Need some cute outdoor side tables? Here’s how to instantly revamp a couple of plain wooden bar stools using coordinating retro star patterns for a fabulous and unique side table twist!

Anyone else love to collect stools of all kinds?

I sure do! Because they are all too much fun to make over and use in different ways!

Other bench and stool makeovers:

 

Buffalo Checked vintage stool

Plaid stenciled stool

Vintage bench turned side table

However in this case, I landed two wood bar stools on the curb.

The modern wooden stools were super dirty from being stored in a barn so I sure had my work cut out for me. But at least the durability was sound.

And the backless stools seat height of each one was rather funky. One was I’d say bar height, and the other table height. Hmm… I’m mean, that could be good to accompany the right bar stools for two different spaces, yes?

But I didn’t really have kitchen counters to use them with. One could come in handy when we have extra company to scoot around the kitchen island or beside the countertop near the kitchen phone I guess… But for the most part, I didn’t really need two non swivel stools. And I suppose if one used upholstery on them, they could even become comfy. Maybe for a cat or two… heh.

So for that reason, the counter stools sat in storage for a good long time, gathering other things I apparently also didn’t need, proudly shown at pedestal level to really make sure I kept seeing it more than I needed or wanted to!

Until I got a couple of new chairs for the patio. That needed side tables…

BOOM! Gotta love a quick makeover once inspiration hits!

Not only did I get right to work, the outcome of the stools makeover turned out completely adorable giving the patio a fresh new look, while creating a brand new stencil to make this vision come to life!

So just in case you have a stool, TV tray, or another piece that could use a little retro star love, here’s how I made it happen! Unique bar stools here we come!

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Stenciled wooden bar stools for unique outdoor side tables

 

Supplies you’ll need:

 

Retro Star stencil

Retro Star Tile stencil

Wooden bar stool (or furniture pieces of choice)

Ash in Fusion Mineral Paint

Champlain in Fusion Mineral Paint 

Fusion’s Velour roller

Dome-tipped stencil brush

Bosch variable speed orbital sander

TSP alternative by Fusion Mineral Paint

(get ALL Fusion products for 10% off HERE)

Preparing the stool for painting

 

1. Clean each bar stool free of mildew, dirt, etc.

When a piece is quite dirty, I like to start with Fusion’s TSP alternative, which is a safe TSP that you don’t need to rinse off. It’s a concentrated formula mixed with water, then you use a damp cloth to wipe down your pieces.

However, these stools were so dirty, I ended up pressure washing them both to try and find the original wood finish once again! 

HERE is a post that shares how pressure washing dirty reclaimed wood is effortless and effective!

2. Once dry, sand off stain or imperfections using a variable speed orbital sander like THIS one.

There was still some original varnish on the stool, so sanding all the surfaces exposed the bare wood once again. Perfect!

Painting a flawless finish

 

And now for the fun part! Here’s a super easy way to achieve a flawless finish with no brush strokes!

Be sure to watch the video near the end of this post to see it in action!

3. Remove dust, then paint the top of the seat with Fusion Mineral Paint’s Ash.

For this type of stool with completely flat seats, I poured the paint onto the tops of the stools, then using a velour roller, smoothed out the surface on top and along the sides of the stool seats. No paint tray needed!

Using a velour roller offers the smoothest finish possible, leaving absolutely no brush strokes to be seen! Highly recommend and I find the final finish is just an easier and better experience.

Fusion also leaves a lovely matte finish so all the imperfections the stool tops had didn’t glare back which was nice!

Stenciling retro star patterns onto stools

 

4. Position stencils in the middle of the stools, then stencil with a dome-tipped stencil brush in Fusion’s Champlain.

I chose a warmer white to stencil the retro star patterns so the tone would better mimic the raw wood tone. Each one turned out fabulous!

Where to get Retro Star stencils

 

Two Retro Star styled stencils were used for these stools so they would coordinate but not be exactly the same!

Retro Star Stencil is HERE

Retro Star is a classic that I keep picking up! But I wanted another retro star design to coordinate with it…

Retro Star Tile stencil is HERE

So Retro Star Tile was born! This stencil offers a grid-styled tile design with a lighter touch! It’s not too bold nor busy, which makes it a perfect companion beside Retro Star.

How to stencil for flawless results:

 

1. Dip dome-tip stencil brush into paint.
2. Remove most paint onto a rag until the brush tip feels dry.
3. Tap or swirl paint through stencil for desired effect and coverage.
4. Allow to completely dry before adding a distressed look with sanding, top coating (if desired) or using.

Learn more about how to stencil in THIS POST.

The finished stenciled stools

 

See what I mean? Aren’t they the cutest together?!

Love the painted tops of the bar stools. They resemble bar stool covers! The Ash against the lighter toned wood, with both Retro Star stencils really bring them to life!

And I think the stencil patterns resemble a farmhouse fabric with retro vibe decor.

Buffalo Check Blanket from Walmart (this one is close!)

As side tables on the patio! How fun is this?

I just landed these two fabulous resin wicker chairs from Home Depot (see them HERE) which I absolutely adore!

And I plan to do something simple to the chair cushions too! And then show you the decadent ferns… the patio is really coming alive which I’ll share more of very soon!

Stools as patio side tables

 

But those stools are the focus today. And they are everything. They work so great for portable side tables! But now looking at them, that taller stool would make a fabulous end table beside my bed!

If they both stay, I may saw the legs off the taller stool to lower it a bit more. But I do love how the two heights play off together so nicely!

They’d make super cute plant stands too!

But I didn’t want to hide those decadent painted stool tops!

All I know is, these cute wooden bar stools gave the patio new life and now I know the direction I’m leaning towards.

I made THESE patio retro star pillows last summer so I guess you can say, I may be repeating the theme this summer too just with slightly different stuff!

And chairs. I do love the new chairs SO much! So these dark brown resin chairs are sitting in the yard. They match the trim on the house so they look great down below.

But for up on the patio, I wanted to stare at higher wicker chairs this summer. Plus a couple of cute tables!

Painted up with two retro star stencils that just make me want to use them over and over again!

In fact, the Retro Star Tile stencil would look pretty sweet as a kitchen backsplash, wouldn’t it? Hmmm…. I’m thinking.

But for today?

It’s coffee time with with guests using a couple of the cutest stenciled wooden bar stools designs in the land.

These would also add a real pop to the style of your kitchen or home bar too, don’t you think?

And such a simple makeover too!

Now onto those chair pads to finish this patio up… right after I finish my coffee of course.

Video – Retro Wooden Bar Stools Makeover painted easy!

 

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Watch the short video above to see how quickly and easily these stools were painted up with no brushstrokes in sight!

MORE unique & easy furniture makeovers:

 

Pallet-style rustic side table with fire log storage

From plain IKEA dresser to rustic pallet style!

See other retro star makeovers HERE

View many other unique furniture projects HERE