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Guest Picks: Empire X-Stools
This iconic seat has been popular throughout history, but the look transcends time
I am a designer living and working in New York City. I write Fourth Floor Walk Up as a means of expression to document inspiration, projects and the design evolution of my home. I am greatly influenced by the city around me and although New York is expensive and hard on the 99%, I believe that everyone can have a great refuge to come home to – some of us just have to work a little bit harder to attain it.
DECORATING
I grew up within a household centered around decorating with the interest being past down through several generations. My grandmother, mother and I have all had the ability to see spaces for what they are and what they could become. I tend to focus on smaller spaces with modest budgets because I believe a little bit of blood, sweat and tears can make a sweeter home.
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I am a designer living and working in New York City. I write Fourth Floor... More »
It amazes me that something which fits so well into modern interiors originated thousands of years ago. The first known X-stools were created by the ancient Egyptians as fold-up, portable chairs with leather seats. Later, in ancient Rome, the curule seat — named supposedly from the word "chariot" — which is closer to the style we recognize today as the empire stool, was widely used as a symbolic throne of power for government officials.
During the Napoleonic era of France, the Empire design movement found inspiration in ancient Rome with powerfully symbolic motifs such as eagles, mythological figures, lions, bees and swans. The curule seats also became an iconic Empire-style design. Which is, in turn, more commonly the era with which these seats are associated.
The clean, symmetrical lines are both elegant yet understated and can easily fit within our modern day lifestyles. The following selection of X-stools are attainable to all price points as there are pieces available from large box stores to selective antiques shops. — Lauren from Fourth Floor Walk Up
During the Napoleonic era of France, the Empire design movement found inspiration in ancient Rome with powerfully symbolic motifs such as eagles, mythological figures, lions, bees and swans. The curule seats also became an iconic Empire-style design. Which is, in turn, more commonly the era with which these seats are associated.
The clean, symmetrical lines are both elegant yet understated and can easily fit within our modern day lifestyles. The following selection of X-stools are attainable to all price points as there are pieces available from large box stores to selective antiques shops. — Lauren from Fourth Floor Walk Up
by Jonathan Adler
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Jonathan Adler's X-stool upholstered in a strong color like this is a great way to make a statement, especially in a small space where the floor plan is limited.
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The Tennyson Linen Stool by Arteriors Home comes in four different color fabrics, but my favorite is the turquoise. I tend to like a hit of color when it comes to my upholstery, and vibrant blues are feeling very fresh lately.
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| I adore this pair of X-stools; they just ooze glamour. Wouldn't they make a beautiful addition to a master suite when set at the foot of a richly dressed bed? |
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Add a bit of colonial flair into your home with this rattan seat curule-style stool.
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This Danish Brass Folding Propeller Stool with leather seat has a strong sense of masculinity — perfect for any bachelor pad.
by Lawson-Fenning
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This 19th century Swedish curule stool with upholstered seat is beautifully aged and ready to be paired with an equally beautiful vanity.
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Inspired by 19th century European designs, these X-stools by Wisteria are a good mix of casual elegance with an antiqued finish and sophisticated lines.
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The Za stool is a contemporary interpretation of the X-stool with its sleek lines and natural finish. What makes it special is its ability to separate into two parts to easily be stacked and stored.
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This metal X-stool is the perfect complement to any traditional or modern room. The faux pony adds an eclectic look.
by Super Rural
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X-stools in this bright orange-poppy print are an amazing combination of classic and cool.
by Lawson-Fenning
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This 19th century footstool is the perfect Tony Duquette–inspired piece.
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At a great value, this faux leather X-stool with espresso finish and dark upholstery is contemporary.
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This X-stool has been upholstered in burlap with tacks that give this classic a completely relaxed feel, all the while staying true to its formal shape.
by Ballard Designs
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Ballard Designs' fully upholstered X-stool is customizable with numerous fabric choices, and customers can even provide their own fabric.
by Lawson-Fenning
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This elegant and sculptural brass stool with original white leatherette seat is my favorite.
by Pottery Barn
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This rustic style stool is a great seat to pull out for parties, as it can fold up and be stored away when the party's over.
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by Lawson-Fenning
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| A boldly-scaled pair of Biedermeier-style curule benches, in an equally beautiful burled birch finish, are truly unique. |
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An interesting interpretation with the nail heads and greatly cushioned seat, Restoration Hardware's X-stool takes a formal design to a comfortable and casual level.
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With the bold style of the leopard upholstery and the classic silhouette, I would say this is a great seat for the price.
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by Pottery Barn
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| The relaxing summer sunroom is calling for a bit of formal style with this textural seagrass bench by Pottery Barn. Next: The Most Versatile Seating in the House |
Comments
Madison Modern Home Very nice wrap-up! X-leg stools are among the most versatile pieces of accent furniture around. Thanks, also, for adding a lower-cost version. We used two like that in this traditional cottage to stand in for a coffee table.
by Madison Modern Home
by Madison Modern Home
Traditional Cottage Decor14 months ago · Like
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Bright Bold and Beautiful These are fabulous. Great collection. I love the poppy print ones.
14 months ago · Like
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Ideabook updated on April 4, 2012.
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