Skip to main content

Stool With Handles

Pierre Guariche Black Tubular Metal Stool with Handles, France, 1950's
Pierre Guariche Black Tubular Metal Stool with Handles, France, 1950's

Pierre Guariche Black Tubular Metal Stool with Handles, France, 1950's

By Pierre Guariche

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Pierre Guariche (1926-1995) Black Tubular Metal Stool with Handles and Upholstered Seat, France, c. 1950 H: 12.5.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Vintage square wooden stool with handle, Belgium ca. 1920
Vintage square wooden stool with handle, Belgium ca. 1920

Vintage square wooden stool with handle, Belgium ca. 1920

Located in Meulebeke, BE

With a recessed handle and 4 legs with reinforcement beam. This wooden stool with a square base is the perfect addition to any home.

Category

Vintage 1920s Belgian Industrial Stools

Materials

Wood

Swedish Mid-Century Pine Milking Stool with Handle, 1960s
Swedish Mid-Century Pine Milking Stool with Handle, 1960s

Swedish Mid-Century Pine Milking Stool with Handle, 1960s

Located in Stockholm, SE

A charming Swedish milking stool crafted in solid pine, dating to the 1960s.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Mid century handmade studio stool with handle, Belgium 1960s
Mid century handmade studio stool with handle, Belgium 1960s

Mid century handmade studio stool with handle, Belgium 1960s

Located in Herentals, BE

This sturdy pine stool, used in a studio, exudes craftsmanship and authenticity.

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Pair of earthenware French stools circa 1950
Pair of earthenware French stools circa 1950

Pair of earthenware French stools circa 1950

Located in PARIS, FR

Nice pair of earthenware stools with handles and pillows circa 1950

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Earthenware

Gardian Stool by Patrick Norguet
Gardian Stool by Patrick Norguet

Gardian Stool by Patrick Norguet

Located in Geneve, CH

Gardian stool with handle by Patrick Norguet Materials: Fabric (also available in leather) Handle: Noce Canaletto solid wood Dimensions: W51.1 x D34.7 x H49.8 cm For the Gardi...

Category

2010s French Modern Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Gardian Stool by Patrick Norguet
Gardian Stool by Patrick Norguet

Gardian Stool by Patrick Norguet

Located in Geneve, CH

Gardian stool with handle by Patrick Norguet. Materials: fabric (also available in leather) Handle: noce Canaletto solid wood.

Category

2010s French Modern Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Gardian Stool by Patrick Norguet
Gardian Stool by Patrick Norguet

Gardian Stool by Patrick Norguet

Located in Geneve, CH

Gardian stool with handle by Patrick Norguet. Materials: Fabric (also available in leather) Handle: Noce Canaletto solid wood Dimensions: W 51.1 x D 34.7 x H 49.8 cm For the Ga...

Category

2010s French Modern Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

LOVELY 19TH CENTURY ENGLISH PAiNTERS ARTISTS STOOL HANDLE CUT OUT IN THE TOP
LOVELY 19TH CENTURY ENGLISH PAiNTERS ARTISTS STOOL HANDLE CUT OUT IN THE TOP

LOVELY 19TH CENTURY ENGLISH PAiNTERS ARTISTS STOOL HANDLE CUT OUT IN THE TOP

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

A very good-looking period 19th century stool, it has the rare handle cut out to the top and curved front, I’ve never seen this exact model before.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Stools

Materials

Elm

Single Bucket Stool, Seat Side Table with Bentwood Handle in Solid Oak
Single Bucket Stool, Seat Side Table with Bentwood Handle in Solid Oak

Single Bucket Stool, Seat Side Table with Bentwood Handle in Solid Oak

By Yvonne Mouser

Located in Oakland, CA

The second of four versions from the Bucket Stools collection, a family of solid ash furniture featuring bentwood handles.

