Why Stools Deserve Their Own Holiday: Celebrating Underrated Furniture

In the grand tapestry of interior design, some pieces of furniture are celebrated like royalty—think plush sofas, ornate dining tables, or sleek bookshelves. Yet, lurking in the shadows of these giants is a humble hero: the stool. Often overlooked, stools are the unsung workhorses of both form and function. It’s time we gave them the recognition they deserve by inventing a holiday in their honor. Welcome to the case for National Stool Appreciation Day.

The Forgotten Legacy of Stools

Stools are among the oldest forms of seating, dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Unlike chairs, which were often reserved for the elite, stools were democratic—used by everyone from laborers to nobility. Their simplicity and portability made them indispensable in homes, workshops, and public spaces. Today, stools continue to thrive in modern design, proving that good design is timeless. Yet, despite their rich history, they rarely receive the spotlight they merit.

Part of the stool’s charm lies in its versatility. From bar stools that elevate kitchen islands to minimalist wooden stools that double as side tables, these pieces adapt to any space or need. They’re the ultimate chameleons of furniture, effortlessly blending into industrial lofts, Scandinavian interiors, or bohemian cafes. Their compact size makes them ideal for small spaces, while their sturdy construction ensures they last for generations. Why, then, do we relegate them to the sidelines of our design conversations?

Why We Need a Holiday for Stools

Inventing a holiday for stools isn’t just about celebrating a piece of furniture—it’s about honoring the principles of practical design. Stools embody the idea that beauty and utility can coexist. They remind us that furniture doesn’t need to be elaborate to be essential. National Stool Appreciation Day could be a time to reflect on the underrated pieces in our lives, whether it’s a vintage milking stool repurposed as a plant stand or a sleek metal stool that adds edge to a modern living room.

Imagine the festivities: design enthusiasts sharing their favorite stool styles on social media, interior designers hosting workshops on creative ways to incorporate stools into homes, or even furniture brands offering discounts on their most iconic stool designs. The holiday could also serve as a call to action for sustainability, encouraging people to upcycle or restore old stools rather than discard them. After all, stools are built to last—why not celebrate that durability?

Beyond stools, this holiday could spark a broader movement to recognize other underrated furniture pieces, like benches, ottomans, or even coat racks. These items often play crucial roles in our daily lives, yet they rarely get the appreciation they deserve. By shining a light on stools, we open the door to celebrating all the functional, beautiful, and often overlooked elements of our living spaces.

So, let’s raise a glass (or a stool) to these unsung heroes of design. Whether you’re perched on a bar stool at your favorite café or using a step stool to reach a high shelf, take a moment to appreciate the humble stool. After all, the best design isn’t just about what catches the eye—it’s about what makes life a little easier, one seat at a time.