poetry in motion That's what Danish modernist Paul Kjaerholm created when he designed this classic folding stool, circa 1961. The twisted triangular steel ribbons support your choice of canvas or leather seat. Just one example of why Elle Décor recently named Kjaerholdm the best furniture designer of the 20th century. From $2,200 at dkVogue, 1549 State St., Sarasota, (941) 955-2600.

total ellipse The elliptical shape of this stool is just one of the geometric forms in a collection that also includes square and prismatic table bases, pedestals, even a mirror-all in totally new, sculptural woven aluminum. Sit on it; top it with glass for a table; place several as sculptures; even team them with French chairs. $325 at Madison Park, 80 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, (941) 953-9176.

cone home This hydraulic stool moves from chair to counter height, affording comfort and flexibility in any room. It's also perfect as a dressing table chair. Shown in cream microsuede with pewter-toned metal, the Bistro Stool comes in four finishes and 20 fabric colors, as well as custom. $288 at Living Walls Furniture and Design, 1311 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 957-4411.

cubist confection At Box Furniture Boutique, seating cubes can be customized in a mind-boggling choice of colors and funky new textures. Whether your taste runs to the orange polyester cheese puff cover or a mélange of sheer polyester ribbons, most of the 17-and-a-half-inch cubes are $280. We chose shaggy blue leather. $323 at Box Furniture Boutique, 1417 First St., Sarasota, (941) 366-8164.

unplain geometry Circle in the Square is more than a renowned Manhattan theater company; it's a cool shape for extra guest seating and a practical accent table for party drinks. Available in red-orange or green, this molded plastic form adds a whimsical touch and functionality to modern rooms. $100 at Home Resource Contemporary Furniture, 741 Central Ave., Sarasota, (941) 366-6690.

perfect square Floor cushions are the rage both indoors and out, and we love this 26-inch square with eight-inch gusset. Covered in weather-proof outdoor fabric from Perennials, the exclusive new line by designer John Hutton, the pillows are fabricated using mold- and weather-resistant innards. $350 at Sarasota Collection Home Store, 622 Central Ave., Sarasota, (941) 955-8313.

stacks of angles make a contemporary statement in the ages-old garden seat. Pure white high-fired ceramic is formed into a zig-zag stool 13 inches square by 18 inches high to become the contemporary counterpart to traditional versions. Watch for garden stools as the hottest news in indoor seating, with styles ranging from glazed Chinese lantern shapes to painted spheres with fun motifs like polka dots and paisley. $140 at Inside Eden, 1490-A Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, (941) 373-0374.