Antique Stools

An antique stool is a very useful piece of furniture it adds an element of charm and sophistication to a room, with an echo of culture and class. There are a large number of antique stools to choose from, namely antique piano stools from the Victorian period, when playing the piano was a daily past time in some households.

History of Stools

A stool is one of the very earliest forms of seat furniture, similar to a chair; it is a single seat without a backrest, with either three to four legs. During medieval times seating was predominately on stools or benches.

The footstool was one of the first examples, which Egyptians made them to assist royalty in getting into their high-seated chairs and then to further provide support for their feet whilst they were seated. An antique stool is a multifunctional piece of furniture, acting as either a footrest or a seat, whatever your preferred purpose.

Over the years there have been lots of types of stools made, it is possible to pick up an array of antique stools including piano stools, kitchen stools, footstools, window seats, adjustable stools, dressing table stools, upholstered stools and music stools. 

A fender stool, which was made in the 18th C is an interesting piece, designed to be placed in front of the fire so people could stay warm, it may also have had a built in hot water pot to assist one in keeping warm.

In the early 1800’s, the Regency period, footstools became more elaborate in their designs, and from this period you will find antique stools that were hand carved, these stools were likely to be upholstered in velvet or leather with sometimes detailed needlework.

Types of Antique Stool

Antique Piano Stools

Piano stools were very popular during the Victorian period of 1837-1901; they were often made from beech, oak, mahogany or walnut. There are a variety of antique piano stools to choose from including the four-claw foot piano stool and the swivel piano stool.  A rare and valuable antique piano stool is the double-seated variety, which is a very desirable piece. Antique piano stools typically have thin legs with a simple cushion and needn’t be acquired alongside a piano, as they are an attractive piece set alone.

Victorian Stools

Stools from this period tend to have elements of gothic and rococo influences; they were often made from dark hard woods and may have elements of wrought iron in their designs.

French Country Stool

These cushioned upholstered stools generally have flowing, curved lines and cabriole legs. The cushions are generally upholstered in pastel colours, namely blues and pinks and would look lovely in a room with this colour scheme. There are a lot of vintage stools of this type, as it was a popular style to replicate due to the fact French country chic is a desirable design within many households today.

For a simpler antique stool the Arts and Crafts period offers stools with an element of minimalism; straight lines and simplicity are typical of this style of antique stool.

Other notable antique stools are cricket foot stools, which acted as seats for children and adolescents, these stools can be found in a variety of sizes. For a comfortable stool to relax on the Louis XIII stool is a nice piece, whereas a Louis XIV stool is far more elaborate, sometimes made from silver, brass or even tortoiseshell, these stools are particularly beautiful, with opulent cushions made from expensive fabrics and sweeping lines.

Undeniably an antique stool will complement any room within ones house, as well as providing an interesting alternative seat for oneself or guests.