long! Every few minutes I say to my husband “i bet you this is what going to happen…” or “what if this happens…” so many possibilities! making me crazy!

    Reply
  34. Sam @ The Junk House says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:31 am

    Dexter was soooo good last night! The ending wasn’t quite as crazy/traumatic as the season finale with Trinity, but I definitely jumped off the couch with excitement last night. I can’t wait for next season!

    Reply
  35. Linda @ It All Started with Paint says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:38 am

    Ingenious idea! I need to remember that Schoolhouse Outfitters site when I create an office space …

    Reply
  36. julie says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:41 am

    A quick tip on the pendant lights… I made 2 very similar to the one you have pictured for around 20 bucks. I got clear glass fitter shades at home depot, 2 black light kits from Ikea, and the holder parts from mylampparts.com…I just spray painted the holders black.

    They turned out really awesome. I can send a pic to you if you would like to see them.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:47 am

      Wow- so cool! And such a deal! Would love to see pics!

      xo,
      s

  37. Sara says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:42 am

    Dexter was totally insane! Jaw droppingly insane! And (in response to the first commenter), Homeland is supposed to be amazing! The boyfriend watches it and loves it. The entire show is On Demand right now (if you’re Comcast people), and I hear it’s definitely worth watching!

    Reply
  38. tara says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:43 am

    The stools aren’t my favorite thing in the kitchen YET – but I have no doubt they will look amazing once the room is finished:) I think it’s those orange-y cabinets throwing me off :) Wish we could fast forward a few months to see it completed!!

    Reply
  39. Sally G says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:43 am

    I sat on those exact stools in HS chemistry. Talk about take me back to Mr. Schmidt’s class! They’re definitely going to suit in the durability category! What would be funny is if someday Clara or any subsequent kiddos wrote their names on the top… that would make them truly authentic. haha

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:47 am

      Haha- someone else said something about sticking gum under them. Ah memories…

      xo,
      s

  40. Zoë says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:43 am

    I love how your kitchen is coming together. I can almost see the finish line. I’m still unsure of how Clara’s seat fits on the stools. Could you post a pic of how it is strapped on because we use a similar booster and I just can’t see it on those stools as the back rest is still pretty small?

    A couple of Christmases ago, I was looking for a plain wooden high chair for my eldest girl’s dolls – I wanted something old school. I Googled and Googled, and ended up finding the perfect one on a school supply website. Who knew?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:50 am

      We’ll have to try to share a pic of that soon. Basically she has a Fisher Price booster seat (with a tray) and it has clips that go under the seat and snap and clips that go behind the back and snap. Those two belts hold it nice and securely.

      xo,
      s

  41. Athena says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:43 am

    I like your stools better than the inspirational pictures. Well done!

    Reply
  42. Heidi P. says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:44 am

    The stools are so fun! Whoda thunk! I’m so excited for all the renovations/updgrades to come together, and now you’ve given me one more thing to be excited about! I can’t WAIT to see what you do w/ the stools – painting, upholstering… I’m going to be reupholstering my stools soon while my parents are here to help. Can’t wait. There are two gray fabrics at IKEA that I want to use, and this one from JoAnn’s: http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat2143&PRODID=zprd_02318392a

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:51 am

      Very pretty!!

      xo,
      s

  43. Laura@JourneyChic says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:44 am

    They’ll be perfect in the room once everything’s done. What an amazing deal! I bet they’d look great with some fun fabric or “leather” covering on the seats. Ultimately what matters is that YOU love them and that they work for your family. It’s a bonus when we the readers think they’re cool, too.

    Reply
  44. Vanessa says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:47 am

    I think they are a perfect fit!

    Reply
  45. Em says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:50 am

    I would pop out the brown board circle in the center of the seat and replace it with richly stained wood. Just use the brown board circle as a template and cut out new circles, then stain them a rich brown. I think that might take the “school supply” edge off of them and make them look a little more high end.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:54 am

      That could be really fun! I was also thinking I could stain and seal the seats as-is for a richer wood look!

      xo,
      s

    • Sheela says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:06 pm

      You could also go really simple – pick some beautiful scrap book paper, cut to size, and employ the ever wonderful Mod Podge! You can easily change the paper if you get tired of it. And the Hard Coat Mod Podge is great for durability on furniture. I used it on some chairs I built for my kids, and it’s been great – a nice non-toxic alternative to most polys.

    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 20, 2011 at 12:03 am

      That’s another fun idea too!

      xo,
      s

  46. Sheila says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:50 am

    Love the stools in the Elle Decor photo best. Just in case you’re taking a survey and keeping track. :)

    I bought a ball pit from a school supply catalog. Not cheap but totally awesome. It’s the real deal – foam and vinyl (like you find in gymnastics mats or -in schools-ha!) and doesn’t get a hole then deflate like all those dang blow-up ones. The balls tend to scatter easier when kids jump in but eventually we just took the balls out. Kids still used it to sit in, watching movies or just playing games in it. Works in pillow forts, etc. We had it for almost 10 years then we shipped it across the country for my 4 nephews to use. I forsee it lasting a long, long time since it still looks as good as the day we bought it.
    Gee, quite a long response to your question, eh?

    Reply
  47. Kim at Yellow Brick Home says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:51 am

    I was almost afraid to click and leave a comment – for fear someone might say something about Dexter! We haven’t watched it yet, but we’re itching REAL BAD. Can’t wait!

    Anyway, I stumbled across that site when I was looking for the perfect drafting chair! I was thisclose to buying one from them, until I decided to splurge on something a bit more supportive – since it’s where I sit all day to paint!

    I remember seeing those though, and I told Scott – how cool would these look as bar stools?!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:54 am

      Haha, I love it!

      xo,
      s

  48. K. Z. says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:54 am

    I LOVE those stools! I totally “see” and “get” it–good buy, you two!

    So, not that you have to love them–they’re not the same as the clear-glass-globe-with-edison-filament look (love, BTW!), but HomeDepot.com has these industrial/nautical pendants on clearance for $10 each with free shipping. I bought two for our island and sprayed them ORB and sanded the edges for a more vintage/industrial look.

    http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202060809/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

    For $10/ea it was hard to justify passing them up, for my kitchen :) Thought I’d share the link just in case.

    Have a good one!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      December 19, 2011 at 11:56 am

      Oh my gosh – those are amazing! And the price is awesome!

      xo,
      s

    • Alisa says

      December 19, 2011 at 2:13 pm

      aaaahhhh!!!! I want those! (sorry, had to jump in at the greatness)

  49. Regan @ RenovatingRothenbergers says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:55 am

    I just had a chemistry class flashback. Haha. I don’t feel particularly drawn to the industrial style in my own home , but when I see inspiration pics like the ones you shared I love it! I guess there are some things we like looking at :) can’t wait to see your kitchen put together – it’s going to be fantastic!!!

    Reply
  50. Jenna at Homeslice says

    December 19, 2011 at 11:57 am

    awesome. I love the stools, and they will really look great once you add in some pendants. I like the ones you pictured, because they have an industrial nod to them and will really tie it all together. Also- your counters look awesome. Clean, simple, beautiful. Awesome, awesome.

    Reply
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John and Sherry Sitting On Woven ChairHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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