O ne of the earliest forms of seating furniture, stools are believed to have been developed as early as the Stone age. Back then, the elevated seating — apart from being comfortable — helped humans set themselves apart from animals. Seating options like these were found in ancient Chinese tombs and with the Egyptians.
Centuries down the line, stools continue to remain popular as seating furniture. Essentially a seat for one person and set apart from the chair by virtue of having no back or arms, a stool most commonly has three or four legs. It’s often higher than a chair, like a bar stool, or much lower, like an ottoman used to support the lower feet.
But these ‘backless chairs’ don’t have to be synonymous with bars and restaurants; there are plenty of ways that they can be a part of your home.
Stools have evolved considerably since they first made an appearance and there are plenty of kinds available on the market. Here are a few:
Traditional
T hese are the ornate kind, usually made of dark wood and featuring curved legs and ornamental carvings. They lend a room a formal appearance and are mostly seen in conventional homes.
Modern
E xcess of any kind is a no-no in contemporary design and these stools are sleek and stylish. Usually made of wood, metal or even plastic, they can be formal or casual.
Rustic
T he country look comes alive with these shabby chic pieces. Showcasing distressed wood, wear and tear and often a two-tone finish, these look at home in any setting.
Low back
T he low back stool is ideal if you’re also looking for support and comfort, along with the traditional appearance of a stool. Perfect for the home bar.
High back
T hough stools were originally designed without backs, modern designers have brought in changes for optimal comfort, support while channelling the classic look. These work extremely well for breakfast bars.
Stool with arms
U nlike the traditional arms that chairs showcase, stools tend to have rounded armed sides that offer comfort and look stylish.
Step stool
A vailable in various sizes, these were traditionally used to reach higher places. They’re common in homes with children now as they let children access closets or counter tops. Look for sturdy models to prevent accidents.
Foot stool
T raditionally a four-legged joint stool, this piece of furniture was common in the homes of the rich. It let people put up their feet and relax. Modern versions are stylish and can also be used as end or occasional tables.
S tools today are designed to be extremely home friendly. Designers are experimenting with materials that are durable and look good, so opt for one that works with your home. Choose from wood, wicker, metal or plastic.
F eatures such as adjustable height and the swivel function make the stool easier to use in any room. A variety of colours and finishes are also available, ensuring that there’s a stool out there made for you.
