Banish those basic step stools in just an hour or two with this idea for an easy step stool makeover using scrapbook paper and Mod Podge! You’ll make a huge difference for little effort and money!
Making our closet more functional by adding more storage along the top of the closet system came with a little problem for this short girl.
This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Green Velvet Baskets / Black and White Bins / Tassel Trim / Black Bins / Leopard Print Rug / Closet System / Velvet Hangers
I was going to need a step stool to get to those baskets on top that I would occasionally need. I didn’t just want any basic step stool though – this was a great opportunity to add a little color, pattern and personality to the closet!
I found a step stool on clearance and turned it into this beauty. This little step stool makeover was one of the most fun projects I’ve ever done. It was super easy too. 🙂
Colorful DIY Step Stool Makeover
Supplies and Materials Needed:
- Step Stool – I found mine on clearance at Home Goods.
- Spray Paint (if you need to paint your step stool first.)
- About six pieces of scrapbook paper in your choice of pattern or color – I used this tropical leaves print.
- X-Acto Knife and Self Healing Cutting Mat
- Ruler
- Satin Mod Podge
- Small Paint Brush
- Upholstery Trim of your choice – I used this colorful tassel trim.
- Hot Glue Gun
Step 1
If needed, spray paint your step stool first.
Mine started out looking like this and that most definitely would not work for my closet. 🙂 The entire stool won’t be covered with scrapbook paper; you’re going to have some of the edges showing, so pick a color that works well with your scrapbook paper.
I gave my stool a couple coats of semi-gloss white spray paint as I knew that would be a safe bet to go with my tropical leaves paper.
Step 2
After the paint has dried, lay out one piece of your scrapbook paper along one of the steps.
Fold the paper over the step front to create a crease.
Put the paper on the cutting mat and place the ruler a little ways in from the crease.
Cut along the edge of the ruler. You want to leave a little space between the ruler and the crease to have a border of the white on the stool around the paper. To me, doing this just makes it look more finished.
Step 3
Put a coat of Mod Podge on the step you just cut the paper for.
Apply the paper to the step and put a coat of Mod Podge on top of the paper as well.
Step 4
After the Mod Podge has dried, apply one more coat over the paper.
Step 5
Repeat the above process on each step and the sides of the step stool.
For the sides of the step stool, I had to use two sheets of paper as shown below.
Again, remember to cut the paper slightly smaller than your creases to allow for a white border around the paper.
Step 6
Once you’ve applied all the paper, coats of Mod Podge and everything has dried, you’re ready to apply the upholstery trim.
To do this, simply run a small bead of hot glue around the edges of your step stool, then apply the upholstery trim.
Leopard Print Rug Here – only $15!
Isn’t this the happiest little stool you ever did see?
See the full closet makeover HERE!
Want more great, but simple DIY projects?
DIY Agate Slice Lamp Finials – you won’t believe how gorgeous these are, but how simple they are to make!
Duck Tape Fringe Pillow – add fringe to anything on the cheap by making it with duck tape!
Join the Freak Show On…