Furniture - Yanko Design https://www.yankodesign.com Modern Industrial Design News Tue, 02 Jul 2024 08:29:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 Polycarbonate plastic chair can be turned into side table https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/07/02/polycarbonate-plastic-chair-can-be-turned-into-side-table/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=polycarbonate-plastic-chair-can-be-turned-into-side-table Tue, 02 Jul 2024 15:20:08 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=497490

Polycarbonate plastic chair can be turned into side table

People have different tastes when it comes to furniture, even something as functional as chairs. There are those that look for comfort while there are...
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People have different tastes when it comes to furniture, even something as functional as chairs. There are those that look for comfort while there are those that just want something they can sit on when working. There are people who look for highly aesthetic chairs that can fit into their space while there are those that like to look for more experimental kind of chairs.

Designer Name: Liam de la Beyodere

If you’re the last kind of person, this chair concept might be right up your alley. The Push Fit Chair uses frosted injection-moulded polycarbonate plastic for its parts. When you push them together and assemble it, you get a chair that sports a crystal-clear aesthetic. The idea is for light and colors to flow through the chair and lets it cast different patterns and shapes on nearby surfaces.

You can also remove the backrest part of the chair if you want to just have a stool type of furniture. You can also put the backrest on the side so you get a side table along with your chair. There is also space under where you can store items like books and knick knacks. If you put the full chair with the chair/side table together, then you have a more complete set.

Chairs made from polycarbonate plastic may not seem the most comfortable but based on the renders, you get something really pleasing to the eyes. And of course, we love multi-functional and modular things here, so that’s another bonus fro the Push Fit Chair.

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Why most chairs are outdated and Secretlab’s take on a good design for modern ergonomics https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/07/01/why-most-chairs-are-outdated-and-secretlabs-take-on-a-good-design-for-modern-ergonomics/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-most-chairs-are-outdated-and-secretlabs-take-on-a-good-design-for-modern-ergonomics Tue, 02 Jul 2024 01:45:21 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=494777

Why most chairs are outdated and Secretlab’s take on a good design for modern ergonomics

The rise of remote work has drastically changed our workspaces. The boundaries between work and play have blurred, and modern hybrid workers switch seamlessly from...
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The rise of remote work has drastically changed our workspaces. The boundaries between work and play have blurred, and modern hybrid workers switch seamlessly from spreadsheets to gaming to Netflix—all from the same setup. Yet, when you think of an ergonomic chair, a mesh design like Herman Miller’s Aeron probably comes to mind. These chairs developed in the 1970s have become synonymous with corporate offices worldwide. However, is it time for us to consider other options?

Designer: Vincent Sin, Head of Industrial Design

Click Here to Know More.

Historical Context and Evolution of Ergonomic Chairs

The journey of ergonomic design began in the 1970s with chairs like the Herman Miller Aeron, which quickly became the gold standard for office seating.

Everyday workers rarely gave much thought to their sitting habits. Their typical workday meant long hours at the desk with minimal movement. Conversations about sitting often focused on achieving the perfect posture.

The rise of the tech industry and the shift to remote work blurred the lines between work and leisure. As work environments evolved, the need for more dynamic seating became clear. A good chair shouldn’t just do one thing — they must support everything from long hours of sitting to more relaxed, casual postures, no matter what you’re doing at the desk.

One company is leading this shift forward, recognizing the need for modern ergonomic solutions that meet the diverse needs of today.

The Evolution of Ergonomic Seating

Secretlab was founded in 2014 by Ian Ang and Alaric Choo, both avid gamers and StarCraft II professionals. Their journey began out of personal necessity— they needed chairs that could support their extensive practice sessions, often lasting up to 16 hours a day. Existing market options fell short of providing the required comfort and durability. This gap inspired them to design their own solution, leading to the creation of a new standard in seating.

The success of these designs among professional gamers brought Secretlab into the spotlight, but the company’s dedication to ergonomic science and high-quality materials also quickly expanded their user base beyond just the gaming community.

Today, Secretlab chairs are trusted by over 3 million users worldwide, reflecting their commitment to excellence. Despite its roots in designing chairs for esports players, the flagship chair, the Secretlab TITAN Evo, is making significant inroads into spaces traditionally dominated by mesh office chairs. From global esports stages to home offices and corporate boardrooms, it is fast becoming a top pick for anyone needing an ergonomic chair that can support long hours of sitting.

