The Pew Stool and Side Table by EJM Studio

A sculptural piece of furniture that reimagines the traditional church pews with a modern expression.

Drawing inspiration from traditional British church pews, this sculptural stool and side table brings together historical influences and contemporary design in an environmentally conscious build. Edward John Milton, founder of London-based studio EJM, created Pew after a visit to the St Albans Cathedral. “I was captivated by the nave’s striking curvature, rhythmic repetition, and layered arcade design. This architectural layering influenced the Pew stool, adding visual intrigue to the stacked form while preserving its functionality,” he explains. The design reimagines the recognizable form of the church pew, a symbol of humility and community, as a sculptural piece of furniture. Beautifully crafted and versatile, Pew works well either as a stool or as a side table.

Both elegant and practical, the Pew stool features graceful curves and rounded forms. Made locally with CNC milling techniques, each stool features a hand-finished surface. To produce this piece of furniture, EJM sources solid oak from Fallen & Felled, a local supplier that gives new life to naturally fallen or dead trees. Instead of becoming firewood or chipped wood, this timber transforms into timeless furniture that lasts for generations. Sustainably made, Pew also celebrates the beauty of the natural material. Imperfections and small blemishes remain as a mark of the tree’s life and character. “The oak used is not prime but contains ‘imperfections’ that I believe are vital to the design. This reflects a needed shift toward a circular approach, where we value and repurpose rather than overlook,” says Edward John Milton.

The Pew stool also takes modern lifestyles and living spaces into account, featuring a conveniently stackable design. The stacked stools create a wonderfully layered pattern, encouraging users to leave them out on display and ready to use. Made to order, the Pew stool/side table is available directly from EJM Studio. Photography© Mark Cocksedge.