Hallway Update: $8.00 Goodwill Antique Stool Makeover

An $8 antique wood and rush saddle seat stool gets a quick and simple raw wood makeover!

It's been months since I've found anything worth buying at my local Goodwill.

I stop in often and every time, I walk out empty handed.

It can be extremely discouraging, but that's all part of thrifting. Sometimes you get lucky and sometimes you don't.

Luckily, on my last Goodwill visit, I found an antique wood and rush saddle seat stool that immediately caught my eye.

The wood finish was worn and flaking off. but the rush seating was flawless.

It was one of those pieces that you don't really need and you have no idea what you're going to do with, but you just can't leave behind.

The stool may have looked a bit rough, but the wood was solid and the seating was sturdy, which made it a perfect candidate for a quick and easy raw wood makeover.

Helpful Information: How to Get The Perfect Raw Wood Finish

antique wood and rush saddle stool before

I hand sanded the stool to remove all the chippy finish then used my Dewalt Orbital Sander to remove the majority of the old stain before finishing with more hand sanding.

I planned on sealing the wood with Cerusing wax, but after testing a small spot I decided I like the pure raw wood better.

I wasn't exactly sure where I was going to put the stool in my home and if I was going to use it as a stool or plant stand, but after moving it into the hallway for pictures it seemed to be a perfect fit.

I absolutely love how the antique raw wood and rush saddle seat stool looks at the end of the hall and against the dark Iron Ore wall. The fun pop of green from my Pothos plant isn't half bad either.

Helpful Information: Low-Maintenance House Plants

raw wood antique saddle stool, wood plant stand

The only problem?

As much as I love the look of the stool at the end of the hallway, I've already busted my toe on it once, so I'm thinking the best place for the stool isn't in the hallway.

With that being said, if you have a long hallway with a little more space, a stool or plant stand is a great way to decorate and add interest.

Helpful information: How to Add Style to a Small Hallway