The appeal of the Secretlab TITAN Evo extends to a diverse range of users, including some of the most distinguished figures in various fields. Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer, is among its users, having scored his iconic scores in movies like “Dune” and “Top Gun: Maverick” in the comfort of a Secretlab TITAN Evo chair in his studio. Similarly, World No. 1 chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen has also adopted the Secretlab TITAN Evo, further highlighting its versatility and appeal.

The Secretlab Difference

What sets these chairs apart in a crowded market? While the Secretlab TITAN Evo might resemble other gaming chairs at first glance, a deeper inspection reveals significant differences. Every design choice is informed by extensive real-world data on how people actually sit. This commitment to evidence-based design is bolstered by collaborations with leading ergonomic experts and regular consultations with an independent Ergonomics Advisory Board to refine their products.

Central to their philosophy is the understanding that the human body is not meant to remain in a single, static posture for prolonged periods. Conversely, traditional ergonomic chairs often emphasize one “optimal” posture, which can lead to muscle and soft tissue strain over time.

Dr. Stuart McGill, professor emeritus at the University of Waterloo and a foremost authority on back pain, underscores this point. “Tissue loads must be migrated from tissue to tissue to minimize the risk of any single tissue accumulating microtrauma. This is accomplished by changing posture,” he explains.

Its proprietary pebble seat base exemplifies this philosophy. It features gently sloping sides that guide users towards the center for balanced pressure distribution while still allowing freedom to sit in various positions—whether leaning to one side or sitting cross-legged.

In comparison, most gaming chairs adopt a far more restrictive bucket seat design inspired by racing seats. These designs work well in race cars to help drivers remain snug and secure in their seats when racing at 220 mph, but they have no place in ergonomic chairs, says Secretlab.

Instead, they prioritize flexibility, allowing users to transition between different tasks and postures effortlessly.

Settling the Debate: Mesh vs. Foam in Chair Design

The choice of upholstery materials plays a critical role in chair comfort and support. While mesh is favored for its breathability, foam offers substantial support, particularly for extended use.

Research from the University of California, Berkeley, found no significant differences between foam and mesh in terms of comfort, pain, and fatigue. However, participants reported finding foam chairs more supportive over long hours, with better pressure distribution.

That said, not all foam is created equal. Secretlab engineered their own patent-pending cold-cure foam to provide uniform weight distribution and consistent density. They cured their foam at lower temperatures, resulting in a medium-firm texture that resists sagging and reduces strain on the back. By ensuring even pressure distribution, it enhances long-term comfort, making it a strong contender against traditional mesh.

Mesh chairs, on the other hand, excel in breathability, keeping users cool during long periods of sitting. The choice between foam and mesh ultimately depends on individual preferences and specific needs, but both materials have their distinct advantages.

A New Type of Computer Chair

Recognizing the shift in workplace habits accelerated by the pandemic, Secretlab leads the way in adaptable furniture design. Their chairs support various activities, from video calls to streaming, by prioritizing movement and versatility.
This approach meets the needs of today’s workers and paves the way for future ergonomic innovations, ensuring comfort and productivity in a world where work and play often overlap.

Click Here to Know More.

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Self-grooming cat house combs away loose fur each time they pass through https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/07/01/self-grooming-cat-house-combs-away-loose-fur-each-time-they-pass-through/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=self-grooming-cat-house-combs-away-loose-fur-each-time-they-pass-through Mon, 01 Jul 2024 13:20:07 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=497264

Self-grooming cat house combs away loose fur each time they pass through

Furry friends are full of fun, at least until it’s time to actually keep them healthy and well-maintained. Both dogs and cats have a never-ending...
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Furry friends are full of fun, at least until it’s time to actually keep them healthy and well-maintained. Both dogs and cats have a never-ending fur problem, but felines are more notorious for not being as enthusiastic about being brushed and combed, unlike their canine counterparts. That said, cats are also sticklers for cleanliness, but all their licking unfortunately results in unsightly hairballs in the end. This rather ingenious contraption offers a solution that makes that brushing feel almost natural to the cat, and it does so by taking advantage of the most cat-like behavior of all: squeezing into very tight spaces.

Designer: Paw-Swing

At first glance, the Paw-Swing Purrring (yes, that’s how it’s spelled) Cat Self-Grooming House looks nothing more than a felt-covered box with a rather small circular opening in front. This combination is, of course, irresistible to cats who’ll want to explore and try to fit into that tight space, which is exactly why it’s designed this way. And as soon as it passes through that hole, its loose fur gets brushed away in a manner that makes the cat feel like it’s being licked by its mother instead.