Category

2010s American Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Step Bucket Stool, Low Seat or Side Table with Bentwood Handle in Solid Oak
Step Bucket Stool, Low Seat or Side Table with Bentwood Handle in Solid Oak

Step Bucket Stool, Low Seat or Side Table with Bentwood Handle in Solid Oak

By Yvonne Mouser

Located in Oakland, CA

The Step Bucket Stool is a single sized, low seat, or step stool, and the smallest of four versions from the Bucket Stool Collection.

Category

2010s American Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Pair Of Bradford Woodworking Ax Handle Dining/Kitchen Stools
Pair Of Bradford Woodworking Ax Handle Dining/Kitchen Stools

Pair Of Bradford Woodworking Ax Handle Dining/Kitchen Stools

By Bradford Woodworking

Located in Norwood, NJ

Uniquely designed wood and iron stools. Farmhouse country style with ax handle form legs supported by through dowels and iron ring.

Category

1990s American Country Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

Double Bucket Stool, Wide Side Table or Seat with Bentwood Handle in Solid Oak
Double Bucket Stool, Wide Side Table or Seat with Bentwood Handle in Solid Oak

Double Bucket Stool, Wide Side Table or Seat with Bentwood Handle in Solid Oak

By Yvonne Mouser

Located in Oakland, CA

The Double Bucket Stool is a generous single seat or side table. The third of four versions from the Bucket Stool Collection, a family of solid ash furniture featuring bentwood handl...

Category

2010s American Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Bucket Bench, Modern Long Side Table or Seat with Bentwood Handle in Solid Ash
Bucket Bench, Modern Long Side Table or Seat with Bentwood Handle in Solid Ash

Bucket Bench, Modern Long Side Table or Seat with Bentwood Handle in Solid Ash

By Yvonne Mouser

Located in Oakland, CA

The Bench Bucket Stool is the longest of four versions from the Bucket Stool Collection, a family of solid wood furniture featuring bentwood handles.

Category

2010s American Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Pine Wood Stool, Sweden, 1970s
Pine Wood Stool, Sweden, 1970s

Pine Wood Stool, Sweden, 1970s

Located in Værløse, DK

Swedish Modern Pine Stool or sidetable from the 1970s. * Four-leg stool in solid pine with handle * Country: Sweden * Year: est. 1970s * Condition: Fair vintage condition.

Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Stool by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen
Stool by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen

Stool by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A teak stool with integral handles and black leather upholstery, on tapered dowel legs.

Category

20th Century Danish Stools

Materials

Leather

Modernist Iron & Oak Split Slats Stool - France 1960's
Modernist Iron & Oak Split Slats Stool - France 1960's

Modernist Iron & Oak Split Slats Stool - France 1960's

By Mathieu Matégot

Located in New York, NY

Elegant split slats oak stool with embedded handle. Wrought iron base in the style of Mathieu Matégot's "Tit Mellil" series seating.

Category

Vintage 1960s French Stools

Materials

Wrought Iron

1940's French Mediterranean Design Low Rope Stool by Audoux Minet
1940's French Mediterranean Design Low Rope Stool by Audoux Minet

1940's French Mediterranean Design Low Rope Stool by Audoux Minet

By Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet

Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN

Round woven abaca rope small stool or side table with handle. This comes in very good original condition.

Category

Vintage 1940s French French Provincial Stools

Materials

Straw

Stunning Pair Of Liberty of London Matching Arts And Crafts Primitive Oak Stools
Stunning Pair Of Liberty of London Matching Arts And Crafts Primitive Oak Stools

Stunning Pair Of Liberty of London Matching Arts And Crafts Primitive Oak Stools

By Liberty of London

Located in Reading, Berkshire

Stunning Pair Of Liberty of London Matching Arts And Crafts Primitive Oak Stools With Carry Handle To Seat. Early 1900's

Category

Early 20th Century British Arts and Crafts Stools

Materials

Oak

Stunning Pair Of Liberty of London Matching Arts And Crafts Primitive Oak Stools
Stunning Pair Of Liberty of London Matching Arts And Crafts Primitive Oak Stools

Stunning Pair Of Liberty of London Matching Arts And Crafts Primitive Oak Stools

Located in Reading, Berkshire

Stunning Pair Of Liberty of London Matching Arts And Crafts Primitive Oak Stools With Carry Handle To Seat. Early 1900's

Category

Early 20th Century British Arts and Crafts Stools

Materials

Oak

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Handmade Neck Leather Poufs
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Handmade Neck Leather Poufs

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Handmade Neck Leather Poufs

Located in Nürnberg, Bayern

Rare heavy leather stool with carrying handle.  

