All Stools
2010s North American Art Deco Stools
Velvet, Wood
2010s North American Art Deco Stools
Velvet, Wood
2010s Brazilian Stools
Hardwood
2010s Brazilian Stools
Hardwood, Wood
2010s American Modern Stools
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Upholstery
Early 2000s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Stools
Pine
Vintage 1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Stools
Plywood, Birch, Bentwood, Lacquer
Late 20th Century Dutch Minimalist Stools
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Organic Modern Stools
Fabric, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Organic Modern Stools
Fabric, Hardwood
2010s Spanish Modern Stools
Steel
2010s Spanish Modern Stools
Aluminum, Silver, Steel
Mid-20th Century Italian Industrial Stools
Wood
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Pine
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Stools
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Organic Modern Stools
Fabric, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Organic Modern Stools
Fabric, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Organic Modern Stools
Fabric, Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Organic Modern Stools
Fabric, Hardwood
Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Stools
Birch, Laminate
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Wenge
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Stools
Cedar
2010s Italian Minimalist Stools
Birch, Oak, Plywood
Vintage 1970s American Arts and Crafts Stools
Wool, Oak
20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Stools
Wood
20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Stools
Wood
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Birch
Antique Late 19th Century English Arts and Crafts Stools
Leather, Fabric, Oak
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Birch, Burl
Mid-20th Century Asian Stools
Bamboo
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Stools
Wood, Teak
2010s American Modern Stools
Cedar
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Stools
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Stools
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Stools
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Stools
Cedar
2010s North American Stools
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Stools
Wicker
21st Century and Contemporary French Stools
Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Stools
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Stools
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Stools
Ceramic
21st Century and Contemporary French Stools
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary French Stools
Rattan
21st Century and Contemporary French Stools
Ceramic
Early 20th Century Chinese Rustic Stools
Elm
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Stools
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Stools
Rattan
2010s British Minimalist Stools
Oak, Walnut
Vintage 1980s Italian Modern Stools
Chrome
Vintage 1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Stools
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Teak
Vintage 1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Stools
Upholstery, Birch
20th Century African Tribal Stools
Wood
2010s Turkish Modern Stools
Chrome
2010s Turkish Modern Stools
Chrome
2010s Turkish Modern Stools
Chrome
Vintage 1970s American American Colonial Stools
Wood
2010s Mexican Minimalist Stools
Oak
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All Stools For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are All Stools?
Finding the Right Seating for You
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, bar stools are taller than counter stools. The average height of counter stools is 24 inches, and they are best suited for counter height tables and kitchen islands. Barstools are typically an additional five to six inches taller to fit the height of traditional bar counters. Shop a wide selection of bar stools and counter-height stools on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024The difference between bar stools and counter stools comes down to height. Bar stools are usually between 28 and 32 inches tall to provide comfortable seating at bars and bar-height tables. To pair with kitchen counters and counter-height tables, counter stools are normally 24 to 27 inches tall. Find a large collection of dining stools on 1stDibs.
- Who invented the stool?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021The inventor behind the stool is quite murky. Stools, which are among the oldest forms of wooden furnishings, may also serve as decorative pieces. Many claim that the stool was first invented by the Varangian Guard, an elite unit of the Byzantine Army in the 10th through 14th century. Shop antique, vintage, and contemporary stools on 1stDibs.
- What is a metamorphic stool?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A metamorphic stool is a piece of furniture that can be transformed into a chair by simply lowering or lifting the seat back. You can shop a collection of metamorphic stools and chairs from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What is a swivel stool?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021A swivel stool is typically known as a bar stool that allows the seat to rotate 360 degrees. The height of swivel bar stools makes them suitable for use at bars and high tables, and the swivel feature renders these seats even more convenient in such settings. Shop a collection of antique and vintage bar stools from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- What is a stepping stool?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A stepping stool is a stool with one or two steps and is self-supporting, usually foldable and portable. It is typically used when you need to retrieve items on a high shelf or in a cabinet. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary stepping stools from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- What is a drafting stool?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A drafting stool usually features adjustable height and a foot support for resting the feet. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary drafting stools from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- What is a counter stool?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A counter stool is a restaurant seating that is accessible to customers who are either sitting or standing. The standard height for a counter stool should be around 24" to 27" above floor level. Find a collection of antique and vintage counter stools on 1stDibs.
- What is a mushroom stool?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A mushroom stool is a low seat with a tapered shape reminiscent of a mushroom. The Finnish interior designer Eero Aarnio created a famous example in 1961. He called his stool “Juttujakkara,” which means "story stool." Find a collection of mushroom stools on 1stDibs.
- What is a footman stool?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A footman stool is a metal stand originally designed for keeping dishes hot prior to serving and would be placed near the fireplace to keep food warm. Today, footman stools are a highly coveted antique. You’ll find a collection of footman stools on 1stDibs.
- What is a vanity stool?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A vanity stool is a small chair/stool used to sit up at your vanity or desk. They are frequently sold as part of a vanity table set. Find a variety of vanity stoolss on 1stDibs.
- What is milking stool?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A milking stool is a stool that has three legs and a semicircular seat. The original purpose of the stool was for farmers to sit on while milking cows. However, people now use them as everyday indoor accent chairs and even as decorative accents. Find a variety of milking stools on 1stDibs.
- Is a stool a chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Stools and chairs are both forms of seating, but stools often lack backs and arms.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024The difference between chairs and stools is generally that the latter are more compact than the former. Traditional stools are backless and armless, unlike chairs, which usually have backs and often feature arms. However, some contemporary dining stools do have backs for added support. The difference between these dining stools and dining chairs is that the stools usually rest on pedestal bases, while chairs have four legs. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of chairs and stools.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021The most comfortable bar stool is a matter of preference. There are many different types of bar stools for your house, and many different comfy versions have been developed over time. To select the best one, we suggest thinking about height, weight, design and fabric so you can find the best set for your preferences and budget. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary bar stools from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- What is the best step stool?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021The best step stool is lightweight, foldable, safe with an anti-skid footpad and uses less space. Step stools are necessary for everyday tasks like reaching out to a cabinet at a height, cleaning corners, changing bulbs and many more. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage step stools.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023The point of a garden stool is to provide a place to sit in a garden. You might use one for comfort while you’re pruning low bushes or simply to relax and take in the beauty of your surroundings. People may also place flower pots or sculptures on garden stools. On 1stDibs, find a selection of garden stools.
- How tall are milking stools?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023How tall milking stools are varies from piece to piece. However, most of the three-legged wooden stools are 12 inches high or less. This height made them ideal for their original purpose: allowing people to sit comfortably while milking a cow. On 1stDibs, find a selection of milking stools from some of the world's top sellers.
- How tall are saddle stools?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Modern saddle stools can be adjustable in variety. Some stools range from 25” to 34” in height. The stool is characterized by its backless, armless A-frame design. You’ll find a variety of saddle stools from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a Chinese garden stool?1 AnswerPAGODA REDOctober 7, 2020
The Chinese garden stool is a round, barrel-shaped stool with a circular seat. Inspired by traditional drums, these stools often feature decorative elements simulating actual drumheads, such as a ring of faux nails at each end.
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