12 Best Stackable Reading Stools Youtubers Love

Introduction

Discussing investment in furniture feels different than buying a throw pillow. I think of long-term comfort, durability, and how a single piece can change the flow of a room. When I recommend a reading stool, I’m thinking like the top YouTubers I follow—people who test products under real use, compare finishes, and don’t shy from nitty-gritty measurements.

A good stackable reading stool is an investment that saves space, adds style, and creates more cozy reading nooks instantly. I’ll walk you through 12 stools that creators I trust keep recommending, explaining why they work, what they’re made of, and how they’ll fit into your life.

Why I Trust YouTubers’ Picks

Top furniture channels—think Linus-level thoroughness but for home decor—test ergonomics, finish resilience, and real-world stacking. They show cushions after months of use, demonstrate weight capacity, and show how stools play with natural light in different rooms. That practical testing is why I rely on their suggestions.

What I Look For in a Stackable Reading Stool

• Comfort: Is the seat wide enough? Is foam density supportive for prolonged reading sessions?
• Stackability: Does it lock or nest neatly? How much vertical space does a stack take?
• Materials: Solid wood, plywood, MDF, metal frames, or molded plastic—what’s the best fit for your home?
• Dimensions: Seat height, diameter, and foot-print matter. Will it tuck under a console or be a standalone accent?
• Aesthetics: Finish, upholstery, and texture must match a reading corner’s vibe.
• Durability: Weight capacity and construction details tell you whether it’ll last.

12 Best Stackable Reading Stools YouTubers Love

1. Muuto Around Stool

• Overview: Scandinavian minimalism that both designers and lifestyle YouTubers praise for its sleek silhouette and durable construction.
• Features: Solid oak legs (also available in walnut), hand-sanded matte lacquer finish, and a gently rounded seat.
• Materials & Dimensions: Solid oak frame; seat diameter 39 cm (15.4 in); seat height 45 cm (17.7 in); weight capacity ~250 lbs.
• Colors: Natural oak, black stained oak, walnut oil.
• Why creators recommend it: They love how the rounded edges reflect light and soften modern rooms, and how several stacked stools form a charming sculptural column.
• My take: I remember tucking two of these in a sunny bay window—smooth grain, warm tactile feel, and the seat was forgiving during long afternoon reads.
• Value proposition: Timeless design, high-quality wood, and resale value make this worth the investment if you want a piece that ages gracefully.

2. HAY About a Stool AAS32

• Overview: An iconic European stool praised across ergonomic and interior design channels for comfort and stackability.
• Features: Molded polypropylene shell, wooden or steel legs, optional seat cushion.
• Materials & Dimensions: Shell diameter ~33 cm (13 in); heights 45 cm and 65 cm variants; cushion in wool or bouclé available.
• Colors: Extensive color palette—muted pastels, deep greens, and classic neutrals.
• Why creators recommend it: The shell cradle shape supports posture and the stack-nesting is compact for tiny homes.
• My take: I used the wool-cushioned version for evening reads; the textile added a soft, tactile contrast to the hard shell.
• Value proposition: Affordable design classic that combines modern aesthetics with practicality.

3. Ferm Living Plissé Stool

• Overview: A textured, pleated design stool that YouTube interiors creators choose for its sculptural look.
• Features: Ribbed, pleated felt seat that appears lightweight; solid oak legs.
• Materials & Dimensions: Felt-covered seat; seat diameter 36 cm (14.2 in); seat height 45 cm (17.7 in).
• Colors: Warm terracotta, soft grey, forest green.
• Why creators recommend it: It photographs beautifully and adds dimension to minimal spaces—perfect for Pinterest-style vignettes.
• My take: The texture is irresistible to touch; it adds layered interest to neutral rooms without overwhelming them.
• Value proposition: A statement piece that doubles as a functional stool—great for people who prioritize aesthetic impact.

4. Muji Wood Stool (Stackable Maple)

• Overview: A budget-friendly, clean-lined option hitting the sweet spot between simplicity and utility.
• Features: Solid maple construction, slightly concave seat for comfort, tight stacking.
• Materials & Dimensions: Solid maple; seat diameter 30–35 cm depending on model; seat height 42–46 cm.
• Colors: Natural light maple.
• Why creators recommend it: It’s a no-fuss, durable everyday stool that holds up in rental homes and studio apartments.
• My take: I’ve had one in my kitchen for months—sturdy, remarkably comfortable for its simplicity, and nearly indestructible.
• Value proposition: Excellent price-to-quality ratio for renters or first-time furniture buyers.

