A lid stay for holding a lid of a piece of furniture has a first arm (1) and a second arm (2) pivotably connected to the first arm (1). The arms (1, 2) are movable between an open position and a closed position around a swivel axis (4). A friction mechanism (9, 10) is active between the first arm (1) and the second arm (2). A spring mechanism acts upon the second arm (2) in the direction towards the open position or in the direction towards the closed position. The spring mechanism influences the frictional force that acts upon the friction means (9, 10).