Our choices for attractive (or at least unobtrusive), utilitarian step stools, useful in both the kitchen and the bath.

Above: Lightweight yet sturdy, the Ultraslim Aluminum Step Stool folds to a 1.75-inch width for compact storage; $109 for the two-step model (a three-step model is $129) at Williams-Sonoma.

Above: The Original Kik-Step Steel Step Stool has spring-mounted casters which retract when the stool is stepped on. Steel construction with nonslip vinyl treads and protective bumper around base. Available in several colors (shown in silvertone); $49.95 at Amazon. 

Above: The EZ Folds Plastic Step Stool folds from a 12-inch-high step stool with a 300-pound weight capacity to an easy-to-store 5-inch width; $23.40 at Amazon.