Zilio A and C - Essential Character - A new stool by Alessandro Stabile

2026-03-23

The Aroma collection by Alessandro Stabile for Zilio A&C expands with Aroma Stool, a new stool that complements the chair and side tables conceived for bistros and restaurants, further extending the versatility of the range. The Milan-based designer revisits the formal language that defines Aroma, a contemporary interpretation of the iconic café chair.

Aesthetic coherence

“The stool, conceived as a natural and functional extension of the collection, often coexists with the chair within the same environment. For this reason, it was important to preserve the same compositional architecture, essential and compact,” explains Alessandro Stabile.

Aroma Stool therefore features the very same components crafted with the manufacturing expertise of Zilio A&C in solid ash. The small steam-bent semicircular armrest seamlessly accommodates the backrest, which connects flush with it to create a sense of fluid continuity.

Within this subtle dialogue between crisp and rounded lines, the rectangular seat stands out, available either upholstered or in wood.

A distinctive feature

The legs retain their round section but are carefully recalibrated in their angle to ensure stability. Here the stool’s defining element appears: a footrest in painted tubular metal. “Without interfering with the overall aesthetic, the footrest is a distinctive feature that required particularly careful study. The challenge was to preserve, in agreement with the company, the stackability that also characterises the chair and is essential for the efficient management of space” says Alessandro Stabile.

The footrest results from a precise process of structural integration: it originates on the inner side of the rear legs, gradually widens, and eventually embraces the front legs from the outside. “In this way, while preserving stackability, we also provide comfortable foot support and reinforce the entire structure,” the designer concludes.

Extensive customization

With the stool’s standard height of 75 cm, the footrest is positioned for optimal seating comfort and can be finished in customised colours, either harmonising with or contrasting the wooden frame. As with the entire collection, the wood finishes are also customizable, ranging from natural tones to more vivid colours, alongside a selection of upholstery fabrics.

Informal and welcoming

Aroma Stool conveys the same welcoming atmosphere that characterizes the entire collection. Purity of line and warmth define the aesthetic language of Aroma which, with its chair, side tables and now the stool, draws inspiration from the relaxed and informal tone of a European bistro. The design also works well in domestic settings: with a seat height of 68 cm, the stool is well suited to kitchen counters and informal areas of the home.

Zilio A&C

Founded in 1951 in Manzano’s historic Chair District, Zilio A&C is a family-run company that has honed its craft across generations. A delicate synergy between fine woods, traditional craftsmanship, modern technology, and global vision defines its approach. With a refined aesthetic, a sophisticated selection of materials, and meticulous attention to every design and production detail, Zilio A&C creates furniture and accessories for both residential and contract spaces—pieces designed to retain their beauty and value over time.

Alessandro Stabile

The Alessandro Stabile studio specializes in industrial design and artistic direction, collaborating with companies to develop innovative and elegant products. With a commitment to challenging assumptions, pushing technological research, and refining everyday objects, the studio creates designs that go beyond the ordinary. With a multidisciplinary approach, Stabile’s portfolio spans chairs, handles, air purifiers, backpacks, smart pens, suitcases, electronic locks, coffee tables, scissors, padlocks, towel warmers, and stools—always with an eye toward innovation, sustainability, and human-centered design.