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Leather

Italian Carved Walnut Stools, Art Deco, 1940
Italian Carved Walnut Stools, Art Deco, 1940

Italian Carved Walnut Stools, Art Deco, 1940

Located in New York, NY

A fine and elegant pair of Italian carved walnut stools or benches, with side handles, a rectangular seat. and carved legs.

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Benches

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Concrete Table and 4 Stools, 1960s France
Concrete Table and 4 Stools, 1960s France

Concrete Table and 4 Stools, 1960s France

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Table is extremely heavy and well made with a massive circular top that rests atop a pedestal base. Stools are one solid piece with handle holes on each side.

Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Concrete

18th century English George III Walnut Commode Foot Stool
18th century English George III Walnut Commode Foot Stool

18th century English George III Walnut Commode Foot Stool

Located in Litchfield, CT

Antique 18th century English George II walnut foot stool with original brass bail handles at each side.

Category

Antique 18th Century English George II Footstools

Materials

Walnut

Oak and Cane Bench by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
Oak and Cane Bench by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen

Oak and Cane Bench by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A handmade oak bench / stool with integral handles, through-tenon tapered dowel legs, and the original caned seat.

Category

20th Century Danish Benches

Materials

Wood

Chinese Cadogan 'Foo Dog' Teapot, Guangxu Tea / Coffee
Chinese Cadogan 'Foo Dog' Teapot, Guangxu Tea / Coffee

Chinese Cadogan 'Foo Dog' Teapot, Guangxu Tea / Coffee

Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos

China, Guangxu period, shaped as a foo dog holding a stool. Funnel underbase with orifice. The handle and spout molded as a leafy branch.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

"Chubby Chic" Fiber Pouf with Handle in Dark Brown Leather by Moroso for Diesel
"Chubby Chic" Fiber Pouf with Handle in Dark Brown Leather by Moroso for Diesel

"Chubby Chic" Fiber Pouf with Handle in Dark Brown Leather by Moroso for Diesel

By Diesel Creative Team 1, Moroso

Located in Brooklyn, NY

"Chubby Chic" is a stool or a pouf, designed by Diesel Creative Team and manufactured by Moroso, featuring stress-resistant polyurethane foam with differentiated densities and polyes...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Velvet, Plastic, Foam, Wood

Recent Sales

Victorian Mahogany Stool with S-Form Carrying Handle
Victorian Mahogany Stool with S-Form Carrying Handle

Victorian Mahogany Stool with S-Form Carrying Handle

Unavailable

H 19.5 in W 14.75 in D 11 in

Victorian Mahogany Stool with S-Form Carrying Handle

Located in Hudson, NY

Victorian mahogany stool. The oval overhang top pierced with S-form carrying handle, on flared legs joined by box stretchers.

Category

Antique 1860s English Victorian Stools

Materials

Mahogany

"Bla Bia" Seat with Handle Made of Wood
"Bla Bia" Seat with Handle Made of Wood

"Bla Bia" Seat with Handle Made of Wood

Unavailable

H 9.06 in W 17.33 in D 7.88 in

"Bla Bia" Seat with Handle Made of Wood

By Baule Tribe

Located in Basel, BS

The connection between the useful and the beautiful is particularly evident in the artistically designed seating. The forms of the African seats are as diverse as their uses. Simple...

