Instead of throwing your bar stools out, keep reading for some creative uses for your collapsible and non-collapsible bar stools.

Flower Stand

If your bar stool has a flat top rather than padded vinyl, it can make the perfect plant stand. For a great DIY project, simply buy a few cheap bar stools and refurbish them to create a floating, tiered plant oasis. Start by cutting each stool down to a different length, taking care that all the legs are even and level.

When you're ready, strip each stool, sand it down, prime it and paint it with your own custom colors. Take your plant stand customization further with some beading or funky fringe.

Bar stool customization doesn't have to stop at paint and plants. You can take it up a notch with decoupage collages, mosaic tiling or impressive beaded seats. Your funky design will instantly take that stool from discount to diva.

Bedside Table

Discount bar stools make fantastic bedside tables. They're small, sturdy and unobtrusive. If you're worried about how it will blend in with your décor, throw some fabric over it or a tablecloth to give it a softer look. If you like to keep a glass of water by your bed, you should use a hard-topped stool rather than the vinyl-topped models.

For the really crafty, try picking up a cheapie bar stool at your local discount store and then reupholstering it with your own fabric. You'll take that discount vinyl stool and turn it into a masterpiece with leopard-print fun fur or a prettily printed floral pattern.

Camping Chairs

Have you ever tried to pack a stack of folding lawn chairs in your car for a family camping trip? They're awkward and take up way too much space in the trunk. In contrast, a lightweight, aluminum-core discount bar stool will stack easily, doesn't weigh much and is much more portable. They're also great for watching football games or family picnics.

Guest Seating

One of the best uses for discount bar stools is as extra seating for guests. For family reunions, local events, games nights or even as children's seating for dinner parties, those stools can go a long way.

However, why take up all your valuable storage space with cumbersome plastic chairs? Instead, find some folding discount bar stools and either hang them on the wall or stack them in your basement.

The ability to make practical or aesthetic use of low cost items in your home is not just a money saver, but also shows a bit of creative talent. Rather than simply tossing out items that on the surface seem to be junk, you can often make relatively minor adjustments to these same items to transform them into something attractive. It makes sense to do the same with old bar stools.