Gilbert Rohde Z Stool

Few pieces capture the spirit of early 20th-century modernism as effortlessly as Gilbert Rohde’s Z Stool. Designed in the 1930s for the Troy Sunshade Company, the Z Stool is a striking example of Rohde’s forward-thinking approach to furniture design. With its sleek chrome-plated steel frame and compact, upholstered seat, the stool reflects the streamlined aesthetic of the Art Deco era while anticipating the minimalist ideals that would come to define mid-century design.

Rohde, an influential figure in American modernism, was known for rejecting the ornate revival styles that dominated the early 1900s. Instead, he championed clean lines, industrial materials, and furniture that served the needs of contemporary living. The Z Stool is a perfect expression of that philosophy. Its distinctive Z-shaped profile gives it a sculptural quality, but its form is entirely driven by function. Lightweight yet sturdy, it’s easy to move, comfortable to sit on, and visually impactful without overwhelming a space.

Originally produced in a range of upholstery options, the Z Stool offered a touch of customization while maintaining its signature silhouette. The use of chrome-plated steel tubing, a material more commonly associated at the time with factories and bicycles, was a bold move that reflected the modernist embrace of industrial processes and aesthetics. Today, that choice feels timeless.

Though it was manufactured decades ago, the Z Stool remains highly collectible. Vintage design enthusiasts prize it not only for its rarity but also for its enduring relevance. It’s a piece that feels as fresh in a contemporary loft as it does in a curated mid-century interior. And like much of Rohde’s work, it represents a pivotal moment in American design—when furniture began to look forward, rather than back.