Certain objects have a beautiful simplicity of design that marks a perfect union of form and function. The humble milking stool is the ultimate example — why bother with four legs when you really only need three? The universal design is appealing both in its antique truly-used-for-milking-cows form and in the many riffs by designers from the mid-century through today.
TOP ROW:
1. Milking stools from vintage to modern
2. An antique milking stool in Darryl Carter's Virginia House
3. Elmwood Milking Stool on 1st Dibs
4. Primitive antique milking stool from Highlight Store
5. A Charlotte Perriand Low Stool c. 1962
MIDDLE ROW:
6. Mid-Century Plank Stools by George Nakashima
7. Colorful modern milking stools by Um Project
8. Heidi Stool by Sebastian Wrong
9. Aluminum Wood Side Table from West Elm
10. Peasant Collection Stools by studio amt
BOTTOM ROW:
11. Milk Series Stools by Ellen Thomas
12. Coventry Stool by Studio Dunn
13. MilkMaid Stool by grayworksdesign
14. Handmade Milking Stool by SilverTree Woodworking
Images: As linked above.
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Not only is a fourth leg unnecessary, but a stool with four legs can rock, unlike one with three legs.
we've collected a few vintage milking stools (three and four-legged styles) and use them as moveable footstools/small tables in a small sitting area. very functional pieces!
I want Darryl Carter's milking stool.
Where can I find one? (it's like looking for a needle in a haystack...)
You missed Geoffrey Warner's "owl stool" ! It's sweet.
Hi there -- just noticed you guys mention the Roost Creamery Stool (#15) and link to Velocity Art & Design. Velocity has gone out of business but the company I work for, Habitat Design, carries the stool in our online store! You can them out here: http://shop.habitatdesign.com/creamery-stools/