The stool is Billex, a product by French furniture company Maximum. Its main material is shredded banknotes supplied through a relationship Maximum describes with the Banque de France: the company says it heats and compresses the fragments into a rigid material, then builds the stool with steel brackets and screws.
What is the Billex stool made from?
Maximum says Billex is made principally from shredded banknotes produced with the Banque de France’s EverFit technology. The banknotes use a cotton substrate with two protective layers, according to the company. Billex also has four steel brackets and eight screws, so it is not made solely from banknotes.
Maximum says imperfect banknotes identified during production controls are shredded, weighed and sent to its Ivry-sur-Seine workshop. There, the fragments are accumulated, heated and strongly compressed to form the material used for the stool. The maker also says the protective film plays an essential role in producing its Billex range.
Who makes it, and how is it built?
Maximum is the French furniture company behind Billex. The Banque de France connection and the material-making process are described by Maximum on its Billex product page; an independent 2024 account also reported the manufacturing approach and partnership (Indian Defence Review).
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- Unique Hand-Hammered Frame: Created through meticulous artisanal forging, the barstool features a finely hammered texture and an elegant rounded silhouette. Showcasing a harmonious organic modern aesthetic, the stool will elevate any space
- Premium Linen Fabric: The cushion is upholstered in high-grade linen fabric that is smooth to the touch and naturally breathable. Engineered for daily use, this durable fabric is stain-resistant and easy to maintain
- Superior Comfort: The seat is packed with thick, high-resilience foam that offers plush comfort without sacrificing support. The integrated footrest ensures relaxed and comfortable seating
- Durable and Stable: Forged from heavy-duty iron, the stool is built to support up to 300 lbs. Equipped with adjustable feet pads, the stool remains rock-solid while protecting your indoor flooring
- Easy Assembly: Designed for convenience, the straightforward assembly process takes only about 15 minutes to set up two stools. Please note that this counter stool cannot swivel. Dimension: 18.75"W x 18.75"D x 26.65"H
Maximum says the Banque de France’s industrial facility has the capacity to print up to 3 billion banknotes per year; its product page does not state the year for that figure. This describes the facility’s stated printing capacity, not how many banknotes are used in each stool.
Current Billex specifications and listing
Maximum’s product page, checked October 3, 2026, lists the following details. Price, stock and delivery estimates can change.
Rank #2
- NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: These modern barrel bar stools arrive fully assembled and ready to use right out of the box. Simply place them around your kitchen island, kitchen counter, or home bar for an instant upgrade
- SOFT VELVET COMFORT: Upholstered in soft velvet fabric, these counter height bar stools provide cozy seating for daily meals, coffee breaks, and entertaining. The curved barrel back and armrests offer comfort while enhancing modern décor
- STURDY & FLOOR-FRIENDLY DESIGN: Built with a durable frame, each barrel counter stool supports up to 300 lbs for reliable everyday use. Foot pads help reduce scratches on hardwood, tile, and laminate flooring while allowing smooth movement
- IDEAL COUNTER HEIGHT: Featuring a 26.25" seat height and 35" overall height, these upholstered bar stools fit kitchen islands, counters, and worktops measuring 35"–40" high. Suitable for dining rooms, home bars, coffee rooms, restaurants, and salons
- ELEVATED STYLE FOR MODERN SPACES: Designed for homeowners, decorators, entertainers, and vacation rental hosts, these velvet bar stools combine comfort, stability, and designer-inspired style. Available in multiple colors to complement a variety of interiors
| Detail | Maximum’s current listing |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 36 × 36 × 45 cm |
| Weight | 6 kg |
| Price | €220 |
| Availability and delivery | Listed as in stock; estimated delivery in five weeks |
| Stacking | Stacks up to six stools |
| Guarantee | 10 years |
Maximum says the stool is delivered assembled. Its care guidance is to wipe it with a soft cloth and cleaning product, and to avoid rocking on it to help extend its life.
What Maximum says about French production and recycling
Maximum says Billex is made entirely in France, from sourcing through production, and that it can be recycled in the company’s workshops. The maker describes the material as waste-based apart from the screws. These are the company’s claims; the available product information does not provide an independent life-cycle assessment, emissions figure or comparison with other stools. It therefore does not establish that Billex is carbon-neutral or has a lower environmental impact than a particular alternative.