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The secret is the six cylindrical brushes around the circular entrance of the house, each with a surface designed to mimic the papillae on a cat’s tongue. To the cat, this feels like a more natural grooming method, which is normally employed by mother cats licking their young. Of course, the fur isn’t ingested and is simply stored in a separate compartment for easy cleaning later. This process happens each and every time the cat passes through the entrance, making manual grooming a thing of the past.

While the self-grooming cat house requires no electricity or motors to implement the grooming part, it does have a tech component to its design. There is an automated treat dispenser installed at the top to entice your cats to come closer to the box, and when it does go in, it records how many times the cat comes in and leaves. This data is made available to owners to help them monitor the habits and health of their feline family.

Beyond the grooming and the feeding, the Purrring cat house is also, well, a house for cats. Its felt material makes the box comfortable and safe for cats, not to mention environment-friendly and recyclable as well. The Self-Grooming Cat House thus offers a safe haven for cats that also take a load off their humans’ minds, at least until it’s time to take out the collected fur.

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Side table and shelf uses monochromatic lines and dots springing up from the ground https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/06/29/side-table-and-shelf-uses-monochromatic-lines-and-dots-springing-up-from-the-ground/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=side-table-and-shelf-uses-monochromatic-lines-and-dots-springing-up-from-the-ground Sat, 29 Jun 2024 22:30:40 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=497058

Side table and shelf uses monochromatic lines and dots springing up from the ground

When it comes to side tables and shelves, I’m the kind of person who prefers it to be functional (also, affordable) rather than aesthetic. But...
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When it comes to side tables and shelves, I’m the kind of person who prefers it to be functional (also, affordable) rather than aesthetic. But there are also those who prefer for their furniture to be both functional and also pieces of art. Fortunately, there are a lot of designers out there who are experimenting with form while still making them useful as their original purpose.

Designer: Taeg Nishimoto, TN/MOS

Lines and dots is one such kind of furniture wherein the side-table and free-standing shelf are both pieces that you can use to place your items but can also double as sculptures in your space. It uses various materials like clay, wood, sisal twine, discarded concrete chunk, and liquid rubber to bring you something that looks pretty unique with its “spontaneous geometry” kind of design.

The lines are actually intertwining pieces of twine that start from the bottom and up. The concrete chunk that serves as the base is used to attach the sisal twine which also passes through the circular, horizontal planes in the middle. Those planes are the shelves and even though they are round, they are not perfectly circular so you get a sense of movement. The twine lines are covered in clay by hand and the traces of the fingers applying it are left there. Afterwards, all parts of the side table and shelves are covered with white liquid rubber while the clay lines get black dots.

Since the side table and shelves are in white with black dots, it comes “alive” when you place objects with vibrant colors on it. The entire look of these lines and dots gives the impression that your furniture actually “grew” vertically from the ground up. You can only place a few objects on it because of its small size but the main point is adding to the aesthetic of your space.

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Top 10 Styles of Open Shelving for Maximizing Storage https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/06/25/top-10-styles-of-open-shelving-for-maximizing-storage/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=top-10-styles-of-open-shelving-for-maximizing-storage Tue, 25 Jun 2024 11:40:34 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=496431

Top 10 Styles of Open Shelving for Maximizing Storage

Open shelves and storage solutions not only tidy up your possessions but also incorporate them into your home’s decorative scheme. Open shelves come in various...
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Open shelves and storage solutions not only tidy up your possessions but also incorporate them into your home’s decorative scheme. Open shelves come in various styles and configurations, each offering unique advantages and aesthetic appeal. Here are ten different types of open shelves to choose from.

Designer: João Teixeira

1. Floating Shelves

Image courtesy of: 9_fingers_

These are the most common types of open shelves that are mounted directly onto the wall to impart a floating effect as the brackets are concealed. It is best suited for modern homes and is perfect for displaying decorative items, storage containers, or toys in children’s bedrooms.

2. Wall-Mounted Shelves

Image courtesy of: katrinasid

As the name suggests, these shelves are mounted on the wall supported by visible brackets and are available in multiple materials and designs.

