Skip to main content

Aesthetic Movement Stools

AESTHETIC MOVEMENT

In 1880, polymath designer William Morris declared: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His words encapsulated the Aesthetic Movement, which prized beauty above all and blurred the lines between fine art and the decorative arts, particularly through lavishly crafted furniture pieces.

The Aesthetic Movement, whose major proponents included author Oscar Wilde, flourished from the 1860s to the 1880s and was mostly popular in England and the United States. Design expositions like the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, as well as the publishing of how-to books for interior design, helped disseminate Aesthetic Movement bedroom furniture, serveware, coffee tables and other items, especially to the middle class.

The establishment of new art museums, art clubs and a rising passion for collecting at the time contributed to a growing appreciation for art. Morris’s founding of Morris & Co. in 1862 and the commercializing of this “cult of beauty” by the Liberty store in London, starting in the late 19th century, further disseminated the idea of a domestic space that was thoughtfully and floridly designed.

Leading Aesthetic Movement furniture designers included E.W. Godwin, who drew on Japanese influences and whose work reflected a wider enthusiasm for imported East Asian art. British designer Christopher Dresser created textiles, ceramics and more that were also inspired by Japanese decorative art but were representative of additional diverse design sources that ranged from Egypt to Mexico.

The Aesthetic Movement’s eclecticism resulted in dazzling interiors. Japanese fans were positioned on Renaissance-inspired cabinets with brass hardware, while mantels made of rich walnut or finely carved ebonized wood and adorned with painted Minton tiles mingled with cast-iron chairs against a backdrop of floral wallpaper. In 1881, in New York City, stenciled checkerboard motifs and painted floral murals could be found under an opalescent glass chandelier in a luxurious dressing room designed by German émigré cabinetmaker-decorator George Alfred Schastey. Amid the rise of the industrial age, the style’s promotion of art in everyday life would inform the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.

Find a collection of antique Aesthetic Movement seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.

to
11
6
17
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
13
4
3,331
3,218
811
433
369
156
130
99
85
61
60
58
50
48
40
34
21
15
16
1
1
15
6
4
3
3
16
13
10
2
1
17
17
17
1
1
Style: Aesthetic Movement
Italian Gilt Bamboo Leopard Velvet Stool
Italian Gilt Bamboo Leopard Velvet Stool

Italian Gilt Bamboo Leopard Velvet Stool

Located in Houston, TX

1940s Italian gilt iron bamboo stool with leopard velvet upholstery.

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Iron

Antique Oak Petite Footstool with Barley Twist legs and a Hand Carved Apron
Antique Oak Petite Footstool with Barley Twist legs and a Hand Carved Apron

Antique Oak Petite Footstool with Barley Twist legs and a Hand Carved Apron

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Beautiful craftsmanship with a simple and elegant flair, the barley twist legs and hand scribed apron separate this little gem from theack. Originally had a cushion attached and tack...

Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Oak, Lacquer

A small Aesthetic Movement ebonized foot stool
A small Aesthetic Movement ebonized foot stool

A small Aesthetic Movement ebonized foot stool

Located in London, GB

A small Aesthetic Movement ebonized foot stool, with partial gilt incised and turned decoration on stub feet.

Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Beech

Late 19thC Circular Walnut Revolving Piano Stool
Late 19thC Circular Walnut Revolving Piano Stool

Late 19thC Circular Walnut Revolving Piano Stool

Located in Altrincham, GB

Late 19thC Circular Walnut Revolving Piano Stool on turned splayed legs joined by under X-stretcher - 13.5"diam x 18" - 21"h

Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Walnut

An Aesthetic Movement Elm stool with a 'S' handle, and a wild grain to the seat.
An Aesthetic Movement Elm stool with a 'S' handle, and a wild grain to the seat.

An Aesthetic Movement Elm stool with a 'S' handle, and a wild grain to the seat.

Located in London, GB

An Aesthetic Movement period Elm stool with a 'S' shaped pierced handle, and a wonderful wild grain to the seat. Tight through and exposed joints to the four corners of the seat with...

Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Elm

Pair Of Antique Aesthetic Lift Top Bench Stools
Pair Of Antique Aesthetic Lift Top Bench Stools

Pair Of Antique Aesthetic Lift Top Bench Stools

Located in Norwood, NJ

Pair of English Aesthetic walnut benches with upholstered over-seats opening to storage compartments above incised aprons, all raised on scrolled "X" supports with ebonized details, ...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

PAIR OF ANTIQUE ViCTORIAN CARVED MOORISH 19TH CENTURY AESTHETIC MOVEMENT STOOLS
PAIR OF ANTIQUE ViCTORIAN CARVED MOORISH 19TH CENTURY AESTHETIC MOVEMENT STOOLS

PAIR OF ANTIQUE ViCTORIAN CARVED MOORISH 19TH CENTURY AESTHETIC MOVEMENT STOOLS

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair or Victorian late 19th Century, hand carved Mahogany stools in the Aesthetic movement tas...

Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Majolica Cobalt Blue Garden Seat or Pedestal, Late 19th Century, Italy
Majolica Cobalt Blue Garden Seat or Pedestal, Late 19th Century, Italy

Majolica Cobalt Blue Garden Seat or Pedestal, Late 19th Century, Italy

Located in Austin, TX

A gorgeous Majolica garden seat or plant stand, late 19th century, Italy. Decorated in a deep cobalt blue, with clusters of white hibiscus. Scrolling acanthus leaves in a pleasing da...

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Majolica

Oak Stool
Oak Stool

Oak Stool

$2,750

Oak Stool

By Liberty & Co.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The "Thebes Stool" by Liberty and Co. is a remarkable example of the Aesthetic Movement from 1890s England, embodying the principle of "Art for Art's Sake." Crafted from English oak,...

Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Leather, Wood

Pair of Antique Victorian Hand Carved 19th Century Asethetic Movement Stools
Pair of Antique Victorian Hand Carved 19th Century Asethetic Movement Stools

Pair of Antique Victorian Hand Carved 19th Century Asethetic Movement Stools

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of Victorian late 19th century hand carved pine stools in the Aesthetic movement taste This stools are very decorative and we...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Pine

19th Century Elm High Bar Stool
19th Century Elm High Bar Stool

19th Century Elm High Bar Stool

Located in Brussels, Brussels

superb and rare 19th century elm bar stool. Superb stool that features a superb patina and a beautiful turned base. This stool is a timeless addition to any interior, whether placed ...

Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Elm

An Aesthetic Movement ebonized & gilded foot stool with striped upholstery.
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized & gilded foot stool with striped upholstery.

An Aesthetic Movement ebonized & gilded foot stool with striped upholstery.

Located in London, GB

An Aesthetic Movement ebonized footstool with concave-shaped sides and incised parcel gilt decoration on little flat feet with striped braided upholstery.

Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Beech

Jas Shoolbred. An Aesthetic Movement adjustable height piano stool
Jas Shoolbred. An Aesthetic Movement adjustable height piano stool

Jas Shoolbred. An Aesthetic Movement adjustable height piano stool

By Jas Shoolbred & Co.

Located in London, GB

Jas Shoolbred. An Aesthetic Movement adjustable height piano stool with carved florettes and line scribed decoration to the seat and to the shaped legs, united by a double stretcher. This has a BSA motor bike company mechanical height adjusting mechanism with gear cogs...

Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Walnut

Decorative Small Floral Painted Ebonised Victorian Stool
Decorative Small Floral Painted Ebonised Victorian Stool

Decorative Small Floral Painted Ebonised Victorian Stool

Located in Llanbrynmair, GB

A delightful small Victorian hand painted stool. Beautiful hand painted floral decoration, a great decorative piece. In good sound condition.

Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Wood, Paint

Walnut Period Aesthetics Movement Foot Stool
Walnut Period Aesthetics Movement Foot Stool

Walnut Period Aesthetics Movement Foot Stool

Located in Hudson, NY

This walnut carved and turned footstool was made circa 1875 in the Aesthetic Movement style. Most likely made in America the stool is of a chunky robust proportion with large turned ...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Walnut

Related Items
Wood Soaped Oak Bar Stool with Natural Tanned Leather Seat
Wood Soaped Oak Bar Stool with Natural Tanned Leather Seat

Wood Soaped Oak Bar Stool with Natural Tanned Leather Seat

By Mater

Located in Chicago, IL

The Mater High stool is designed by the Danish architect duo Space Copenhagen and is regarded as a New Danish Classic. With its organic yet Minimalist...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

Mid Century Leopard Velvet Stool, Europe, 1960s
Mid Century Leopard Velvet Stool, Europe, 1960s

Mid Century Leopard Velvet Stool, Europe, 1960s

$417 / item

H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Leopard Velvet Stool, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful velour jacquard upholstery in leopard print. About the fabric: Wildlife is taking a place in your interiors through the Leopa...

