One Chair, 10 Homes: The Sculptural Butterfly Stool
This graceful seat remains as stylish and striking as it was first introduced more than 60 years ago
The concept of symmetry is beautifully exemplified in Sori Yanagi’s Butterfly stool. Reminiscent of a butterfly’s wings – from which the stool derived its name – the gently curved silhouette is also likened to the torii (gates or portals) of a Shinto shrine. The deceptively simple construction combines the delicate and organic Eastern forms with Western technology, particularly the plywood moulding technique developed by Charles and Ray Eames.
One of Japan’s most prolific post-war designers, Yanagi worked for early modernist Charlotte Perriand before establishing his own studio, the Yanagi Industrial Design Institute in Tokyo in 1952. Many of his works are still in production today, such as his iconic stainless steel tea kettle which remains a bestseller in Japan. But it is the Butterfly stool for which is chiefly remembered. This modern classic is in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. See how rooms around the world take flight with this iconic mid-century modern seat.
One of Japan’s most prolific post-war designers, Yanagi worked for early modernist Charlotte Perriand before establishing his own studio, the Yanagi Industrial Design Institute in Tokyo in 1952. Many of his works are still in production today, such as his iconic stainless steel tea kettle which remains a bestseller in Japan. But it is the Butterfly stool for which is chiefly remembered. This modern classic is in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. See how rooms around the world take flight with this iconic mid-century modern seat.
Monochromatic beauty in New York
The Butterfly stool joins the Moooi Smoke armchair in lending fluidity and classic elegance to this predominantly black and white living room.
The Butterfly stool joins the Moooi Smoke armchair in lending fluidity and classic elegance to this predominantly black and white living room.
Being one with nature in San Francisco
The Butterfly stool comes in two finishes: maple and rosewood (Santos palisander). The warm tone of the rosewood stool blends with the rest of the wooden elements of this master bedroom, which has a strong connection to the verdant landscape. The red cushion also adds a dash of vibrancy.
The Butterfly stool comes in two finishes: maple and rosewood (Santos palisander). The warm tone of the rosewood stool blends with the rest of the wooden elements of this master bedroom, which has a strong connection to the verdant landscape. The red cushion also adds a dash of vibrancy.
Colour-coordinated in Virginia
As this bathroom’s vanity area goes tone-on-tone with its palette, the maple Butterfly stool makes an understated and graceful appearance in contrast to boxes on the wall and the vanity’s geometric forms.
As this bathroom’s vanity area goes tone-on-tone with its palette, the maple Butterfly stool makes an understated and graceful appearance in contrast to boxes on the wall and the vanity’s geometric forms.
Modern fixture in Los Angeles
First designed in 1954, the Butterfly was originally produced and distributed only in Japan. Since then Vitra has secured the license to produce, license and distribute it across the world. Here, it sits across a library hall with another modern classic, the Nelson Platform bench.
First designed in 1954, the Butterfly was originally produced and distributed only in Japan. Since then Vitra has secured the license to produce, license and distribute it across the world. Here, it sits across a library hall with another modern classic, the Nelson Platform bench.
Petite accent in Toronto
Measuring 39 centimetres in height, 42 centimetres in width and 31 centimetres in depth, the Butterfly stool’s compact form means it can fit into small spaces such as bathrooms, whether under the counter or beside the tub, as seen in this modern bathroom.
Measuring 39 centimetres in height, 42 centimetres in width and 31 centimetres in depth, the Butterfly stool’s compact form means it can fit into small spaces such as bathrooms, whether under the counter or beside the tub, as seen in this modern bathroom.
Pulling it together in Nashville
The Butterfly stool helps unify the contemporary and art deco details in this open-concept en suite bedroom.
The Butterfly stool helps unify the contemporary and art deco details in this open-concept en suite bedroom.
Art-inspired in Charlotte
A sculpture in itself, the Butterfly stool takes part in the visual feast that this art-filled space offers.
A sculpture in itself, the Butterfly stool takes part in the visual feast that this art-filled space offers.
Modern-day fresh in London
The simple yet stylish sensibility of the Butterfly stool harmonises with the effortlessly modern style that this hallway exudes. A plain cushion on top adds cosiness.
The simple yet stylish sensibility of the Butterfly stool harmonises with the effortlessly modern style that this hallway exudes. A plain cushion on top adds cosiness.
Going eclectic in Bordeaux
What’s beautiful about the Butterfly stool is that it either stands out on its own, or it blends within a space, no matter what the design style is. In this arty living room, the Butterfly stool proves its purpose – a functional object with a timeless look that will complement any refined interior.
TELL US
Do you own a Butterfly stool? Where in your home do you place it? We’d love to see photos in the Comments below.
What’s beautiful about the Butterfly stool is that it either stands out on its own, or it blends within a space, no matter what the design style is. In this arty living room, the Butterfly stool proves its purpose – a functional object with a timeless look that will complement any refined interior.
TELL US
Do you own a Butterfly stool? Where in your home do you place it? We’d love to see photos in the Comments below.
This French loft has mid-century modern design down pat, as this study nook shows. The curvy Butterfly stool, composed of two identical bent plywood pieces joined by a brass connector, makes for a subtle contrast against the sleek lines in this space.