Category

Mid-20th Century Ivorian Stools

Materials

Wood

Japanese Porcelain Blue and White Garden Stool, circa 1900, Cranes, Meiji
Japanese Porcelain Blue and White Garden Stool, circa 1900, Cranes, Meiji

Japanese Porcelain Blue and White Garden Stool, circa 1900, Cranes, Meiji

Located in Seattle, WA

An unusual late 19th century Japanese porcelain garden stool with spiralling form. Foo dog handles.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Furniture

Materials

Porcelain

Mesquite Stool with Handle from Mexico
Mesquite Stool with Handle from Mexico

Mesquite Stool with Handle from Mexico

Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Mesquite stool form Cerritos, San Luis Potosi, Mexico with tin original tin patch.

Category

Vintage 1980s Mexican Rustic Stools

Materials

Hardwood

Rustic wooden stool with handle 1920's
Rustic wooden stool with handle 1920's

Rustic wooden stool with handle 1920's

Located in Meulebeke, BE

Rustic solid wooden stool with a handle in the middle. Made around 1920.

Category

Vintage 1920s French Rustic Stools

Materials

Wood

Rustic wooden stool with handle 1920's
Rustic wooden stool with handle 1920's

Rustic wooden stool with handle 1920's

Located in Meulebeke, BE

Rustic solid wooden stool with a handle in the middle. Made around 1920.

Category

Vintage 1920s French Rustic Stools

Materials

Wood

20TH C. WOODEN CHILDREN'S MILKING STOOL WITH HANDLE
20TH C. WOODEN CHILDREN'S MILKING STOOL WITH HANDLE

20TH C. WOODEN CHILDREN'S MILKING STOOL WITH HANDLE

Located in Los Angeles, CA

WOODEN CHILDREN'S MILKING STOOL WITH HANDLE.

Category

20th Century American Footstools

Materials

Wood

Strong French Stained Wooden Stool with handle circa 1900 Brutalist
Strong French Stained Wooden Stool with handle circa 1900 Brutalist

Strong French Stained Wooden Stool with handle circa 1900 Brutalist

By Pierre Chapo, Axel Einar Hjorth

Located in Forest, BE

Cute French stool. Very strong and good condition. Perfect as a side table or a normal seating with a table.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Brutalist Stools

Materials

Pine

Strong French Stained Wooden Stool with handle circa 1960 Brutalist
Strong French Stained Wooden Stool with handle circa 1960 Brutalist

Strong French Stained Wooden Stool with handle circa 1960 Brutalist

By Pierre Chapo, Axel Einar Hjorth

Located in Forest, BE

Cute little French stools. Very strong and good condition. Perfect as footstool or on a side of a sofa or as a side tables.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Brutalist Stools

Materials

Pine

Primitive Low Stool from Mexico
Primitive Low Stool from Mexico

Primitive Low Stool from Mexico

Sold

H 7 in W 17 in D 9 in

Primitive Low Stool from Mexico

Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Primitive low stool with handle from the Puebla highlands, Mexico.

Category

Vintage 1940s Mexican Primitive Stools

Materials

Nutwood

Lovely 18th Century Engligh Painters Artists Stool Handle Cut Out in the Top
Lovely 18th Century Engligh Painters Artists Stool Handle Cut Out in the Top

Lovely 18th Century Engligh Painters Artists Stool Handle Cut Out in the Top

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning 18th century English oak artist bar stool with handle top A very good looking period 18th century Dutch stool, it has the rare han...

Category

Antique 18th Century Danish Georgian Stools

Materials

Oak

Antique Mahogany Victorian Upholstered Stool Footstool with Handles and Inlay
Antique Mahogany Victorian Upholstered Stool Footstool with Handles and Inlay

Antique Mahogany Victorian Upholstered Stool Footstool with Handles and Inlay

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Mahogany Victorian Upholstered stool footstool with handles and inlay. Item features turn carved handles, inlay skirt, cabriole legs, very nice antique item.

