This concept project by Noon Studio made me gasp, that’s how clever it was. A stool that can also serve as a building block for a modular shelving system! Called simply Steel Stool, the piece is made from steel and oak. And if you put several of them together, you can get yourself a good-looking and functional bookcase; and when extra seating is needed – take your shelving unit apart in seconds. Thanks to its shape, the item provides storage even when used as a freestanding stool. Design that multiplies storage… I really like that.
Jye Stool + Table is a multifunctional object created by Sydney based company Craft Design Realisation. It can be used as a stool, occasional table, night table or bench. Several Jye pieces can interlock and form longer surfaces. The item is beautifully handcrafted from assorted solid timbers and covered with natural Danish oil. And because CDR people specialize on handmade one off items, they can make it in any size or finish of your choice.
This multitasking object, called Scalo and designed by Benedetto Quaquaro for Cerruti Baleri, is not on a cheap side ($2,016.00). But it can do so many things! You can use it as a side or ocasional table, stool, shelving unit or a stepladder. Thanks to the hidden hinges, the transition is easy and seamless. Made from bent plywood, the piece features different colors on the inside. A durable stainless steal stop locks Scalo in both open and closed positions.
This delightful concept belongs to Moscow based designer Kate Pashinova. The Olly stool is an example of collapsible furniture, that folds flat for easy storage. The principle is simple – the base of the stool is a cross-like construction. When unfolded, it gives stability to the structure. And by rotating one of its parts, the folding is achieved. The piece can be hung on the wall or stored in a closet when not in use.
This clever folding stool by Jack Smith was recently presented at the Royal College of Art show in London. The stool folds away neatly when lifted by one side. When the piece is unfolded, three hinged legs fit perfectly into a y-shaped hole in the seat. As weight is placed on the frame, the legs get pinched together creating a stronger join. So, the heavier the load the stronger the stool. Brilliant!
This versatile piece of furniture, called Tokotoko, can perform several roles in your home. It can serve as a side (or bedside) table, as a stool, or it can even be stacked to create a modular shelving unit. Made from natural walnut, the item comes in two colors, which can be alternated for a visual impact. Tokotoko is made in Japan and can be purchased here.
This colorful collection from DesignByThem is understated and fun. All three pieces – stool, bar stool and bench – fold flat for easy storage. And the assembly of the Butter Stool is literally a matter of seconds. The product is made from 100% post consumer recycled content, derived almost entirely from recycled milk containers. So it is eco-friendly as well as good looking. All Butter pieces are stackable, suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and come in 8 different colors. Can’t beat that!
This piece from British designer John Green is so multifunctional, I cannot say affirmatively what it is. Depending on your needs, it can be a coffee table, a magazine rack, a media storage, a laptop table, a stool, a bench, a kid’s desk, even a tray for breakfast in bed. It is called Embrace, because of the two pieces that are ’embraced’ together to form a storage space in between. The item, a proud winner of several awards (including Grand Designs Awards Product of the Year’11), was presented during this year’s New York Design Week.
Like many great things – this one was created by accident. One day St-Petersburg based designer Soslan Naniev was designing a street bench and came with the idea of a chair that can at the same time work as a stool. In its stool version, the item can be tucked under the table. And when the formal dining situation looms on you, you can transform it with the flick of a finger into a believably looking chair. Nice and simple.
Sitting combined with storage is always a good idea when the space is limited. Observe MP3 from Tunto – a seat that doubles as a versatile storage box. Made from birch 1/5 plywood, MP3 is available in a variety of colors and patterns. So, store away your precious items and sit on top of them. It is a nice feeling.
(HT BLTD)
