Simple. That’s it. It can be wood, dark or light, chrome or black and white.

The only rule with Zen is SIMPLE!

Some good choices can be found at Gingko Furniture.

Gingko kitchen bar stools are well-designed and affordably priced. All their designs are based on Asian aesthetic forms with contemporary twists. Some of the inspirations have come from imperial palaces such as the way the edges of the stools curve upwards like Asian temple rooftops. Their entire collection is made of solid wood, kiln-dried and handcrafted by old world techniques. Since every piece is an original, individual workmanship and the grain of the wood causes slight variations among items. Each stool is hand finished using a 9-step process with multiple coats of hand-rubbed lacquers. 

When a stool is born under the tender care of artisans’ hands, and not in a factory, the task of mounting a tranquil kitchen space is simpler. The stools arrive with the calm touch of their makers. All you do is unpack some ZEN!

With stools around the counter, you might have space for a chair or two, since you will likely have little else in the room – unless you have a few twisting lucky bamboo plants and some auspicious white stones and teeny rake.

The following stools are made of solid wood and are some excellent choices in counter stools and chairs for all your Zen decorative needs:

1. Chelsea Stool -Counter Stool – $175, standard stool and $195, counter stool
   Walnut
2. Chelsea Bench – $490
   Walnut
3. Horseshoe Chair -$360
   This piece looks like a Chinese antique! Actually it’s a traditional design slightly modified for comfort.
   Solid Elm Wood in java or black.
4. Three-legged Stool
5. Mirror Garden Stool
   These look like Chinese temple drums.

6. Zen Bench -$230 and $390
   This is a single plank of elm with gently angled legs and gracious seat curves. It is available in two lengths: 1. Zen Bench 42 inch length for $230. 2. Zen Bench 52 inch length for $390. Solid elm wood.


Zen Counter Stool

7. Zen Counter Stool – $155
8. Zen Stool – $130
   There’s nothing simpler!
9. Zen Bar Stool – $175



Wabi Sabi Bench

10. Ox Stool – $110
    Thick legs…yes, like an ox!
11. Wabi Sabi Bench – $175
    The name says it all. If it’s possible for Zen to be funky, this would be it!
12. Lily Chair
13. Indigo Chair
14. Xian Chair
15. Xian Bar Stool – $325
    This is a new interpretation of an old Chinese classic, also in elm with a rush seat. Available in Java or Natural and finished in Black Stain.
16. Rio Chair – $180
    The Rio is light and airy, although still java or natural colored elm wood, with an upholstered tan chenille seat. I would say it’s a contemplation seat!