Designer: Evan Clabots for Cozey

The Altitude Shelf, designed by Evan Clabots for Cozey, draws inspiration from Japanese and Danish woodworking traditions, boasting clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. Easy to assemble with included hardware and a placement guide, this versatile shelf seamlessly integrates into any room, offering both functionality and style.

Designer: Markus Hofko of Von Morgen

KUR!O’s innovative shelving unit offers customizable storage solutions with its grid base and interlocking shelving plates. It has evolved into a consumer-ready product featuring durable construction and additional features like dowels for hanging items. The base grid, made from wood-fiber boards, supports powder-coated steel panels, available in various colors for structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. With a modular design and playful color scheme, KUR!O adds contemporary flair to any space.

3. Cube Shelves

Available as rectangular or square-shaped shelves, these units can be used for storage and display. They can be used as individual units or can be combined to create an interesting display.

Designers: Calvin Middel & Bencekommt

Every foyer needs a storage solution for keys, jackets, and daily essentials. Student designers Calvin and Bence crafted Bügal designed a fusion piece blending a coat rack with a shelf system. Utilizing 3D printing, they molded Bügal’s body, achieving a sleek, semi-matte silicone finish. Bügal hangs securely from a wooden peg, accommodating multiple garments and bulky items like cameras or plants. Its deep pocket provides space for keys and phones, offering practical storage without sacrificing style.

Designer: Jean Couvreur for Kabata

The Fréquence shelf by Jean Couvreur, designed for Kabata, offers a versatile storage solution for compact living spaces. It features minimalist aesthetics with clean lines and a sleek white finish. This modular shelving system allows for various configurations, serving as a bookcase, base unit, or room divider. Its geometrically shaped modules, crafted from durable aluminum, enable creative arrangements while minimizing material wastage during manufacturing. With its sturdy construction and modern design, Fréquence adds functionality and elegance to any home environment.

Designer: Deniz Aktay

Deniz Aktay’s ‘Overlap’ table is a versatile and functional piece of furniture designed for modern living spaces. It features two rotated wooden boxes ingeniously joined to create a sturdy tabletop and storage unit. This compact yet stylish design prioritizes both form and function, offering ample storage while occupying minimal space. Its geometrically intriguing form adds a touch of sophistication to any room, making it a perfect fit for small corners or as a centerpiece in a living room.

4. Corner Shelves

Image courtesy of: olegbreslavtsev

Make optimum use of the corners and maximize storage with corner shelves. These shelves are available in triangular and curved designs and are ideal for enhancing the utility of vacant corners.

5. Ladder Shelves

Image courtesy of: bialasiewicz

These shelves resemble a ladder, lean against the wall, and are perfect for displaying books, plants, and decorative accents. Note that these shelves are wide at the base and narrow at the top.

6. Pipe Shelves

Image courtesy of: ckstockphoto

If you love the modern, rustic, or industrial look then go use metal pipes as the support brackets for holding wooden or glass shelves. These are perfect for a modern or rustic décor.

7. Cubby Shelves

These are open compartments of various sizes that provide flexible storage solutions and are very popular in offices and children’s bedrooms. These are perfect for storing books, baskets, and decorative objects.

Designer: Freia Achenbach

A shelf named “Spectator” captivates with interlocking puzzle piece design, subtly resembling distorted human faces. Hand-painted resin pieces create a glossy finish reminiscent of ivory and bone. While minimalist, it challenges observer roles, blurring lines between viewer and viewed. Despite its unconventional appearance, it seamlessly interlocks, symbolizing the mental space objects occupy. Though not the most functional, it offers a unique perspective, prompting contemplation on perception and cognition in a compact, artistic package.

Designer: Narbutas

In major cities, space scarcity persists, particularly for independent millennials transitioning to their own homes. Office environments face similar challenges, necessitating efficient storage solutions. Narbutas’ Combus Shelving System addresses this need, offering versatile storage and space partitioning with customizable shelving types and heights. Its innovative configurations facilitate dynamic office layouts, while optional accessories enhance functionality. Made from recycled materials, it promotes sustainability and can be easily disassembled for reuse.

8. Wire Shelves

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

Image courtesy of: bilanol

These shelves provide a lightweight appearance and are highly recommended for use in the kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom to store kitchen essentials and bathroom items.

9. Console Units

Some console units come with open shelves and are primarily used for storing books. These not only look neat but are versatile pieces of furniture that can be used in the entryway, living room, or bedroom.