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Victorian Stools

Materials

Wood

French Painter's Stool with Four Differing Stretchers and Handle Top
French Painter's Stool with Four Differing Stretchers and Handle Top

French Painter's Stool with Four Differing Stretchers and Handle Top

Located in Atlanta, GA

unique in its design as each side is different, having original painted finish and traces of paint, the handle top above simple apron and raised on square legs

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Arts and Crafts Stools

Ax Handle Stool by Brad Smith with Pitch Fork Backrest
Ax Handle Stool by Brad Smith with Pitch Fork Backrest

Ax Handle Stool by Brad Smith with Pitch Fork Backrest

Located in New York, NY

Nice Folk Art furniture by noted repurpose designer Brad Smith (Marked Bradford Farm Fresh Furniture). Structurally sound and sturdy, shows some cosmetic wear to finish normal and co...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Rustic Stools

Postmodern Minimalist Lucite and Red Naugahyde Vanity Stool with Side Handles
Postmodern Minimalist Lucite and Red Naugahyde Vanity Stool with Side Handles

Postmodern Minimalist Lucite and Red Naugahyde Vanity Stool with Side Handles

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in San Diego, CA

Postmodern Minimalist Lucite and red Naugahyde vanity stool with side handles, circa 1970s. The piece is in good vintage condition; very solid and stabile.

Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Stools

Materials

Lucite, Naugahyde

Pair of 19th Century Italian Handled Stools
Pair of 19th Century Italian Handled Stools

Pair of 19th Century Italian Handled Stools

Sold

H 27.75 in W 25.5 in D 17 in

Pair of 19th Century Italian Handled Stools

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of Italian handled benches (stools) with gilt hairy foot and lion's head details.

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Stools

Materials

Fruitwood, Giltwood

Portuguese Stool from the Late 19th Century with Hinged Back and Handles
Portuguese Stool from the Late 19th Century with Hinged Back and Handles

Portuguese Stool from the Late 19th Century with Hinged Back and Handles

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Portuguese stool from the late 19th century. This early Portuguese stool features a hinged back and large carved wood handles at either sides of the seat and top.

Category

Antique 19th Century Portuguese Stools

Materials

Leather, Wood

Italian Walnut Stool with Splayed Legs and Pierced Handle from the 1820s
Italian Walnut Stool with Splayed Legs and Pierced Handle from the 1820s

Italian Walnut Stool with Splayed Legs and Pierced Handle from the 1820s

Located in Atlanta, GA

Born in Italy during the 1820s, this Italian stool features a square wooden seat with canted corners and pierced handle, resting on a simple apron.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Stools

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Set of 4 Pierre Chapo Inspired Bar Stools with Small Handle Cut-Out
Set of 4 Pierre Chapo Inspired Bar Stools with Small Handle Cut-Out

Set of 4 Pierre Chapo Inspired Bar Stools with Small Handle Cut-Out

By Pierre Chapo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Set of 4 Pierre Chapo inspired, Mid-Century brutalist, T-back bar stools with small handle cut-out and attractively tapered legs.

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Italian Painted Curule Stool with Turned Handles and X-Form Base
Mid-Century Italian Painted Curule Stool with Turned Handles and X-Form Base

Mid-Century Italian Painted Curule Stool with Turned Handles and X-Form Base

Located in Dallas, TX

This mid-century Italian curule-form stool, crafted circa 1960, features a gracefully arched X-base construction with scroll ends and turned side handles.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Louis XIII Stools

Materials

Beech

Step Bucket Stool, Low Seat or Side Table with Bentwood Handle in Solid Ash
Step Bucket Stool, Low Seat or Side Table with Bentwood Handle in Solid Ash

Step Bucket Stool, Low Seat or Side Table with Bentwood Handle in Solid Ash

By Yvonne Mouser

Located in Oakland, CA

The Step Bucket Stool is a single sized, low seat, or step stool, and the smallest of four versions from the Bucket Stool Collection, a family of solid ash furniture featuring bentwo...

Category

2010s American Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Lucite Vanity Stool / Bench with Upholstered Seat
Lucite Vanity Stool / Bench with Upholstered Seat

Lucite Vanity Stool / Bench with Upholstered Seat

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A lucite vanity stool with cross stretcher, integrated handles and its original, gloss-white vinyl upholstery.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Stools

Materials

Lucite, PVC, Upholstery

Characterful Milk Stool Solid Wood Stool Rustic
Characterful Milk Stool Solid Wood Stool Rustic

Characterful Milk Stool Solid Wood Stool Rustic

Sold

H 17.33 in W 18.12 in D 12.21 in

Characterful Milk Stool Solid Wood Stool Rustic

Located in Poperinge, BE

Beautiful, old, and characterful milk stool, a wooden stool with a central handle, made of solid wood, first half of the 20th century.

