The answer depends on what you need the step stool for, and your personal preferences. If you’re looking for a kid-friendly stool to give little ones a boost to the bathroom sink, consider a simple, powder-coated metal stool with rubberized feet for stability. If you are looking for help accessing those high shelves in your pantry, consider a step ladder. Look for a waterproof model for use in kitchens and bathrooms or outside. If space is an issue, choose a step stool that folds up to store in a closet or hung on the wall. If you want to use a step stool to help you reach the turkey platter on the high shelf once a year, choose one that can double as an occasional table or a decorative stand for plants, like a vintage or modern wood version, attractive enough to keep on display year-round.