Designer: Carlos Platz

The Svolta shelving system epitomizes simplicity, with ingenious joinery inspired by alpine architecture. Using precise cutouts, it assembles effortlessly, relying solely on the shelves and legs themselves. Named after the Italian word for “rotation,” Svolta utilizes wooden pieces with fitted cutouts, allowing swift assembly. Crafted from sustainable European oak, it offers an elegant, scalable solution with minimal environmental impact.

10. Decorative Shelving

Some shelving units resemble a piece of wall art and can play a role in enhancing storage with creative shelving configurations of various colors, shapes, materials, and more.

Designer: Kengo Kuma for More Trees

Marumarushikaku is a modular wooden shelf with assorted stacked shapes. Its unconventional design serves as both functional storage and captivating artwork. Comprising rectangular and round boards, it enables personalized arrangements. Despite its delicate appearance, it securely accommodates items like books and plants. Crafted from locally sourced wood, it adds a minimalist touch with rotating plates and is ideal for enhancing any office or living space.

Designer: Lisa Brustolin

The new collection of everyday furniture challenges the prevailing minimalism trend in design by offering vibrant and visually intriguing pieces. Each item combines colors, materials, and shapes to create highlights in any room. For example, the Differ Shelf features translucent epoxy resin legs and opaque shelves, creating a captivating interplay of light. The Opticabinet, crafted by Venetian artisans, creates an optical illusion with alternating patterns of blue and green. Lastly, the Wrong Mirror offers a modern twist on a classic design, prompting reflection with its unconventional form and materials.

Designer: George Bosnas

Drawing inspiration from the beloved 1980s toy, the Rubika bookcase seamlessly merges modern aesthetics with nostalgic charm. While resembling a three-dimensional cube from a distance, upon closer inspection, it reveals the dimensions of a traditional bookcase. This captivating illusion is achieved through a clever arrangement of cubby shapes and a blend of assorted woods, resulting in a visually dynamic and intriguing piece.

Each type of open-shelf design comes with different advantages, and aesthetics, and can be integrated with the decor of different rooms. However, choose the best one according to your individual preferences and space.

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Tulipan Pod lets you keep your privacy but still be connected to the outside world https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/06/17/tulipan-pod-lets-you-keep-your-privacy-but-still-be-connected-to-the-outside-world/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tulipan-pod-lets-you-keep-your-privacy-but-still-be-connected-to-the-outside-world Mon, 17 Jun 2024 15:20:55 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=495265

Tulipan Pod lets you keep your privacy but still be connected to the outside world

As much as I love working with my officemates, there are times when I wish my cubicle had a mute button so I could focus...
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As much as I love working with my officemates, there are times when I wish my cubicle had a mute button so I could focus on whatever task I need to finish at the moment. But of course unless I had my own room where I could close the door or I step away from my space and hide somewhere, that cannot happen. Companies that have a more creative work space can use the more innovative open space layouts and furniture that we’re seeing lately.

Designer: Industrial Facility for +Halle

The Tulipan Pod is one such kind of furniture that was developed for +Halle by London design studio Industrial Facility. It’s basically an enclosed workspace that is not totally isolated but gives the user the option of temporarily shutting away other people in the office or still working in a private space but being a bit more “open”. It also has a softer look than other enclosed workspaces that we’re seeing as it gives off a plush texture.

The pod has a cylindrical shape with one half of it stable and immobile, featuring a small table where you can place your laptop and other small work tools. The other half swivels around and can serve as your door to close out the outside world. There’s a seat with a soft back so you’re comfortable even when enclosed. If you want to talk to other people or see your environment, you just swivel out. The top part is also open so you still get to be connected to your surroundings and you also get properly circulating air.

Of course if you’re claustrophobic, you probably will not want to swivel into the pod or use the pod at all. But for those who need a bit of privacy while still have the option to be connected to the rest of your office, then this is a pretty good alternative to keep out chatty officemates when you need to focus.

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Ice-like sculptures are actually handcrafted plastic furniture https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/06/15/ice-like-sculptures-are-actually-handcrafted-plastic-furniture/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ice-like-sculptures-are-actually-handcrafted-plastic-furniture Sat, 15 Jun 2024 23:30:54 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=495083

Ice-like sculptures are actually handcrafted plastic furniture

Furniture can be made from any material, with the only requirement that it should be strong enough to serve its purpose. Wood is the most...
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Furniture can be made from any material, with the only requirement that it should be strong enough to serve its purpose. Wood is the most common choice and one that’s beloved by designers, but there are also a number that are made of metal or even glass. There is also furniture made from plastic, though these bear the stigma of not only being cheap in terms of cost but also in quality and durability. Of course, not all plastic is made equal, and some perform better than others. And depending on how you actually use the material, they can look as plain or as luxurious as you can make them. This furniture collection, for example, looks like it has been carefully carved out of blocks of ice, but if you’ve been following the flow so far, then you’d probably guess they’re made from plastic and handcrafted plastic at that.

