Iconic Antti Nurmesniemi “Sauna” Horseshoe Stool for Palace Hotel, Helsinki 1952

A stool by Antti Nurmesniemi, designed for the sauna section of the Palace Hotel in Helsinki in 1952. Antti’s version and interpretation of a stool brilliantly modernised the traditional folk sauna stool while keeping the functional horseshoe-shaped seat that doubled with hygiencal functionality. In addition to the aesthetical features developed, Nurmesniemi also shaped the seat with an inclination to the inside that serves to drain water off the seat.

Finnish designers have always been inspired by nature and not surprisingly so. Finland is full of forests and thousands of lakes, an environment that easily inspires.

This stool is one of a small number that were reintroduced in the 1990s and was manufactured by Kyläsaaren Puu ja Rauta. Around that time the design was also adopted and used in the Finnish presidential interior. Stamped both Antti Nurmesniemi and by the manufacturer. A true classic and an icon of Finnish design and innovation. A Milan Triennial awarded piece of furniture that deserves its place in history and in the many museum collections all over the world.