Cornice Stacking Stools Echo the Beauty of Japanese Shrines

Stools are multifunctional objects, ideal for small spaces and adaptable as extra seating, a side table, or even a plant stand. But when they come in multiples and can’t be stacked? That’s when they become more of a burden than a solution. Tokyo-based designer Nao Iwamatsu noticed this gap in the modern furniture market: a stackable stool that could quietly fit into refined spaces. The designer shares that “such stools should not only be playful or charming but also refined enough to complement elegant interiors.” Thus, Cornice was born.

Cornice is inspired by an East-meets-West moment: the layered cornices found in Western architecture and the rhythmic beams in the ceilings of Japanese temples and shrines. On its own, Cornice already features an architectural stepped design, but when stacked, the effect is amplified. The rhythm becomes sculptural, a quiet yet commanding statement that highlights the piece’s elegance and craftsmanship. “We are often moved by the intricate, repeating details found in architecture,” Iwamatsu notes. “Yet, what truly captivates us is the artisans’ sensibility and breath of craftsmanship embedded within them.”

Sustainability also plays a key role in Cornice. Each stool is made from slender wood offcuts. The legs, built from 13mm-thick wooden pieces, are reinforced using domino joints – adding strength while allowing for flat-pack transport. While the prototype is crafted from teak, Iwamatsu notes that oak and other types of wood can offer a similarly refined presence.

As compact living continues to define urban – and even suburban – lifestyles, well-designed, space-saving furniture is becoming increasingly important. With Cornice, Iwamatsu proves that elegant design and small-space solutions don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

To learn more about Cornice by Nao Iwamatsu, visit naoiwamatsu.com and follow at @naoiwamatsu.

Photography courtesy of Nao Iwamatsu.