Designer: Kasper Kyster

Despite the harm they pose to the environment, plastic is still a common sight in many products. They’re cheap to make and easy to work with, which is why they’re used in mass-production pipelines. You’d almost be crazy to manually form the plastic by yourself, but it’s that inspired insanity that brought these beautiful masterpieces to life.

The project, called “Crafting Plastic,” is meant to challenge the way the material is perceived or even utilized. Rather than going through a machine or even a 3D printer, sheets of PETG plastic are cut into small sizes, heated with a heat gun, and then bent and shaped by hand. The pieces are turned into tubes that can be flattened, folded, and bent to create the classic forms of furniture. It’s definitely a painstaking method that won’t scale well, but it definitely serves its purpose, proving that plastic is not as simple as we presume it to be.

The result is a unique aesthetic that, on the one hand, looks like transparent glass but, on the other hand, also resembles sculpted ice with its imperfections and rough surfaces. It has an element of delicateness that almost makes you hesitant to even touch it, let alone put some weight on the pieces to actually use them for the furniture that they are. Fortunately, the lamps in the collection are fully functional without requiring interaction, though they may have also been the most difficult to make. The folds of the plastic pipes have to be done in a certain way and direction to make sure that light actually passes through.

It’s probably for the best that these pieces of furniture are more artistic and not easily replicated because, after all, they are made from plastic. There is some amount of recycled plastic but it’s kept at a low percentage in order to retain the material’s structural rigidity and stability. Hopefully, the eye-catching and thought-provoking design will inspire more experimentation on the use of plastic in furniture that will take into account not only functionality and beauty but also sustainability.

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Blown glass side tables look delicious enough to lick https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/06/15/blown-glass-side-tables-look-delicious-enough-to-lick/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blown-glass-side-tables-look-delicious-enough-to-lick Sat, 15 Jun 2024 20:45:00 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=495071

Blown glass side tables look delicious enough to lick

Glass isn’t often used for tables and even when it is, it’s usually only limited to the tabletop part. Glass is strong yet also brittle,...
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Glass isn’t often used for tables and even when it is, it’s usually only limited to the tabletop part. Glass is strong yet also brittle, so you would rarely want to have it in something that meets a lot of accidents in daily use. At the same time, however, glass also has an exquisite quality to its appearance that has even made it the favored material for counterfeit jewelry. There’s a certain artistry in glassware, especially when their production involves more traditional methods like glass blowing, embracing imperfections and flaws as unique traits that give the design a personality of its own. These side tables, simple as their shapes may be, are fine examples of how skilled craftsmanship can turn glass into something so beautiful that they might be good enough to eat.

Designer: Sabine Marcelis

Although they are completely functional, side tables often act more as decorative pieces, making them the perfect subject for design experimentation and thinking outside the box. There’s never a scarcity of concepts that explore different forms and functions for side tables, from transforming furniture to tables that serve both humans and pets at the same time. There are also plenty of more artistic renditions of what a side table is, like this collection that looks like tempting gigantic hard candy.

Coming in a variety of sizes, these square and rectangular glass boxes create a playful display of light and color through their translucent materials and even through the imperfections inside that material. The smoky gray and amber hues make the glass look less like jewelry and more like sweet treats that are too big to put in your mouth. Despite what would normally be boring shapes, the Lokum side tables have a certain aura of fun owing to the design’s charming character.

The simple boxy shapes of the side tables would normally be perfect for using mass-produced techniques, but these are instead blown glass into their geometric forms as evidenced by the traces of ripples in the glass. What would normally be seen as flaws actually enhance the glass tables’ playful image, adding a touch of dynamism to a rather static form. It also affects the way light passes through and bounces off, creating shadows and patterns that draw your attention further.

Elegant, entertaining, and ephemeral all at the same time, these blown glass side tables definitely do more than just provide a temporary place for books or cups. They turn imperfections into beautiful impressions, transform plain shapes into mouth-watering forms, and give life to any space through their simple yet eye-catching design. All these, using a technique that’s been around for centuries and a material that is as common as the sand.