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Velvet, Wood

1970s Italian Bar Stools Brass-Plated Faux Bamboo Dedar Pink Velvet Seats
1970s Italian Bar Stools Brass-Plated Faux Bamboo Dedar Pink Velvet Seats

1970s Italian Bar Stools Brass-Plated Faux Bamboo Dedar Pink Velvet Seats

Located in London, GB

A stunning pair of 1970s Italian brass-plated bar stools featuring a faux bamboo frame with backrest. The generous, peach-reminiscent seats newly upholstered in Dedar pink cotton fa...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Metal

American Designer, Bar Stools, Bamboo, Velvet, USA, 1960s
American Designer, Bar Stools, Bamboo, Velvet, USA, 1960s

American Designer, Bar Stools, Bamboo, Velvet, USA, 1960s

Located in High Point, NC

A pair of moulded bamboo and green velvet bar stools or counter top stools, designed and produced in the US, c. 1960s. Dimensions: 30” H x 16.875” Diameter All upholstered furnitur...

Category

1960s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Velvet, Bamboo

Late Victorian Dark Walnut Piano Stool with Sheet Compartment
Late Victorian Dark Walnut Piano Stool with Sheet Compartment

Late Victorian Dark Walnut Piano Stool with Sheet Compartment

Located in Germantown, MD

A late Victorian Walnut Piano Stool featuring a lift-up seat that reveals a built-in compartment for storing sheet music. It is characterized by its darl walnut wood construction and...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

American Aesthetic Oak Thebes Stool
American Aesthetic Oak Thebes Stool

American Aesthetic Oak Thebes Stool

$1,250

H 15 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in

American Aesthetic Oak Thebes Stool

Located in Essex, MA

Typical form. Egyptian revival.

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Oak

Pair of Antique Victorian Hand Carved 19th Century Asethetic Movement Stools
Pair of Antique Victorian Hand Carved 19th Century Asethetic Movement Stools

Pair of Antique Victorian Hand Carved 19th Century Asethetic Movement Stools

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of Victorian late 19th century hand carved pine stools in the Aesthetic movement taste This stools are very decorative and we...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Pine

Mid Century Leopard Velvet Vintage Stool, Europe, 1960s
Mid Century Leopard Velvet Vintage Stool, Europe, 1960s

Mid Century Leopard Velvet Vintage Stool, Europe, 1960s

$313 / item

H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in

Mid Century Leopard Velvet Vintage Stool, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful soft velvet leopard print upholstery. The stool consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, cha...

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Velvet, Beech

20th Century Leopard Velvet Vintage Stool, 1960s
20th Century Leopard Velvet Vintage Stool, 1960s

20th Century Leopard Velvet Vintage Stool, 1960s

$313 / set

H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in

20th Century Leopard Velvet Vintage Stool, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful soft velvet leopard print upholstery. The stool consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, cha...

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Midcentury Vintage Leopard Velvet Stool, Edmund Homa, Europe, 1960s
Midcentury Vintage Leopard Velvet Stool, Edmund Homa, Europe, 1960s

Midcentury Vintage Leopard Velvet Stool, Edmund Homa, Europe, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

Stools from the turn of the 1960s. Beautiful leopard velvet high quality upholstery. The stools consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, character...

Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Beech

Foot Stool in walnut
Foot Stool in walnut

Foot Stool in walnut

$1,391 / item

H 11.82 in W 11.82 in D 11.82 in

Foot Stool in walnut

By Project 213A

Located in Macieira de Sarnes, PT

Foot Stool Designed by Project 213A in 2020 The Foot stool is part of the "Foot collection" which is all hand carved by skilled artisans in Northern Portugal. The design was inspire...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Walnut

Previously Available Items
19thc Ebonised Piano Stool by Henry Brooks & Co London W/Howard & Son Upholstery
19thc Ebonised Piano Stool by Henry Brooks & Co London W/Howard & Son Upholstery

19thc Ebonised Piano Stool by Henry Brooks & Co London W/Howard & Son Upholstery

By Henry Brooks Ltd

Located in Llanbrynmair, GB

An ebonised piano stool by Henry Brooks & Co London. Beautifully made, well proportioned stool with cushioned seat leading to four turned legs with hoof like feet and delicate turned...

Category

1880s Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Beech

Faux Bamboo Stool with Blue Damask Upholstered Cushion
Faux Bamboo Stool with Blue Damask Upholstered Cushion

Faux Bamboo Stool with Blue Damask Upholstered Cushion

Located in Bradenton, FL

Decorative faux bamboo upholstered stool features dark ebonized carved wood to emulate bamboo, with turned legs, classic ring nodes, and crisp...

