Tag Archives: Seating

Sustainable Seating: 10 Best Eco-Friendly Chairs & Stools To Enhance Your Home Aesthetics

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We’ve spent the past 4 years redeeming our careless mistakes of the past and living more consciously and sustainably. We cannot ignore the needs of our planet anymore, we need to consider the environment, and what better way to start doing that than from our own homes? Sustainable chairs and stools are taking the design industry by storm, they’re a step towards making our homes and our daily lives more eco-friendly and sustainable. They’re an attempt to cast aside toxic materials, and instead, add furniture designs to our home that won’t rot away on Earth for years once we’re done with them. We’ve curated a collection of furniture products created from cork, 3D printing, and even coffee-based waste! The options are endless, and the end result is the same – a greener, healthier, and happier Mother Earth!

1. Tie Stool

Called the Tie Stool, this lovely minimalist stool is crafted from three bent pieces of plywood that lock into one another effortlessly. It forms a unique tripod form, which is comfortable to sit on. The stool is quite simple and well-designed, crafted using minimal materials which makes the stool stand out.

Why is it noteworthy?

The stool consists of three plywood strips which are split into six parts. These six parts serve as individual parts that are built using high pressure, making the plywood bend and retain its shape. The parts interlock into one another creating a unique and captivating design.

What we like

  • Has a convenient stackable form
  • Can be flat-packed and shipped to customers with ease

What we dislike

  • Since it features a compressed design, it requires a tabletop to add more space to the stool

2. Tejo

Dubbed Tejo, this modular seating system by Paul Crofts is designed for the furniture brand Isomi. The seating collection is “reconfigurable, recyclable, and renewable” and it can be utilized as a bench, a single sofa, or even a double back-to-back sofa. Its modular nature makes it a great fit for modern homes.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Tejo collection is upholstered with natural wool, hemp, or flax – making it an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fabrics. The base is made using recycled cork which was salvaged from the production process of wine stoppers – making it a wholly sustainable furniture design.

What we like

  • The cork used to build Tejo is sustainably grown
  • Works well in different commercial spaces

What we dislike

  • It is a space-consuming design, not well-suited for smaller spaces

3. Drum Stool

Called the Drum Stool, this minimal and sustainable stool resembles a little wine cork when you first look at it. But as you dive in deeper, you realize the stool has quite a bit to offer. Made using cork and wood, the stool is pretty sturdy and also eco-friendly.

Why is it noteworthy?

Cork and wood were selected to build the wood, rating it pretty high on sustainability. The seat was built using cork, while wood was used to build the legs, creating a sustainable and eco-friendly seating solution, that will integrate well with modern contemporary homes.

What we like

  • Features a round trimmed surface which gives it a playful shape
  • Serves as a cohesive and sturdy furniture piece

What we dislike

  • The cork seat is trimmed and compact and doesn’t seem very comfortable to sit on for long hours

4. Hemp & Eelgrass Chair

These plant-based chairs by Norman Copenhagen and Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen were launched at Stockholm Design Week. This collection consists of two unique chairs – one is built from hemp, and one is built from a combination of hemp and eelgrass.

Why is it noteworthy?

Hemp is a kind of cannabis plant, and eelgrass resembles seaweed. The materials make for great alternatives to injection-molded plastic, and it results in the formation of a shell chair accentuated by powder-coated steel legs.

What we like

  • The material used is recyclable and is an innovative mix of two plants

What we dislike

  • Aesthetically the chair isn’t very pleasing and could be an eyesore in homes if not paired properly with the decor

5. Vis-à-vis and Rendez-vous

If you’re looking for sustainable seating solutions – why must you restrict that choice to your living room and bedroom only? Designed by Italian bathroom brand Agape, this seating collection for your bathroom is made from recycled cork. The pieces are comfy and also quite visually pleasing.

Why is it noteworthy?

The first seating design is called Vis-à-vis, and it is essentially a light and sturdy stool that functions as a tiny side table. The second seating solution is Rendez-vous and it is a bench that is intended to be an extensive seating option for bathroom users.

What we like

  • Built from recycled cork
  • Both pieces are quite sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing

What we dislike

  • They’re not great seating options for bathrooms with a smaller footprint

6. Ringos Chair

Called the Ringos Chair, this portable and transportable design is the perfect mix of functionality, convenience, and sustainability. The chair is made using recycled plastic. The designer transformed recycled plastic into a minimal and portable chair design, which is an excellent culmination of modern aesthetics and ergonomics.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Ringos Chair stores a foldable companion chair within its lightweight and compact form. You can pull out the removable chair, and you have another stable and sturdy seating option. There is a hidden locking system tucked away at the junction of the seats and legs.

What we like

  • Portable furniture design that can be easily moved around
  • An excellent option for digital nomads

What we dislike

  • It is currently a conceptual design, so we are unsure how well it will translate into a tangible product

7. OTO Chair

Dubbed the OTO Chair, this unique chair is designed to be a “manifesto for circular design”. Created by Alessandro Stabile and Martinelli Venezia, it is a recycled plastic chair which is focused on full sustainability, in both material choices and the supple chain, as a complete whole.

Why is it noteworthy?

The OTO chair features a minimal and clean form, and it is available in a bunch of fun colors – onyx, fog, mustard, coral, forest, and eucalyptus. You can pick the color the perfectly suits your personality and interior decor style.