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SOS Stool serves as side table, glass holder, and yes, a stool https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/06/12/sos-stool-serves-as-side-table-glass-holder-and-yes-a-stool/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sos-stool-serves-as-side-table-glass-holder-and-yes-a-stool Wed, 12 Jun 2024 15:20:09 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=494397

SOS Stool serves as side table, glass holder, and yes, a stool

When it comes to chairs, I prefer the ones that are functional and comfortable over the ones that are aesthetically pleasing. I would rather have...
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When it comes to chairs, I prefer the ones that are functional and comfortable over the ones that are aesthetically pleasing. I would rather have something simple as long as I can sit on it properly rather than something that would look like an art piece in a museum but is uncomfortable to sit on. But if you could have both, then that would be a great piece of furniture to own and display.

Designer: Josh Owen

The SOS Stool is a pretty simple piece of furniture that actually has multiple functions in its tiny body. It is, of course, a stool on which one person can sit on. But it can also be a side table to hold your drinks, books, or other small items you need to place on its surface whether it’s beside your couch or bed or workspace. It’s perfect for small spaces as it can serve several functions.

There are also two S hooks built in to the side of the stool so it can hold your glass or water bottle so you can reach for it easily when you’re sitting on the stool or using it as a side table. It’s a convenient mini storage solution especially if you can’t afford to have another piece of furniture which can hold your glass. It is also eco-friendly since it is made from Linear Low-Density Polyethylene that has 25% post-consumer recycled material.

The SOS Stool is available in five different colors: Olive, Red, Bone, Black, and Tomato. Its minimalist but stylish aesthetic has become part of several institutions like the Design Museum Brussels, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art. I’m still not convinced that I’ll be comfortable sitting on it but the side table and glass holder functions can be useful to me.

The post SOS Stool serves as side table, glass holder, and yes, a stool first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Cat tree concept proposes a multifunctional and risky design https://www.yankodesign.com/2024/06/11/cat-tree-concept-proposes-a-multifunctional-and-risky-design/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cat-tree-concept-proposes-a-multifunctional-and-risky-design Tue, 11 Jun 2024 15:20:13 +0000 https://www.yankodesign.com/?p=494284

Cat tree concept proposes a multifunctional and risky design

Living space is becoming more expensive and cramped as time goes by, and that’s especially true when you’re sharing your home with furry friends. Space...
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Living space is becoming more expensive and cramped as time goes by, and that’s especially true when you’re sharing your home with furry friends. Space for human furniture will sometimes have to give way for those designed specifically for pets unless you can find a way to combine those two in a way that creates harmony rather than turf wars. Some pet furniture, however, doesn’t seem to be conducive to that design by nature, like a cat tree whose entire purpose is to give felines a place to play, scratch, or sleep in. That’s exactly the unbelievable idea behind this unusual furniture concept that blends a cat tree and a shelf for humans in a rather visually unique way.

Designer: Ricardo Sá

Thanks to their innate agility, cats are notorious for climbing places. They’re also pretty bad at scratching surfaces (just like dogs are infamous for chewing shoes), so cat furniture is often designed to address these needs while enticing cats away from human furniture. Unlike a simple bed or house for a cat, however, a cat tree not only takes up space on the floor but also quite a bit of height from the room as well.

Inspired by the Japanese art of “tameshigiri” or test-cutting swords through rolls of straw or bamboo, Slash is a cat tree design concept that tries to make room for the needs of both cats and their owners. More specifically, it’s a shelf with inclined surfaces, definitely unusual for a shelf, that makes different areas more suited for different functions. The inclined part closest to the floor, for example, would be a good scratching pad for your cat, while the shelves that stop in the middle pillar would be ideal for books.

There is a flat shelf in the middle, and one of these has a ball hanging down for a cat to play with. The middle pillar of the cat tree has cushions at the top and bottom for the cat to sleep or perch on. The middle space can be for almost anything, especially stuff that you don’t want to accidentally fall off.

Slash has an intriguing and unconventional design that will pique the curiosity of cats and humans alike. That said, it’s rather questionable where putting human objects, especially fragile objects like a potted plant, where a cat plays is actually a good idea. You might know which shelves are for you and which are for the cat, but your feline family might have other ideas and claim everything for themselves, as cats often do.

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