BH | Studio Aboyne Loose-Cushion Counter Stool

When kitchens opened up to the rest of the house in the later twentieth century, the island became a gathering place, and the stool beside it had to work as a proper chair. The open timber frame with loose cushions began in 1950s Scandinavian sitting room chairs and was soon made in Scotland too, where teak furniture in the Danish manner became a speciality of Kirkcaldy makers in the 1960s. It suits the job well: light to look at and comfortable to sit in.

This is the open-framed armchair raised to counter height: solid hardwood in a warm, deep brown, with arms, a slim back rail and long tapered legs tied together near the floor by a rail that serves as a footrest. The foam seat and loose back pillow are covered in a slub weave in Oyster or Charcoal with a gently knotted texture, and the pillow comes away to be reshaped. The 26.5-inch seat suits a standard kitchen counter or island, it is rated to 300 lbs, and glides keep it gentle on the floor.

Pull a pair up to a kitchen island for coffee and the crossword, homework after school or a glass of wine while dinner cooks. With arms and a cushion at the back, it is comfortable enough to stay put. Oyster or Charcoal with warm brown wood brings a calm, natural note to a white kitchen: pair with marble or butcher block, brass pendants, a crock of utensils and a bowl of lemons. This listing is for one stool.