A Sculpted Stool Rooted in Comfort and Character
Sonder is a stool that offers high comfort with its soft, flat, U-shaped seat. The Sonder chair is characterised by a touch of Brutalism, with its sturdy legs and crossbars. This is combined with a fresh and exciting use of finely curved veneer on the seat.
The word ‘Sonder’ captures the essence of recognising and appreciating the unique experiences of others. We chose the name because it reflects the stool’s purpose as a thoughtful design that accommodates individual comfort and identity.
The Sonder collection is a comfortable and sturdy range of furniture, designed to meet the demands of both domestic and commercial environments. With elegant modern joints and a strong construction built to last, each piece is crafted to withstand everyday knocks and blows. Over time, the natural patination of the wood will reveal even more of the collection’s subtle details. A beautiful piece of furniture that can be used as an extra comfortable stool for the dining area or as a side table or coffee table.
A Natural Material
The variations of oak
Wood is a natural material, and its appearance is strongly influenced by how the timber is cut from the log. Different cutting methods reveal different parts of the tree’s structure, naturally creating variations in grain pattern, texture and colour. For example, plank-cut oak often shows wider and more vivid grain patterns, while quarter-cut or rift-cut oak creates a calmer and more linear appearance.
These variations are a natural and expected characteristic of solid wood. They are not defects or inconsistencies, but a direct result of the tree’s natural growth and the way the material is processed.
The examples shown here illustrate how differences in cut, structure and surface treatment can influence the final appearance of the wood. At Form & Refine, we embrace these differences as part of the material’s authentic character.
”I wanted to design a stool with a clear and distinct expression, with refined joints as a graphic element. The curvature gives the small seat a crisp expression.”
– Jonas Herman, Herman Studio

