Category

1920s British Vintage Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

19th-C. English Aesthetic Movement Burnt Bamboo Root Form Stool / Ottoman
19th-C. English Aesthetic Movement Burnt Bamboo Root Form Stool / Ottoman

19th-C. English Aesthetic Movement Burnt Bamboo Root Form Stool / Ottoman

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is a 19th century English burnt bamboo root form little stool or ottoman. The red and white leaf embroidered upholstery is new. The ottoman itself is an example of the furniture...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo

Aesthetic Movement Ebonized & Gilt Needlepoint Footstool With Handpainted Panels
Aesthetic Movement Ebonized & Gilt Needlepoint Footstool With Handpainted Panels

Aesthetic Movement Ebonized & Gilt Needlepoint Footstool With Handpainted Panels

Located in Big Flats, NY

***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique Aesthetic Movement Ebonized & Gilt Needlepoint Lift-Top Footstool With Scenic Hand Painted Pa...

Category

Late 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Rare  Aesthetics Movement Bamboo &  Needlepoint Stool Late 19Th. C
Rare  Aesthetics Movement Bamboo &  Needlepoint Stool Late 19Th. C

Rare Aesthetics Movement Bamboo & Needlepoint Stool Late 19Th. C

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Just in, this very rare English Aesthetics Movement Bamboo & Needlepoint Stool, Late 19Th. C This stool is higher than usual, 23 Inches tall. The design is quite intricate and all h...

Category

1890s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Wool, Bamboo

19Th C. English Majolica Faux Tree Stump With Ivy Leaves Garden Stool
19Th C. English Majolica Faux Tree Stump With Ivy Leaves Garden Stool

19Th C. English Majolica Faux Tree Stump With Ivy Leaves Garden Stool

By Joseph Holdcroft

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Just in this 19Th C. English Majolica Faux Tree Stump With Ivy Leaves and Berries attributed to Joseph Holdcroft, garden stool. Beautiful turquoise color to the background and Green ...

Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Ceramic

Aesthetic Mouvement Bamboo Thebes Style Stool, C. 1900
Aesthetic Mouvement Bamboo Thebes Style Stool, C. 1900

Aesthetic Mouvement Bamboo Thebes Style Stool, C. 1900

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Just arrived, this wonderful example of a Bamboo Thebes Style Stool, C. 1900 from the Aesthetic Movement in England during that period. Very good antique condition, consistent witha...

Category

Early 20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Bamboo, Wood

Antique English set of Two Bamboo Stools, C.1920s
Antique English set of Two Bamboo Stools, C.1920s

Antique English set of Two Bamboo Stools, C.1920s

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Just in this set of two Antique English Bamboo Tortoiseshell and Grasscloth Stools, C.1920s. I call them a set as one is half an inch higher, also one has bamboo tortoise shell colo...

Category

1920s British Vintage Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Bamboo

19th Century Bentwood Bobbin Vanity Stool
19th Century Bentwood Bobbin Vanity Stool

19th Century Bentwood Bobbin Vanity Stool

Located in Pasadena, TX

This is a beautiful unusual vanity stool . Made with a bentwood seat that ends in brass tip scrolling, it quite eye catching and comfortable. The legs are made of turned legs that ha...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Bentwood

English Minton Majolica Garden Seats With Bow, A-Pair
English Minton Majolica Garden Seats With Bow, A-Pair

English Minton Majolica Garden Seats With Bow, A-Pair

By Minton

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Just in, this great looking pair of English Minton Majolica Garden Seats., C1880-1885 These are quite rare. This pair is glazed and bound with a moulded gold glazed tied ribbon, th...

Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Ceramic

Early 20th Century French Bamboo Swivel Stool
Early 20th Century French Bamboo Swivel Stool

Early 20th Century French Bamboo Swivel Stool

Located in Houston, TX

Early 20th Century French bamboo swivel stool newly upholstered in a saddle colored suede.

Category

Early 20th Century French Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Bamboo

Pair of folding stools 1950 Italy
Pair of folding stools 1950 Italy

Pair of folding stools 1950 Italy

Sold

H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in

Pair of folding stools 1950 Italy

Located in Nice, FR

pair of stained beech, walnut stools. This is the foldable stool. The seat is in brown velvet. They were made in Italy around the 1950s easy to transport commercially, I offer transp...

Category

1950s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Velvet, Fruitwood

Aesthetic Movement stools for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement stools for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage stools created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement stools made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original stools, popular names associated with this style include and Henry Brooks Ltd. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for stools differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $410 and tops out at $6,116 while the average work can sell for $1,536.