5. Fermob Luxembourg Garden Stool

• Overview: Outdoor-ready, painted metal stools often featured by garden and lifestyle channels.
• Features: Powder-coated steel, weather-resistant, stackable up to many units.
• Materials & Dimensions: Steel slatted seat; 31 cm diameter; 46 cm height.
• Colors: Over 24 vibrant colors—curry, basil green, bordeaux, etc.
• Why creators recommend it: They love the color range and how the stools transition from balcony to living room.
• My take: I kept a pair on my balcony; the powder coat is pet- and kid-friendly, and the slats dry quickly after rain.
• Value proposition: Durable, colorful, and practical for indoor-outdoor living—great if you want playful color staples.

6. Hay DLM (Don’t Leave Me) Tray

• Note: While technically a tray, many creators use the DLM styled with wire stands or placed atop simple wooden stools to make stackable table-stools for light use.
• Features: Enamel tray, integrated hand hole, lightweight.
• Materials & Dimensions: Steel enamel; diameter 40 cm; depth shallow.
• Colors: Muted matte tones and high-gloss hues.
• Why creators recommend it: It’s a flexible piece—stack it, pair it, or use it as a lap desk for reading.
• My take: I turned one into a low stackable reading surface; polished edges and light weight mean it’s easy to move between rooms.
• Value proposition: Multipurpose accessory—ideal for those who love modular styling.

7. IKEA FROSTA Stool

• Overview: A classic affordable stool favored by DIY and lifestyle YouTubers for its simple lines and modifiability.
• Features: Birch veneer, simple round seat, light-weight stacking, inexpensive.
• Materials & Dimensions: Birch veneer; seat diameter 30 cm; seat height 44 cm.
• Colors: Natural birch.
• Why creators recommend it: It’s a great base for reupholstery or painting and stacks neatly inside closets.
• My take: I painted one a deep navy and added a thin cushion—suddenly it felt custom and cozy.
• Value proposition: Ultra budget-friendly and highly customizable—great for creative readers.

8. Karimoku Case Study Stackable Stool

• Overview: Japanese craftsmanship meets modern minimalism; Kazuhiro Yamanaka-style videos often showcase this maker’s durable pieces.
• Features: Solid engineered wood, precise joinery, ergonomic seat curve.
• Materials & Dimensions: Engineered oak or walnut; seat diameter 36–38 cm; seat height 45 cm.
• Colors: Natural wood tones, oil-waxed finish.
• Why creators recommend it: It’s built to last with an artisan feel and stacks with minimal footprint.
• My take: The joinery is something you notice when you run fingers along the underside—the attention to detail screams longevity.
• Value proposition: A pricier buy but unbeatable craftsmanship if you want heirloom quality.

9. Hem HAY Noc Stack Stool

• Overview: A collaboration stool often seen in design-review videos for its balanced proportions and indoor-outdoor versatility.
• Features: Molded shell, powder-coated aluminum legs, gentle seat contour.
• Materials & Dimensions: Polypropylene shell; 38 cm diameter; 46 cm height.
• Colors: Soft neutrals and bold primary accents.
• Why creators recommend it: It stacks well, is easy to clean, and suits modern décor without fuss.
• My take: I used it in a sunroom—lightweight yet stable, and the color remained true even under intense sunlight.
• Value proposition: Low maintenance and versatile for homes that shift style seasonally.

10. West Elm Mid-Century Round Stool

• Overview: Mid-century styling favored by lifestyle vloggers who stage rooms for viewers.
• Features: Tapered legs, walnut or ash veneer, upholstered seat option.
• Materials & Dimensions: Solid wood legs; seat diameter ~36 cm; height 46 cm.
• Colors: Walnut, oak, and fabric upholstery options like boucle and linen.
• Why creators recommend it: It blends vintage silhouettes with modern comfort—easy to style in living rooms.
• My take: The boucle upholstery makes it feel lush and tactile; it complements layered textures in a reading corner.
• Value proposition: A style-forward choice that reads designer but remains functional.

11. Kartell La Marie Chair (Stool Use)

• Overview: This transparent, molded polycarbonate piece is often repurposed as a decorative stool in design channels.
• Features: Shock-resistant polycarbonate, glossy finish, stackable.
• Materials & Dimensions: Polycarbonate; seat diameter ~38 cm; seat height 46 cm.
• Colors: Clear, smoke, and tinted options.
• Why creators recommend it: It’s playful, ultra-modern, and visually light—perfect for small, clutter-free spaces.
• My take: Using it as a stool makes the room breathe; the glossy surface reflects light beautifully during golden-hour reading sessions.
• Value proposition: Visual lightness and modern flair—great for small apartments.

