Interview - Shane Schneck

Sometimes we all need a little extra help around the house.

The Butler , a new versatile bench/ladder designed by Shane Schneck for HAY, whose smart design and thoughtful features make it an ideal household tool for a variety of contexts. Made from solid oak with contemporary details, and a wider bottom step allows for use as a side table, stool or even bedside table.

How did the idea for the Butler design come about?

We wanted to create a very practical product that could be used in any room of the house for multiple functions. Above all, the Butler is a well-crafted bench/ladder. But after that, it's up to the user to decide.

At 50cm tall, it's a comfortable height for a dining or office stool and is suitable for a younger member of the family. The deep step also makes it convenient to use as a small bedside table or as a side table in the living room.

What inspired the name of this product?

The typology in many ways is a servant for domestic use, which led us to the name. A silent, useful and reserved character as I imagined, who is always there when I need him.

Can you tell us a little about the function and history of an everyday hybrid household product like this?

A chair, in fact, is the original multipurpose household object, as it can be used as a "step stool," a nightstand, or a coat rack. In addition to its functional use, the chair is a cultural symbol that projects economic class and social ideology onto the owner.

There are other typologies, such as baskets, bowls and benches, which are used both functionally and decoratively.