It amazes me that something which fits well into modern insides existed thousands of years ago. The first known X-stools were made by the ancient Egyptians as fold-up, mobile chairs with leather chairs. Later, in ancient Rome, the curule chair — named allegedly in the word “chariot” — which is closer to the design we recognize today as the empire feces, was widely used as a symbolic throne of power for government officials.
During the Napoleonic age of France, the Empire design motion found inspiration from ancient Rome with closely emblematic motifs like eagles, mythical figures, bees, lions and swans. The curule chairs also became an iconic design. That’s, in turn, more commonly the age with which these chairs are associated.
The clean, symmetrical lines are both elegant yet understated and can easily fit inside our modern day lifestyles. The next selection of X-stools are achievable to all price points since there are pieces available from big box stores to discerning antiques stores. — Lauren from Fourth Floor Walk
Jonathan Adler
Jonathan Adler X-bench, Ireland Avocado – $595
Jonathan Adler’s X-stool upholstered in a strong color like this is a terrific way to create an impression, especially in a small area in which the floor plan is constrained.
Clayton Gray Home
Tennyson Linen Stool, Turquoise – $775
The Tennyson Linen Stool from Arteriors Home comes in four different colour cloths, but my favorite is that the turquoise. I tend to enjoy a hit of colour when it comes to my upholstery, and vibrant blues are feeling very fresh recently.
1stdibs
Pair Of 1940s-1950s Stainwood Upholstered Benches Of X-Form
I love this set of X-stools; they just ooze glamour. Wouldn’t they make a beautiful addition to a master suite if set at the foot of a richly dressed mattress?
Wisteria
Curule-Style Rattan Stool – $399
Add a bit of oriental flair into your house with this rattan seat curule-style stool.
1stdibs
Vintage Danish Brass Folding Propeller Stool With Leather Seat
This Danish Brass Folding Propeller Stool with leather chair has a strong sense of masculinity — perfect for any bachelor pad.
Lawson-Fenning
Swedish Empire Hand Carved And Painted Oak Curule Seat
This 19th century Swedish curule stool with upholstered chair is superbly aged and ready to be paired with an equally amazing vanity.
Wisteria
X-Base Stool – $299
Inspired by 19th century European designs, these X-stools by Wisteria are a fantastic mix of casual sophistication with an antiqued finish and complex lines.
Miso Soup Design
Za Stool
The Za stool is a modern interpretation of the X-stool with its sleek lines and natural finish. What makes it unique is its ability to divide into two components to easily be stacked and stored.
Clayton Gray Home
Artificial Pony Stool, Gray – $640
This metallic X-stool is the best complement to any conventional or modern room. The artificial pony provides an eclectic look.
Super Rural
X-Bench Pair – $1,500
X-stools within this bright orange-poppy print are an amazing combination of classic and trendy.
Lawson-Fenning
Italian Neoclassical Giltwood Tabouret or Footstool
This 19th century footstool is the perfect Tony Duquette–motivated piece.
Sears
Espresso Faux Leather Bench – $92.99
At a fantastic value, this faux leather X-stool with espresso finish and dark upholstery is modern.
Restoration Hardware
Neoclassical Rondelle Tufted Stool Burlap – $295
This X-stool was upholstered in burlap with tacks that offer this classic a completely relaxed texture, all of the while staying true to the formal shape.
Ballard Designs
X-Bench – $179
Ballard Designs’ fully upholstered X-stool is customizable with numerous fabric options, and customers can even provide their own cloth.
Lawson-Fenning
Empire Vanity Stool From Charles Hollis Jones
This elegant and sculptural brass stool with initial white leatherette chair is my favorite.
Pottery Barn
Davies Kilim Stool – $249
This rustic design stool is a fantastic chair to pull out for celebrations, as it could fold up and be stowed away as soon as the party’s over.
Lawson-Fenning
Boldly-Scaled Pair Of Continental Biedermeier Burl Benches
A boldly-scaled set of Biedermeier-style curule chairs, within an equally amazing burled birch complete, are really exceptional.
Restoration Hardware
Toscane Nailhead Bench – $395
An interesting interpretation with the nail heads and greatly cushioned chair, Restoration Hardware’s X-stool takes a formal design to a comfy and casual level.
Kmart
Leopard Animal Print Accent Stool – $59.99
Together with the fearless style of the leopard upholstery along with the classic silhouette, I would say this is a great chair for the purchase price.
Pottery Barn
Sea Grass Stool, Honey – $129
The relaxing summertime sunroom is calling for a bit of formal style with this textural seagrass bench by Pottery Barn.
Next: The Most Versatile Seating in the Home