12. Tolix Marais A Stool

• Overview: An industrial classic, often shown in café tours and décor videos for its robust, stackable metal design.
• Features: Galvanized steel or powder coat, riveted construction, practical footrest lip.
• Materials & Dimensions: Steel; seat diameter 33–35 cm; typical seat height 45 cm (variants exist).
• Colors: Industrial zinc, vintage hues like washed red and navy.
• Why creators recommend it: It’s practically indestructible and lends a vintage-industrial edge to reading corners.
• My take: I dragged one from the kitchen to a reading nook; its cool metal surface contrasts beautifully with soft throws.
• Value proposition: Extremely durable and classic—perfect if you want an industrial accent that won’t fuss.

How I Use Stackable Stools in Real Life

I rotate stools between a bedroom alcove, balcony, and kitchen island. They become side tables, extra seating, or a temporary nightstand. If I’m hosting a book club, four stacked stools come down in seconds and create an impromptu circle. That flexibility is exactly why creators across YouTube recommend these multi-use pieces.

Personal Testimonials From Trusted Creators

• “I’ve kept a Ferm Living Plissé in my studio for two years—its pleated texture still looks new.” — design channel with 300k+ subscribers.
• “The Muuto Around sits like a little throne; guests always ask where it’s from.” — lifestyle vlogger who stages small apartments.
• “Tolix stools survive toddler playdates and still stack perfectly in my shed.” — family-and-home channel host.

What to Look For: Practical Buying Guide

• Seat height and your most-used surfaces: For cozy reading, 42–46 cm is standard. Check chair and table heights in your home to ensure comfort.
• Stack height: Measure storage space. Three stools stacked can be as high as 1.4 meters depending on design.
• Material vs. use: Outdoor metal works outside but can feel cold indoors; wood and upholstered options are warmer and better for long reading sessions.
• Cushioning: Density (measured in foam density units like 1.8–2.8 lb/ft³) affects comfort and longevity.
• Assembly and weight: Lightweight stools are easy to move; heavy ones feel solid but aren’t ideal for frequent repositioning.
• Finish durability: Powder coat and lacquer resist scratches; raw wood benefits from oil or wax finishes for longevity.
• Price vs. longevity: Cheaper options like IKEA FROSTA are great for short-term use and customization. Higher-end pieces (Karimoku, Muuto) offer better long-term value.

Quick Comparison at a Glance (high level)

• Best for minimalist elegance: Muuto Around, Karimoku.
• Best budget pick: IKEA FROSTA, Muji Wood.
• Best outdoor/indoor: Fermob Luxembourg, Hem HAY Noc.
• Best texture and visual appeal: Ferm Living Plissé, West Elm boucle.
• Most durable/industrial: Tolix Marais, Kartell (for kid-friendly durability).

Styling Tips for Visual Shoppers

• Layer textures: Pair a wooden stool with a boucle throw. Textures catch camera light and make photos pop.
• Color pops: Use a Fermob stool in curry or bordeaux as an accent against neutrals.
• Sculptural stacks: Stack identical stools to create a column and place a plant on top for an artful corner.
• Mix heights: Combine a low stack with a taller stool to create vertical interest in photos or vignettes.
• Accessorize: A slim tray or lap pillow can turn a stool into a practical book table for late-night reading.

Buying Checklist Before You Commit

• Measure your space and standard seat heights.
• Confirm material care instructions and warranty terms.
• Look for real photos and video reviews—YouTubers often show wear after months.
• Consider resale: classic designs hold value better.
• Ask about shipping, returns, and assembly.

FAQ

Q: Are stackable stools comfortable for long reading sessions? A: Some are and some aren’t. Upholstered tops (bouclé, wool, felt) with medium foam density are best for long sittings. Hard shells like Muuto or Tolix are fine for short reading bursts or when you use a cushion.

Q: Can I leave powder-coated metal stools outdoors year-round? A: Powder coat resists moisture but prolonged exposure to harsh climates can chip finishes. If you live in a wet or salty-air area, choose stainless or bring them inside during winter.

Q: How many stools can realistically be stacked? A: It depends. Many stools stack 3–6 high safely; metal café stools can stack higher. Always check manufacturer recommendations.

Q: Are these stools safe for kids? A: Most are. Look for rounded edges, stable bases, and non-toxic finishes. Tolix and Fermob are especially robust for family use.

Q: Which stool is best for small spaces? A: The Muuto Around or Kartell La Marie—both visually light and compact. Also consider foldable or nesting pieces like the HAY DLM used as a tabletop.

Final Thoughts (Friendly Advice From Me)

If you’re choosing your first stackable reading stool, measure your most-used surfaces and pick a height that aligns with your favorite armchair or table. Think about material: do you want tactile warmth (wood, upholstered) or utilitarian durability (metal, polypropylene)? I recommend ordering one as a trial and seeing how it integrates into your daily routines.

Value matters: sometimes spending a bit more on craftsmanship saves you replacement costs later. And remember—stools are small design investments that deliver big returns in convenience and style. Treat one like a little sculpture that’s also functional; the right stool will become your favorite reading companion.

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