Header: Travis Hyatt
The Sway Rocking Stool takes inspiration from the structure of a traditional rocking horse but pares it down to three essential parts: the rockers, the saddle, and the reins. These elements guide the overall shape, resulting in a compact, sculptural seat that invites movement without relying on figurative design. Designed by Travis Hyatt Design, the stool is one of the winners of the “Other Chairs” category at the SIT Furniture Design Awards.
The stool was designed to be used in more than one way, as it can be straddled for a forward and backward rocking motion or sat on like a bench to sway side to side. This dual orientation adds flexibility, making it suited to both playful use and quiet rest. The seat is made from woven cording stretched across the frame, which creates a flexible surface that adjusts itself to the body and provides a comfortable hold during motion.
The frame is made from solid black walnut, shaped with smooth curves carefully joined and finished and decorated with brass dowels placed at key points. Every detail—from the tension of the cord to the direction of the grain—was considered to keep the design grounded, tactile, and functional.
Rather than drawing attention to itself, the stool is built to quietly sit within an interior. The materials, finish, and overall scale were chosen to support this, allowing the piece to be used in a wide range of spaces without dominating the room.
