JONATHAN Y TBL1013A Double Happiness 18" Chinoiserie Ceramic Drum Indoor/Outdoor Garden Stool Bohemian, Coastal, Classic, Cottage, French Country, Traditional, Bathroom, Garden Room, Patio, Blue/White

I brought the Double Happiness garden stool into my living room to serve as a small side table next to a slipper chair. A week later, it migrated to the patio for a dinner party and then to the sunroom as a plant stand. That easy versatility is the headline here: it’s a handsome ceramic piece that doesn’t feel precious, and it’s sturdy enough to do real work in a number of roles.

Design and build

This is an 18-inch tall ceramic drum with a classic blue-and-white chinoiserie pattern. The glazing is glossy and even, with a smooth, spill-resistant finish that makes it practical for daily use. In person, the blue reads crisp rather than muddy, and the patterning has good definition—detailed enough to feel refined without tipping into visual noise.

The form is the familiar “drum” silhouette, which solves two problems at once: a wide base for stability and a compact footprint that tucks neatly beside seating. The top is flat enough for a mug and a book, and the edges are subtly rounded so it doesn’t feel sharp at the corners. It’s substantial without being unmanageable; the weight helps it sit planted on hard floors and on an outdoor rug, and it won’t surrender to a light bump.

Fit and finish are strong for the category. On mine, I noticed a faint wavy spot near the base—typical of hand-glazed ceramics and only visible on close inspection. The underside ring is unglazed as expected, so I added felt pads to protect hardwoods and to compensate for minor irregularities you can get with ceramic bases.

Size and ergonomics

At just under 18 inches tall, it lines up well with the arm of most chairs and lower sofas, which makes it a practical perch for a drink or remote. As extra seating, it’s fine for short stints—think “pull up a spot for a guest” rather than an all-evening perch. The surface is smooth, so a thin cushion improves comfort if you plan to use it that way.

For outdoor arrangements, the height is ideal next to lounge chairs. The footprint feels reassuringly stable; I didn’t experience any rocking on a composite deck or on a flat stone patio. If your surfaces are irregular, a small rubber shim under the base edge eliminates any wobble.

Indoor use

Indoors, this stool plays nicely with a range of styles: it’s equally at home in traditional and coastal rooms, and it adds a graphic accent to more modern spaces without overwhelming them. The finish holds up well to everyday living. I’ve set sweating glasses directly on the top and wiped up spills without any ghost rings or etching. The glaze resists staining, and cleanup is as simple as a damp microfiber cloth with a drop of dish soap.

If you plan to use it as a plant stand, it works beautifully. I recommend placing a cork trivet or a saucer under the pot to avoid trapped moisture against the glaze, and to keep any gritty particles from scratching the surface when you rotate plants.

Outdoor performance

The stool is marketed for both indoor and outdoor use, and that checks out. After a rainy week on a covered patio, water beaded on the glaze and wiped away cleanly. There was no dulling or spotting afterward. The piece’s weight is a virtue outdoors; it’s heavy enough that wind is a non-issue in typical conditions. I wouldn’t leave any ceramic piece fully exposed in freeze-thaw climates—water expanding in small faults is the enemy—so if you get hard winters, bring it inside or at least under cover when temperatures drop. In wet, mild weather, it’s a low-maintenance companion.

Versatility in practice

Here’s where this piece earns its keep:

• Side table: The top is stable for a small tray, a glass, and a book. It’s not a coffee table replacement, but as a convenient landing spot next to a chair, it shines.
• Plant stand: The height puts trailing plants and compact trees at a pleasing level. There’s no drainage (it’s a stool), so rely on your pot’s saucer.
• Footrest: The rounded edges make it comfortable under the calves, and the glaze resists scuffing from shoes—still, socks or bare feet are gentler long-term.
• Extra seat: Solid for quick seating. I wouldn’t use it as a primary stool or step stool; it’s a ceramic cylinder, not a ladder.

The blue-and-white scheme is flexible. It complements natural materials (linen, rattan, oak) for a coastal or cottage look, plays nicely with brass and dark woods in classic settings, and adds contrast in modern rooms built around neutrals.

Setup and care

There’s no assembly—just unbox, recycle the packing, and place. A few tips from my use:

• Add felt pads or a thin rubber ring to the base if it will live on hardwood or tile; it protects the floor and tames micro-wobble from uneven surfaces.
• Use coasters if you’re placing gritty-bottom mugs or planters to prevent micro-scratches.
• Clean with a damp cloth and mild soap; avoid abrasive pads and harsh cleaners that could haze the glaze.
• Move it with two hands from the sides. It’s tough for its purpose, but it is ceramic—avoid knocks against stone edges.

What I liked

• Strong indoor/outdoor utility with a glaze that actually behaves well in real life.
• Stable, weighty feel without being a chore to move.
• Pattern and colorway that read refined rather than busy.
• A truly useful 18-inch height beside seating.

Where it could be better

• The top surface area is modest. If you want space for a laptop and a plate, it’s the wrong tool.
• Ceramic will always carry break risk, and it can get hot in full sun or cold in winter—add a coaster or a cushion as needed.
• Minor glaze variations are part of the charm, but perfectionists may notice small waves or dimples up close.

Value

The category spans from bargain pieces with muddy prints to high-end stools that cost multiples more. This one lands in a sweet spot: the design and finish feel far above “budget,” and the construction inspires confidence. If you’re after the classic blue-and-white look without stepping into collectible territory, it’s a strong value.

Who it’s for

• You want a small, good-looking side table that can moonlight as a plant stand or occasional seat.
• You like the chinoiserie blue-and-white palette and need a piece that plays well across coastal, traditional, or eclectic interiors.
• You need something you can use outdoors without babysitting, as long as you bring it in for hard freezes.

Skip it if you need a large tabletop surface, prefer upholstered seating everywhere, or you’re rough on furniture and worry about ceramic in high-traffic zones with energetic kids or pets.

Recommendation

I recommend the Double Happiness garden stool. It delivers real utility across rooms and seasons, the glazing stands up to daily use, and the classic blue-and-white pattern adds polish without demanding attention. For anyone who needs a compact, stable accent that can shift roles—from side table to plant stand to extra seat—this is a well-made, handsome option that feels thoughtfully executed for the price.