Stools, Benches, Ottomans - Why These Three Things Should Be in Every House

So my neighbor Sarah was over last weekend complaining about how she never has enough seating when her kids' friends come over. And I'm like, "Sarah, you need stools." She looked at me like I was nuts. But seriously - stools, benches, ottomans? They're the answer to so many problems.

At HORNE we sell these things from companies like Mater, Kalon Studios (which I always want to say as "kaylon" but it's actually "cal-on"), Oscar Maschera, Fredericia, Herman Miller, Ferm Living, and a bunch of others. Some of these names are hard to say but the furniture is really good.

And the Herman Miller stools? They're pricey. Not gonna lie. But you sit on one and you immediately get it. Though honestly, sometimes you just need some solid black bar stools that look good and don't cost a fortune - we've got those too.

I love stools. Not everyone does but I do. My kitchen island seats four people normally but with the right stool setup I can fit like eight. It's great for parties or just when everyone ends up in the kitchen which always happens anyway.

We have these Ferm Living ones that honestly look more expensive than they are. And the Herman Miller stools? They're pricey. Not gonna lie. But you sit on one and you immediately get it. It's like the difference between riding in a Honda and a Mercedes. Both get you there but one feels nicer.

Benches Are Everywhere Now

Have you noticed? Benches are having this huge moment. My mom got one for her dining room last year and now everyone wants to sit on the bench instead of the chairs. It's weird but also kind of cute.

I personally have this bench from Kalon Studios by my front door and it's been life-changing. Finding a place to sit when you're putting on boots in winter - that's real comfort. Plus it opens up so I stuff all sorts of random junk in there. Dog toys, umbrellas, that one glove I can never find the match for.

The Scandinavian companies like Skagerak (which I definitely googled how to pronounce the first time) really understand benches. There's something about their designs that just works. Clean but warm, if that makes sense.

Ottomans Are Making a Comeback

My grandma had this ottoman in her living room that I thought was the most boring thing ever. Fast forward twenty years and guess what I have in my living room? An ottoman. Go figure.

But here's the thing - I got this Oscar Maschera one and it's amazing. Super comfortable for your feet but also I use it as extra seating all the time. Sometimes as a table. I've even napped on it during football games (don't tell my wife). Sarah actually ended up getting an outdoor ottoman for her deck - turns out they're great for pool parties since you can just hose them down.

The Fredericia ones are nice too. Good height, sturdy but not bulky. I saw one at a friend's house and ended up buying my own the next week.

Quality vs Price - The Eternal Struggle

Look, I work in furniture retail so I see everything. You can definitely buy cheap stools at big box stores. Sometimes that's exactly what you need - like for the basement or kids' playroom. But for stuff you use every day? It's worth investing.

These brands we carry - Mater does all this cool stuff with recycled materials, Muuto has these colors that somehow work everywhere - they think about how things will hold up. Not just look good in the store but still be solid after years of actual use.

I've helped customers who bought cheap furniture six months ago and it's already falling apart. It's not a great feeling.

The Green Thing

This might sound preachy but whatever. I actually care about where furniture comes from now. Companies like Kalon Studios and Ferm Living are doing real things about sustainability. Not just slapping a green label on stuff but actually changing their materials and processes.

Is it perfect? No. But it's better than nothing. And honestly some of the recycled material stuff is really beautiful.

Some Specific Pieces I Actually Recommend

The Ferm Living Little Architect Bench is probably the most popular thing we sell. Works in kids' rooms but doesn't look babyish. I've seen it used as a bookcase, a plant stand, you name it.

Oscar Maschera Caballito Blanco ottoman - this thing is stupidly comfortable. Like dangerously comfortable. I have customers who buy it and then text me pictures of themselves passed out on it.

Skagerak Lilium Bench - comes with this cushion that's actually nice. Usually bench cushions are afterthoughts but this one is properly made. The ties are leather instead of cheap fabric which is a nice touch. Though if you want something even nicer, we've got this leather bench from Fredericia that's basically furniture porn.

Kalon Studios Simple Bench - minimal but not cold. Natural wood that gets better with age.

Herman Miller Eames Stool - costs more than my first car (kidding but not really). But it's a classic for a reason. They also make these leather counter stools that are perfect if you want something a bit more luxe for your kitchen island. Mid-century modern that doesn't feel stuck in the past.

Why Shop at HORNE?

Honestly there are tons of places to buy furniture now. Online, big box stores, that warehouse place where everything's in flat boxes. But we actually think about this stuff. I spend way too much time figuring out which couch works best for families with pets or which dining table can handle homework and Legos and dinner parties.

We're not just trying to move inventory. We want people to love what they buy. Come in and sit on stuff. Bring your measurements. Ask annoying questions. We've heard them all before.

And if you're reading this and thinking "I need more seating but have no idea where to start" - come see us. We'll figure it out together. I promise it'll be less overwhelming than you think.