# Minimalist Rocking Stools The U Stool is Fun, Comfy and Boasts a Place for Storage By Meghan Young | Published 2013-09-26 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/u-stool References: [fubiz.net](http://www.fubiz.net/en/2013/09/25/u-stool-chair/) & [richardclarkson](http://richardclarkson.com/U-Stool) Stools are often considered one of the simpler pieces of furniture out there, but the U Stool proves that more can be done when it comes to its design. Instead of a static seat, the U Stool literally takes on the shape of a 'U' in order to provide some [dynamic movement](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/espattio-platero-rocking-table). This not only promotes a more active core, it also adds a bit of fun. Secondly, the design of the U Stool's base allows it to act as storage for any odd number of items including books. Designed by Richard Clarkson, Zena Verda Pesta and Clay Kippen, the U Stool is made out of [light plywood](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/noah-folding-stool) and bright rope. [Minimalist and modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sedeo-chair), it would be a great addition for just about any home. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Dynamic Seating:** Creating seating solutions that encourage movement and active sitting. - **Multi-functional Furniture:** Designing furniture pieces that can serve multiple purposes and add value for the consumer. - **Minimalist Aesthetics:** Developing furniture designs that utilize clean lines, simple shapes, and lightweight materials. ### Where This Applies - **Furniture Design:** Designing furniture pieces that are innovative and aesthetically pleasing while also addressing consumer needs for functionality and versatility. - **Fitness and Wellness:** Creating products and services that promote an active and healthy lifestyle, such as active seating solutions that encourage core engagement and movement. - **Home Storage:** Designing products that simplify and improve the organization and storage of daily items, like the U Stool, which doubles as a storage unit for books and other miscellaneous items. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Visibly Undulating Stool Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/concave-stool.md) - [Dual-Function Seating Shelves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rubik-stool.md) - [Active Sitting Cork Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ylin-stool.md) - [Multifaceted Geometric Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stackable-stools.md) - [Contemporary Rocking Pouffe Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/platero.md) - [Colorful Dual-Purpose Stool Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/s1-stool.md) - [Modernist Modern Stool Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/utzon-stool.md) - [Bright Colorful Structural Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fels.md) - [Functional Flat-Packed Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walle-stool.md)