Rauni Peippo "Apila" Stool for Stockmann Orno, Finland 1960s

Sauna stools have been in use for centuries, predominantly in Japan and in Finland. While this form of furniture is mostly a utilitarian object, vintage sauna stools - like this set of four - from these countries are artisanal, beautiful pieces. From Antti Nurmesniemi’s sauna stool (which is part of the MoMA’s collection) to the Japanese Hinoki stools, these vintage wooden pieces are perhaps even more treasured today than in the 50s. Sauna stools are traditionally used as a perch while washing up in the bathhouse before entering the soaking tub. They also make good shower stools or bath-side caddies also because the woods used - pine in this case - are naturally bacteria- and mildew-resistant and withstand humidity well. Stools traditionally have a simple, functional construction, however, these Finnish stools have elaborately carved tops that move beyond the strictly functional role. The tops are composed of four interconnecting parts in a shape that resembles a Celtic knot. These individual parts are connected by two dowel pins to each other leaving the design airy and functional as water has an easy way to flow through. The legs are in a simple, slightly tapered form to support the sitter with similar dowel pins connecting them to the seats. These mid-century sauna stools were made for Finnsauna Lagerholm...

Stools have been steadily increasing in popularity thanks to a number of reasons, the most obvious being their space-saving functionality. Stools can be used in any space to provide an easily moved alternative to more cumbersome furniture. However, thanks to their versatility, they can provide a lot of visual interest. European mid-century design is generally characterized by a minimal, clean approach that seeks to combine functionality with beauty. With its focus is on simple lines and light spaces, this stool is devoid of clutter. Standing on four straight legs, the sole decorative element is the split seat...

Minimalism may be currently in fashion, but there is one iteration of clean design that will never go out of style which is Scandinavian Modernism. It is no small achievement to be a...

What makes wood so appealing besides its natural beauty is the ease in which it can be cut and the array of beautiful shapes that can be sculpted from it. These mid-century stools, r...