Category

Vintage 1920s European Rustic Stools

Materials

Wood

Wood Box Stool
Wood Box Stool

Wood Box Stool

Sold

H 17 in W 13 in D 10 in

Wood Box Stool

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Wood Hollow Box Stool with Two Built In Handles

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Stools

Materials

Wood

Italian 1950s Stool
Italian 1950s Stool

Italian 1950s Stool

Sold

H 19 in W 20 in D 13 in

Italian 1950s Stool

Located in New York, NY

Italy, 1950s. Two handled walnut stool with elegant curved surfaces.

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Walnut

Oak Stools, England, circa 1930
Oak Stools, England, circa 1930

Oak Stools, England, circa 1930

Sold

H 18.5 in W 15 in D 10.75 in

Oak Stools, England, circa 1930

Located in Culver City, CA

Tavern stools with oval seat and cutout handle on four legs.

Category

20th Century English Stools

Materials

Oak

Pair of Unusual Iron Stools
Pair of Unusual Iron Stools

Pair of Unusual Iron Stools

Sold

H 29 in W 12.5 in D 12.5 in

Pair of Unusual Iron Stools

Located in New York, NY

Pair of unusual iron stools with ring handle details.

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Stool With Handles", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Stool With Handles For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of stool with handles available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique stool with handles was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, hardwood and ash. Find 14 antique and vintage stool with handles at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 7 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. There are all kinds of stool with handles available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Stool with handles made by Modern designers — as well as those associated with Arts and Crafts — are very popular at 1stDibs. Many stool with handles are appealing in their simplicity, but Yvonne Mouser, Diesel Creative Team and Moroso produced popular stool with handles that are worth a look.

How Much are Stool With Handles?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $595, while they’re typically $250 on the low end and $6,500 highest priced.

Finding the Right Stools for You

Stools are versatile and a necessary addition to any living room, kitchen area or elsewhere in your home. A sofa or reliable lounge chair might nab all the credit, comfort-wise, but don’t discount the roles that good antique, new and vintage stools can play.

“Stools are jewels and statements in a space, and they can also be investment pieces,” says New York City designer Amy Lau, who adds that these seats provide an excellent choice for setting an interior’s general tone. 

Stools, which are among the oldest forms of wooden furnishings, may also serve as decorative pieces, even if we’re talking about a stool that is far less sculptural than the gracefully curving molded plywood shells that make up Sōri Yanagi’s provocative Butterfly stool

Fawn Galli, a New York interior designer, uses her stools in the same way you would use a throw pillow. “I normally buy several styles and move them around the home where needed,” she says.

Stools are smaller pieces of seating as compared to armchairs or dining chairs and can add depth as well as functionality to a space that you’ve set aside for entertaining. For a splash of color, consider the Stool 60, a pioneering work of bentwood by Finnish architect and furniture maker Alvar Aalto. It’s manufactured by Artek and comes in a variety of colored seats and finishes.

Barstools that date back to the 1970s are now more ubiquitous in kitchens. Vintage barstools have seen renewed interest, be they a meld of chrome and leather or transparent plastic, such as the Lucite and stainless-steel counter stool variety from Indiana-born furniture designer Charles Hollis Jones, who is renowned for his acrylic works. A cluster of barstools — perhaps a set of four brushed-aluminum counter stools by Emeco or Tubby Tube stools by Faye Toogood — can encourage merriment in the kitchen. If you’ve got the room for family and friends to congregate and enjoy cocktails where the cooking is done, consider matching your stools with a tall table.

Whether you need counter stools, drafting stools or another kind, explore an extensive range of antique, new and vintage stools on 1stDibs.