superfluous seating

Extra seats are always a good thing to have, especially when you have unexpected guests. First up: it’s easy to stack the sturdy Tribo Stool ($198) when not in use, thanks to three indentations that fit the stool’s chromed stainless legs. Made out of Tauari and Tamburi Brazilian hardwoods, the Tribo has an expensive, classy look yet is undeniably functional.

Slightly less functional but eminently more intriguing is the Twister Stool ($475) by Yuriko Takahashi. Each seat features a gently torqued surface, but the real fun starts when you chain them together to form undulating benches. Made from sustainable birch and steel hardware, the stools don’t look all that comfortable – but they’ll definitely entertain your friends.

If the Tribo is “functional and classy”, the Falter Stool ($198) is “flatly utilitarian”. The lightweight, portable seat is able to fold away into a thin, 1″ panel when not in use. The Falter Stool is hingeless, instead relying on flexible 3F board to simultaneously retain its shape and allow for repeated opening and closing. Although it appears flimsy, I was surprised to learn that it can easily hold up to 300 lbs–easily enough for even the heftiest of friends. It’s not pretty, but I think it’s perfect fit or people like me who live in tight spaces: no more relegating friends and family to the floor!