Dezeen Showroom: Jaime Hayon has designed the Smile Stool for UK brand Benchmark, bringing a little mirth to solid wood furnishings.

Smile Stool is made of American cherry wood, with two eyes on its seat formed by traditional expressed-through tenon joints where two legs connect, and a cut-out mouth that serves as a carrying handle.

Adding to the stool's friendly appearance are smooth, rounded forms and a curved underside that Benchmark describes as inviting to touch.

Hayon, who is known for his playful designs, initially created Smile Stool for Benchmark's Connected exhibition. The project paired designers and craftspeople to explore the changes to work, home life and the creative process during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We must all remember to Smile — it makes us happier, healthier and more hopeful," said Hayon.

Smile Stool is a demonstrably sustainable product manufactured in the UK. Benchmark has calculated that it's not just carbon neutral but carbon negative, storing more carbon in its timber than is emitted through the production process.

The stool is classified Red List Free — meaning its free of any harmful chemicals — and carries labelling from the Declare sustainability standard.

Product: Smile Stool
Designer: Jaime Hayon
Brand: Benchmark
Contact: [email protected]

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