There are objects in a home that rarely demand attention until, quite suddenly, they become indispensable. An example? The foldable step stool.
Neat, discreet and a quiet saviour, it is the solution to countless domestic dilemmas. It’s the sort of everyday hero you cannot imagine going without once you own one, and an item you scold yourself for not purchasing sooner when harking back to the days of precariously balancing on a kitchen chair to grab something from the back of the cupboard.
For households made up solely of adults, a foldable step stool offers something precious: safe, swift access to the spaces that otherwise require contortions worthy of a yoga class.
Whether reaching the top shelves for the scarcely used soufflé dish, changing a lightbulb in a slightly-too-high ceiling fixture, or popping a suitcase on top of a wardrobe, a step stool saves time, effort, and most likely a little dignity. Purchasing a collapsible option means it will store away effortlessly, taking up no more room than an umbrella behind a door.
In homes with children, however, the foldable step stool shifts from useful to indispensable. It grants young ones a first taste of independence – brushing their teeth at the sink without assistance, fetching a favourite book from a shelf, or “helping” in the kitchen (albeit with varying degrees of success). It nurtures both confidence and competence, while keeping practicality firmly in the foreground.
Simple but supremely effective, the foldable step stool is a small investment with marvellously disproportionate rewards. It’s a perfect example of how the best home accessories are often the ones you barely notice, until you need them.
We’ve curated a selection of the best foldable step stools for utilitarian home accessorising below.
Shop now
Best triangular bookshelves for smart storage
Best no-drill accessories for renters to transform homes
Best laptop stands to improve your posture and workspace
Best clothes airers for drying laundry all year round: Heated and traditional options
Best car boot organisers to help maximise your storage space
The Futon Company Edo Folding Step Stool
Sleek, minimalist, and surprisingly stylish, the Edo Folding Step Stool proves that even the most functional pieces can have real design flair. Crafted from solid oak, it offers serious sturdiness while keeping a slim, refined profile that folds flat for effortless storage. The natural wood finish suits everything from pared-back modern flats to more traditional homes, and the build quality means it is not just good-looking but built to last.
Buy now £70.00, The Futon Company
HouseDay 11 Inch Folding Step Stool
Affordable, compact and sturdier than its lightweight frame might suggest, the HouseDay 11 Inch Folding Step Stool is the kind of no-nonsense essential that every household benefits from.
Made from heavy-duty plastic, it supports up to 130kg and folds away neatly when not in use. A grippy, textured top surface offers extra stability for everything from changing lightbulbs to rooting around the back of a cupboard for your favourite serving dish.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
BEKVÄM Stepladder, 3 steps, beech, 63 cm
Built from solid beechwood, IKEA’s Bekvam features three generous steps and a cut-out handle at the top for easy carrying and extra stability.
Left unfinished for a natural, tactile look, it can be painted or stained to match your space, but its bare wood charm suits almost any interior style. Durable enough for serious everyday use, it earns its place in kitchens, utility rooms, and anywhere else you need a reliable boost.
Buy now £45.00, Ikea
Niwaki Lucano Step Ladder
The Niwaki Lucano Step Ladder is about as far from a clunky hardware store find as you can get. Designed in Japan, it pairs clean, architectural lines with an ultra-lightweight yet incredibly sturdy aluminium frame.
The two-step model folds effortlessly and stands upright even when closed, so there is no awkward balancing act involved. Non-slip rubber tread steps add safety without sacrificing the elegant silhouette, and the vibrant orange finish delivers a cheerful design statement.
It’s expensive, yes, but once you own it, you will wonder how you ever tolerated uglier alternatives.
Buy now £189.00, John Lewis
GameGem 2 Step Ladder, Folding Step Stool with Anti-Slip Wide Pedal
Designed with practicality firmly in mind, the GameGem 2 Step Ladder combines sturdiness with a lightweight build that is easy to manoeuvre. Wide anti-slip pedals and a reinforced frame make it a safe choice for everything from changing curtains to reorganising wardrobes. It folds flat for convenient storage and feels reassuringly stable underfoot.
Buy now £49.99, Amazon
Dunelm Large Sage Step Stool
Bright, sturdy, and happily affordable, the Dunelm Large Sage Step Stool is the perfect grab-and-go solution for everyday tasks.
Made from tough plastic and finished in a soft sage green, it is ideal for busy households where a little extra height is often required. Lightweight enough for children to move independently but strong enough for adults to use safely, it tucks away neatly when not needed.
Buy now £12.00, Dunelm
John Lewis Bamboo Step Stool, Natural
With its clean lines and natural materials, the John Lewis Bamboo Step Stool is a thoughtful choice for anyone who values sustainability as much as style.
Bamboo is not only fast-growing and eco-friendly, it also delivers impressive strength, making this stool a durable everyday companion. Two wide steps offer comfortable footing, while the simple natural finish makes it a smart fit for bathrooms, kitchens, and minimalist interiors.
Buy now £70.00, John Lewis
Dunelm Addie Stool, Black Birch
The Dunelm Addie Stool offers a pleasing balance of form and function. Crafted from solid birch and finished in a sleek black stain, it is designed primarily as a counter-height bar stool but proves just as handy when you need a quick height boost. Stylish without being showy, it is a hardworking piece that will slot into everyday life with ease.
Buy now £55.00, Dunelm
