New Classics: The LEM Piston Stool
Adjustable Kitchen Barstools Bring Curvy Lines to Modern Spaces
Introduced in 2000, the minimalistic LEM Piston Stool quickly became a favorite of interior designers and architects. Its stainless steel base adds shine and plays nice with the ever-popular stainless steel appliances. Its sinuous lines add just the right amount of curve to a room full of clean, modern lines. Its low back tucks right under a countertop, preserving that particular clean line. And its versatile adjustment capability means you can move it from the bar to the island. Still not convinced? Take a look at how well it tucks into a range of rooms.
The LEM stool was designed by a husband and wife design team, Shin (trained as an industrial designer) and Tomoko (trained as an architect and furniture designer) Azumi. Even though their personal and professional relationships have dissolved, their creation holds a permanent place in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The stool is a great choice for minimalists because of its simple silhouette and the way it can blend into a space. Check out the way the chrome lines of the LEM against the wood backdrop relate to the lines on the cabinet hardware in the background.
The same is true of the white leather version. For the seat, you can choose between leather, stainless steel, and wood (blanched oak or dark walnut).
When you want the stool to stand out, you can choose a color that contrasts with the backdrop.
One of the best features of the LEM stool is that it can go from counter height (26.5") to bar height (31"). It has a piston system for adjusting the height, like those fun chairs at the hair salon.
The LEM stools add their subtle curves to an open kitchen/dining space full of straight lines.
Here the LEM stools work well with another new classic we've already talked about, the fucsia pendant light.
Have you noticed that some of the designers have placed this chair under pendulous light fixtures? This image is a good one for seeing why: The straight lines of the stools' stands finish off a ceiling-to-floor line that begins where the wires connect to the ceiling.
The blanched-oak version of the stools stand out against the dark kitchen island base. It's all part of the room's sophisticated mix of woods, finishes and colors.
The LEM stool can go futuristic in a Jetsons-esque kind of way.
LEM stools are a perfect choice for this room's great mix of strong straight lines and curves.
Here the stools blend in with the stainless background, letting the bold L-shape of the white waterfall counter stand out.
