What is a Stool? An Introduction to Seating Without Backs

What is a stool and how do you select one for you? Read our simple guide to backless seating here and learn about the key features, common uses in homes and businesses, and the various styles available.

What is a stool?

Not to be confused with a human stool, it is a type of seating furniture characterized by its structural simplicity and lack of a backrest, which is usually associated with traditional chairs. Instead, such small chairs are designed with space-saving sitting and convenience in mind.

Their small size and ease of movement make them extremely versatile pieces of furniture; they can be used as standalone seats, footrests, or even as side tables in many cases. Their small size makes them highly suitable for use in small apartments or studios.

They are also adaptable to various daily activities, such as social gatherings, workspace setups, and casual dining. Due to their wide variety of applications, stool are manufactured in various types and made from different materials.

Materials used for stool

1. Plastic

Very common among stool, as it is inexpensive and highly versatile for many applications. You will find such materials for stool designed for kids, outdoor use, and casual dining.

2. Wood

Ever been to China? You will see such stool everywhere for outdoor dining on streets. In the US, they are commonly used to complement rustic, farmhouse, or traditional interiors and are made from bamboo, oak, pine, or even walnut wood.

3. Rattan

Most common in South Asia and now commonly used in boho interiors, such stool are light and airy, yet stylish. If you prefer a tropical or natural aesthetic in your home, consider these materials.

4. Metal

You will often see these stool in bars, cafes, and other outdoor settings for their durability and versatility. They are the strongest among all other types and are commonly finished with materials like powder-coated aluminum, chrome, and steel.

Types of stool   

1. Backless Stoles

Such stool are backless because they are designed to be very light and easy to move. You will find such stool for children in kindergarten or as extra seating in various rooms, or even in outdoor restaurants in some cases.

2. Bar stool

There is a high chance that you have already sat on one of these stool, as they are commonly found in bars or kitchen islands. Such stool are designed with footrests and may swivel for added convenience. They are made from wood, plastic, and most commonly, metals.

3. Counter stool

Slightly smaller than barstool, these seats are typically found in casual dining areas and kitchens. They are designed with an approximate height of approximately 36 inches, which is typical for this type of stool.

4. Folding stool

As the name suggests, they can be folded and are designed to be ultra-light and portable. Commonly used for camping and outdoor traveling. You will find such stool made from high-grade plastic with a very low weight.

5. Adjustable stool

They are very common nowadays, as they are multipurpose and super lightweight. They come with a height-adjustable mechanism, making them very practical.

6. Piano stool

They are a type of adjustable stool and are designed with special seating that allows for longer music sessions. The seating is typically cushioned for comfort and features a compact yet elegant appearance.

stool with Ergonomic Designs

Ever wondered what is a stool ergonomic design in 2025? The latest Light Luxury Bar Stool from GUDDORFISS is one such stool that features a complete fatigue-free design for exceptional comfort and prolonged sitting. Built with a super-robust frame and a weighted base, paired with a soft, breathable surface and high-resilience foam, the stool provides relaxed seating for dining, socializing, and even working in groups.

The stool also features a full 360-degree rotation with its swivel mechanisms and a smooth height adjustment mechanism that allows you to change its height by 7.8 inches. You also get a variety of height variations and two seat styles to match your lifestyle.

Wrapping Up:

We covered “what is a stool” and their applications in the modern world. These furniture items can vary greatly in height, style, material, and purpose. The ones from GUDDORFISS feature ergonomics and high-end materials in this niche of furniture.