Traditional Wooden Stools

The Evolution of Stools

• Through the years, stools have become part of American culture. Not so long ago the three-legged stool was commonly used by farmers as a milk stool. It provided a stable seat on uneven ground when milking a cow by hand. Now with modern milking methods diminishing its place of importance to the farmer, most low stools are used for other purposes.

  According to Graham Blackburn in an article for "Fine Woodworking," the term "stool" came to imply a foot stool. As time went on designs were added and more uses were found for stools. They're now found in many sizes and are made of various materials.

Antique Wooden Stools

• Although stools of the past were basically made of wood, some were padded or upholstered for both beauty and comfort. Some were called vanity stools. Ladies sat on these at their dressing tables to apply their makeup. Now many of the stools of the past are sold as antiques and used as decorative items. According to Dr. Andrzej Gutek in a Tennessee Technological University report, in the grasslands of Cameroon, West Africa, stools are elaborately carved from a solid block of wood. Historically and traditionally they're considered symbols of royalty but now they're prized by collectors and interior designers as well.

Swivel Stools

• Swivel stools were patented in the 1800s. Those designed for use at the piano made it easy for the pianist to adjust the stool to the height most convenient for his personal use. The legs of these piano stools were ornately turned and designed with animal-shaped feet clutching glass balls with their claws. Many pianos of the day were made of oak, as were the stools. This heavy wood is sturdy, and the swivel seat provides the freedom of movement to a pianist that a stationary bench does not. The swivel stool also became popular seating at counters and bars.

The Uses of Stools

• The stool most in use today is probably the bar stool. The bar stool is exactly that -- a stool for use at a bar -- and is found in bars, restaurants and homes. Early bar stools were made of wood with backless seats. Although contemporary design has improved the bar stool in many ways, according to Stella Stevens of Content Dig.com, the classic design of the past is still popular. Today, in many homes, the simple wooden bar stool is used at a breakfast bar, as a utility stool in the workshop and even as a plant stand.