Quotes of the Day

In a complex world, we yearn for simpler things, and nothing does "solid and dependable" quite like wood. Going back to basics won't be a backward step with these instant classics

Michael Young and Katrin Petursdottir for Swedese
TREE COAT STAND
If this playful coat stand is a stylized tree, then the tree really wants to be a reindeer. Its antler-like branches were created by British-born Young — who now works between Brussels and Reykjavik — and his wife, Petursdottir. As ever, Young delivers design that's as much fun to look at as it is to use. www.swedese.se

Graeme Massie for Outgang
3 SERIES X
Under the U.K.'s smoking ban, Outgang founder Phil Lynch must perch outside with his cigarette. His yearning for comfortable outdoor furniture led to the funky and versatile Series X — a chair, table and footstool designed by architect Massie. Just a few flips gives you a recliner, a backbone-building upright or a louche-angled stool. www.outgang.com

Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen
ELBOW CHAIR
Until his death in January at age 92, Wegner was the last surviving great Dane of mid-20th century modernism. He lived to see his Elbow chair mark its 50th birthday by finally going into commercial production last year. Also known as the CH_20, it's a beautifully honed and understated exercise in formal simplicity. www.carlhansen.dk

Christophe Delcourt for Roche Bobois
LEGEND BOOKCASE
Made from handsome Burgundy oak, grown in sustainably managed forests, the Legend collection is Parisian company Roche Bobois's first foray into eco-friendly design. Delcourt's wonderfully wonky bookcases celebrate natural wood, proudly displaying every knot and blemish. www.roche-bobois.com

Franz Riener for Xpand
XPAND TABLE
Short of space, but love entertaining? Riener's dining table, patented by Xpand Furniture in Linz, Austria, has accordion-like slats in the middle, so it can extend for special occasions. To seat 10 people instead of four, simply lift and pull. www.xpand-furniture.com

Ola Rune and Eero Koivisto for Swedese
BRASILIA COFFEE TABLE
Two-thirds of Swedish design team Claesson Koivisto Rune collaborated on this coffee table, named after the futuristic capital city. With impeccable modernist credentials, the Brasilia cuts a dash in birch, oak and walnut editions, keeping its creators among the new Scandinavian masters. www.swedese.se

• RICHARD CLAYTON
• With unrivaled flexibility, the most traditional material can also be utterly modern