Rank #3
- Premium Solid Bentwood Construction - Crafted via high-temperature compression with natural wood grain, this accent seat comes in Black, Walnut and Natural Ash finishes for lasting durability.
- Designer Butterfly Seat Design - Ergonomic wing-shaped structure offers stable support without extra braces, serving as a stunning artistic accent piece for your space.
- Perfect 17-Inch Vanity Height - Ideal for makeup and dressing table use, its compact size fits small apartments perfectly without taking up extra space.
- Japandi Minimalist Style - Blends Japanese craftsmanship with Scandinavian practicality, fits modern, minimalist, bohemian and rustic home decor seamlessly.
- Versatile Accent Seating - Works as vanity stool, entryway bench, footrest, bedside side table and balcony seat, easy to assemble with included hardware.
Why published price and weight figures differ
An Indian Defence Review article published in 2024 gave a price of €165 and a weight of 4.6 kg. Those figures differ from Maximum’s product page, which lists €220 and 6 kg when checked October 3, 2026. For a current purchase decision, use the maker’s live listing rather than the older report; the listed price and availability may change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Comfortable Upholstery – This upholstered stool features plush cushioning and soft fabric for maximum comfort, making it ideal for daily use, while fitting seamlessly among modern stools for kitchen counter setups
- Elegant Design – This piece blends into modern barstools trends while maintaining a refined look, functioning perfectly as one of the modern stools options with supportive arms for enhanced seating comfort
- Versatile Accent Piece – Works beautifully as one of the upholstered counter stools, while also matching counter stools upholstered styles, making it suitable for dining areas, kitchens, or living spaces
- Durable & Supportive – Built to last, this design compares to upholstered counter height chairs and pairs well with modern counter height chairs, offering stability and long-term seating comfort
- Multi-Use Seating – Ideal as a modern counter stool, this piece fits perfectly into stools modern interiors, combining function and style for everyday use in kitchen islands or bar areas
Rank #4
- UPGRADED STABILITY & AESTHETICS: Built with a reinforced metal frame, these heavy-duty bar stools easily support up to 300 lbs, minimizing the risk of cracking or wobbling. Finished with an advanced wood-grain texture, these counter height bar stools provide the visual warmth of wood with the durability of a metal bar stool. This industrial-grade coating ensures long-lasting defense against daily impacts, dents, and surface wear for years to come.
- ERGONOMIC COMFORT & SUPPORT: Featuring a 10% larger backrest (22.4" W), these padded counter height chairs offer lumbar support to relieve spinal pressure. Wrapped in skin-friendly fabric and filled with high-density foam, these upholstered barstools reduce sitting fatigue—perfect for family dining, home office tasks, or casual entertaining. To further boost long‑hour comfort, the built-in H-shaped metal footrest offers a cozy spot to rest your feet, enhancing overall relaxation.
- VERSATILE USE & SPACE-SAVING: With a tailored 26.3" seat height, these mid-century modern counter stools pair with 34" to 40" kitchen islands, home bars, or dining counters. Their sleek and compact profile allows them to tuck neatly under the counter when not in use, maximizing your walkway space in apartments or busy kitchens. Additionally, non‑slip footpads enable smooth, silent movement while protecting hardwood and tile floors from scratches.
- KID & PET FRIENDLY DESIGN: Crafted for active modern homes, these easy-to-clean bar chairs feature stain-resistant upholstery to wipe away accidental spills or pet hair effortlessly. Beyond the seat, the metal counter height stools frame can be thoroughly sanitized with a damp cloth, leaving no hidden dirt. It’s the hassle-free kitchen island chairs solution for busy households with children and pets.
- QUICK SETUP & WARRANTY: Designed for a smooth and effortless setup, this easy-to-assemble bar stools set of 4 come with all necessary hardware and step-by-step instructions. Most customers can complete a single bar chair installation within 10 minutes. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us via Amazon Message. Our dedicated service team will provide timely support and resolve your inquiries within 24 hours, ensuring a stress‑free shopping journey.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
