You are currently viewing An Accent Cardboard Stool Design

An Accent Cardboard Stool Design

Description

This laced carved stool is made completely with cardboard. Its easy to make and can decorate any small space or corner instantly.

Watch Making Of Carved Stool

Note: Please watch this video as a tool to understand written step-by-styep overview of the process.

Backstory

This kind of accent table has an elegant look that mirrors real wood, and the design on it has a beautiful laser-cut feel. While it’s not meant for sitting, it’s sturdy enough to hold lightweight decorative items. It is perfect as a display piece in any room. I used simple everyday materials to get this high-end look, making it a great example of how you can transform simple elements into stylish home decor. The above photo shows just how sturdy and functional the table is.
I was initially planning a mirror furniture for my next project. But as I was browsing the internet for inspiration, I stumbled upon a set of wooden nesting tables with stunningly intricate designs. It was love at first sight! Right then, I had a clear picture in my mind, a cardboard version with simplified cutout patterns. I knew I couldn’t replicate the full detail of wood carvings, but I was confident I could capture the essence using less intricate but equally beautiful patterns. After collecting some design inspiration, I finalized a pattern and built this carved cardboard table from scratch. I absolutely enjoyed the process, and I’m thrilled with how stylish and sturdy it turned out!
 

Dimensions of the stool : 12″ by12″

Material List

  1. Cardboard
  2. X-Acto Knife
  3. Glue Gub
  4. School Glue
  5. Paper napkins or any other thin paper
  6. Acrylic Paints
  7. Gesso

Step-By-Step Overview Of Process

  1. 1. Transferring the Design (0:10–0:46)

    I. Transfer the stool top design onto a cardboard square using carbon paper.
    II. Transfer the side panel design onto four additional cardboard squares.

    2. Carving the Design (0:47–2:32)

    Carve the transferred designs on all five cardboard squares using an X-Acto knife.

    3. Finishing the Cut Edges (2:39–3:16)

    Cover the rough edges of the cardboard pieces, including the carved areas, using glue and paper napkins.

    4. Assembling the Stool Base (3:17–4:22)

    Using a glue gun, attach the four side panels together to form the body of the stool.

    5. Attaching the Stool Top (4:24–4:34)

    Place and secure the stool top onto the assembled base.

    6. Reinforcing the Structure (4:35–5:03)

    Cover all exposed edges of the stool using paper strips for a smoother and more durable finish.

    7. Applying Gesso (5:04–5:14)

    Apply a coat of gesso to prepare the surface for painting.

    8. Painting the Stool (5:16–5:25)

    Paint the stool using a wood-colored acrylic paint to create a carved wood appearance.

Tips And Tricks

  1. For this stool I had to use thick cardboard to make the stool strong.

  2. Since the cardboard is thick I chose a design with very few curves.

  3. If you want you can keep the stool -top plain so you can place heavier vases or showpieces on it.

  4. Covering the rough edges of the design is recomended for a tidy look but if rough edges do not bother you, just leave it.

  5. Please feel free to experiment using different colors.

This Is How I Style This Stool In My Home.

This versatile stool can be placed in the living room, entryway, dining room, or any space of your choice. I styled the stool using props, most of which are handmade by me. But in the ‘Shop the Look’ section, I have shared where you can find similar items.

As you can see, the stool is quite sturdy, even though it is made of faux wood. You might notice a little roughness on the edges, but that is simply because it is handmade

Shop The Look Elements

Note: If you wish to buy wooden version of similar stool instead of making it yourself, I have given the link to similar stool. If you wish to buy any of styling items shown in photos, I have given links to similar items. Items I used are handmade by me.

  • Wooden version of this stool is available on Amazon
    Wayfair
  • Ceramic vase is available on Amazon
  • Fake flowers available on Amazon
  • Vase With Rhine Stones/jewels available on Amazon.
  • Decorative Clay Pots available on Amazon.
  • Budhha Statue on Amazon
  • Paper Roses on Amazon

Explore Other Faux Wood Furniture On This Site Below

Final Word

This project was created using simple cardboard and recycled materials, as part of my ongoing experiments in building functional furniture from waste materials.

Each build helps me explore new techniques, improve structure, and find better ways to turn cardboard into usable furniture pieces.

If you enjoyed this project, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to know what stood out to you in this design.

Thank you for reading and watching.

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