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.

9
to
3
10
8
9
9
9
108
102
91
41
29
27
24
20
16
7
6
6
5
5
3
3
2
2
9
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
7
3
9
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
1
Item Ships From: United Kingdom
Style: Aesthetic Movement
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

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

A little pair of Aesthetic Movement oak Thebe stools with leather studded seats
Located in London, GB
A little pair of Aesthetic Movement oak stools with leather studded seats, on Thebes style mushroom feet.
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Oak

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
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
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

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

Matched Pair of English Schoolbred Benches
Located in Sherborne, GB
A matched pair of oak Schoolbred benches/stools in the Aesthetic style, one with the kite mark stamp to the back rail. Both benches are a pleasant light honey colour retaining its or...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Brass

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

Related Items
"Cloud" Contemporary Small Stool with Handwoven B&W Upholstery
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
This contemporary stool is part of the Cloud collection, which was created around the concept of trees. These contemporary stools and benches are made with cotton fabric and foam str...
Category

2010s Brazilian Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Fabric

Macassar Ebony Piano Bench, Upholstered Stool with Adjustable Height
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Introducing the world’s first Beautiful Piano Bench. Faced with the challenge of crafting an aesthetically stunning seat to complement the genuinely designed pianos by Poul Henningsen, we set out to create a piece that: -has a striking and beautiful form -uses top quality materials -functions beautifully and incorporates an adjustable seat -suits both a traditional and a design-case instrument Our bench is light in appearance, yet strong; soft and supple, yet supportive. The high-quality mechanism of the adjustable-height seat is housed within a completely finished, solid wood case. Our Piano Bench is highly customizable making it easy to match it to any interior or piano. The materials used are the same as for our PH Pianos...
Category

2010s Danish Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Single Bucket Stool, Seat Side Table with Bentwood Handle in Solid Ash
Located in Oakland, CA
The Single Bucket Stool is a single sized, dining table height seat, or side table. The second of four versions from the Bucket Stools collection, a famil...
Category

2010s American Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Brass

Chinese Square Stool with Hoofed Legs and Hand-Painted Calligraphy, c. 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This Chinese stool was crafted from Ironwood, which is more unique than its more abundant elmwood counterparts. The ironwood provides the stool with a stunning texture. Originating f...
Category

Early 20th Century Asian Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Wood

Stool 003
Located in Ridgewood, NY
Hand-cast stool that can be used for seating, as a side table or as a sculptural object. For indoor and outdoor use. At the intersection of art, craft, and design, Concrete Poetic...
Category

2010s American Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Concrete, Cement

Stool 003
Stool 003
H 16.75 in W 14.22 in D 13.66 in
Wood Soaped Oak Bar Stool with Natural Tanned Leather Seat
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

Antique Elm Wood Stool with Aged Top
Located in Brea, CA
Elm stool 18-1/2”W x 15”D x 19-1/2”H Seat: 11-1/2”D Vintage antique elm wood stool These are the real vintage antique elm wood stools! Beautiful antique patina, with weathering and...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Elm

Antique Elm Wood Stool with Aged Top
Antique Elm Wood Stool with Aged Top
H 19.5 in W 15 in D 18 in
Oak Artdeco Foot Stool Made in´30s Czechia, Original Upholstery, Revived Polish
Located in Horomerice, CZ
Art Deco foot stool. Original preserved condition. Stable wooden construction. Revived polish. Professionally cleaned original fabric. Per...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Oak

"Cloud" Contemporary Stool with Handwoven Blue Upholstery
Located in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
This contemporary stool is part of the Cloud collection, which was created around the concept of trees. These contemporary stools and benches are made with cotton fabric and foam str...
Category

2010s Brazilian Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Fabric

Swedish Stool in Pine with Grain Top , 1970s
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
A stool in pine produced in, Sweden, 1970s. This stool is a good example of good and naive craftsmanship with minimalistic stile known to Scandinavian furniture. This one has a top ...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Stool in Pine with Grain Top , 1970s
Swedish Stool in Pine with Grain Top , 1970s
H 14.97 in W 21.26 in D 13.78 in
Vintage stool with leatherette seat
Located in Brescia, IT
Original Scandinavian stool from the 1960s A piece of furniture with a classic flavor, consisting of a wooden frame formed by long conical legs and a beige leatherette seat. It can...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Leather, Wood

Vintage stool with leatherette seat
Vintage stool with leatherette seat
H 20.48 in W 22.45 in D 13.39 in
Finiiri Ceramic with Yute Thread Details Small Stool
Located in Mexico City, MX
Handmade ceramic stool with matte white enamel and silk thread details. Production time: 6-8 weeks for items without marble / 13-14 weeks for marble pieces. Shipping +10 additional ...
Category

2010s Mexican Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Ceramic, Fabric

Previously Available Items
Early 20th Century Ebonized Thebes Stool
Located in London, GB
An early 20th century ebonized Thebes stool, of square concave form, having turned legs, supporting a concave rope work seat. Attributed to Liberty & Co.
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Beech

Four Early 20th Century Thebes Stools Attributed to Liberty & Co.
Located in London, GB
Four early 20th century Thebes stools, attributed to Liberty & Co, each having turned legs between strutted friezes, all supporting concave rope work seats. These stools are attri...
Category

Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Beech

19th Century Antique Piano Stool, Aesthetic Period, circa 1880
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an adjustable height, antique piano stool dating to the 19th century, circa 1880. Finished in an attractive dark waxed finish this stool disp...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Mahogany

Aesthetic Movement Walnut Adjustable Revolving Stool
Located in London, GB
Aesthetic movement walnut adjustable revolving stool with stylised floral incised details to the base on splayed legs. The stool has a lower height of...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Walnut

An Unusual Pair of Late 19th Century Sycamore Hall Seats
Located in London, GB
Each having chamfered panel stiles with octagonal uprights, retaining a mellow honey-coloured patina
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Stools

Materials

Sycamore

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.

Recently Viewed

View All