Antique Savonarola, curule and 'X' stools

There are two distinct types of stools. The earliest is the simplest type of seat furniture probably devised by human beings, consisting of a short wooden bench standing either on four legs or sometimes a flat-shaped support at either end. The legs may be square or turned, and in primitive versions simply sticks cut from a tree. Round milking stools usually had only three short legs. The second more sophisticated type of stools, were constructed with a frame joined by mortice and tenon joints. Using this construction method, padded or upholstered stools for use in the drawing room have been made since the 17th century, following the trends in stylistic design over the years.