What we like

  • The production of each OTO chair removes almost 500 grams of plastic from the sea

What we dislike

  • Its hard, flat surfaces look a little too rigid for comfort, doesn’t seem comfy for long periods of sitting

8. Bend Chair

The Bend Chair is designed by the Thai design brand Waste is More. Crafted using coffee-based waste, recycled plastic, and wood, the Bend Chair looks like it is made from chocolate! The chair is minimalist and simple and made using More’s signature PlasCoff materials.

Why is it noteworthy?

The material is created by merging recycled plastic with waste from coffee bean processing. It is a sustainable design, and what makes it even more unique is that the deeper the shade is, the higher the content of coffee waste in the chair.

What we like

  • Constructed using a locally sourced rubber tree timber and coffee-based waste
  • It is the ultimate mix of ergonomics, sustainability, functionality and good looks

What we dislike

  • Aesthetics are a bit unassuming and simple but could have been worked upon

9. Stump Recycled Stool

Designed by Derlot, the Stump Recycled stool is made from 80% recycled post-industrial plastic LPDE. Visually the stool is quite colorful and exciting it looks at, and the fact that it is sustainable, simply adds more brownie points. It maintains the same structure as the original Stump stool.

Why is it noteworthy?

The new and revamped version of the recycled Stump stool has a terrazzo-like design which imparts the furniture piece with a colored and cool look. It has a kaleidoscope-like finish, which shows us how recycled materials can be used in new and refreshing ways.

What we like

  • Offers a new and fresh take on how recycled materials can be utilized

What we dislike

  • The stool is quite small and doesn’t look too comfy to sit on for long

10. Fuld

Dubbed Fuld, this nesting chair by Herman Miller is a unique furniture design with a sustainable personality. It is designed to reconfigure your workspace in an efficient manner, without reducing the focus on sleekness, style, and minimalism – traits that are typical to all Herman Miller designs.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Fuld has a revolutionary one-piece construction defined by an inverted Y shape, which ensures that water wastage is reduced during the production process. The back is elastic, allowing you to sit comfortably for hours on end.

What we like

  • Crafted from 50 percent post-consumer recycled content

What we dislike

  • There isn’t much head support if you’re quite tall, so not a very inclusive design

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This Modular Seating Solution Is Made From Recycled Cork Salvaged From Wine Stoppers

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Designed by Paul Crofts, this modular seating system is called Tejo. Crofts designed the Tejo seating collection for the furniture brand Isomi. It is intended to be a “reconfigurable, recyclable, and renewable” modular seating collection that serves as a bench, a single sofa, or even a double back-to-back sofa.

Designer: Paul Crofts for Isomi

The Tejo seat includes curving components that have been filled with natural latex instead of foam. The furniture design is upholstered with natural wool, hemp, or flax instead of synthetic fabrics. It is equipped with a base made from recycled cork which has been salvaged from the production process of wine stoppers. This unique base was created instead of a traditional plywood frame.

“Grown in responsibly managed forests in the Portuguese region of Alentejo – which gives the sofa its name – cork is ideal for use in seating as it is not only soft, tactile, and visually beautiful, but it also regenerates naturally,” said Isomi.

The cork utilized for the Tejo seating solution is sustainably grown, and also a sustainable material option in itself. It ventures into the utilization of cork as a material of choice, while creating a furniture design that has a complementing and soft aesthetic value to it. The Tejo modular furniture design is available in a wide range of colors, and it has been created to work well in different commercial spaces – ranging from retail settings to workplaces and even restaurants.

The Tejo seat can be integrated with different additional elements such as screen dividers, table units, planets, power outlets, and charging ports to create a personalized and customized furniture design. You can add the components that work well for you and your lifestyle, in turn creating a seating system that meets your multiple needs – whether they’re home-oriented or for work. The elegant and refined aesthetics of the seating design allow it to artfully merge with most spaces, giving it a much-appreciated versatility.

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Chonky Cozy Seating Solution Functions As A Collaborative & Comfy Space In Modern Offices

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One of the most essential and integral pieces of furniture in an office is an office chair since we spend the majority of our day typing away or completing tasks there. But what about a chair design or seating system that doesn’t simply focus on you and your seating requirements? What about a modern-day seating solution that serves as a comfortable and cohesive space for co-workers to sit, work, and engage with one another? The US furniture brand KFI Studios just came up with the perfect design – Dotti Seating.

Designer: KFI Studios

KFI Studios unveiled an upholstered seating collection that serves as a cozy and harmonious space for collaboration and relaxation. Designed by a design firm called Union Design, the Dotti collection includes a low-back lounge and a high-back lounge chair with a curved plywood back, pillows, and soft circular seats.

The lounge chairs can be customized in a fixed or swivel base and can be upholstered in a wide variety of textiles, with the choice of white, ash, European beech, or dark chestnut laminate. This offers a lot of variety and options to create a seating system that complements your modern office space well. You can pick colors and materials that create a well-designed and appealing work environment.

The collection is also made up of a circular ottoman and a pouf seating option with a leather handle for maneuverability. The ottoman and pouf can be rearranged to create a seating configuration that is comfortable and sociable, allowing co-workers to huddle together to collaborate and coordinate. The Dotti collection can also serve as a lounging space, where employees can go for a little break, to unwind from work for a bit and catch a breather. The potential and scope for the Dotti collection are endless, and versatile configurations can be created in accordance with different offices, and their diverse requirements.

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Cork bike saddle amplifies the eco-friendly quotient of your ride

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There was a huge increase in bicycles and all biking accessories during the pandemic as people tried to find alternative means of transportation. Now that we’re almost back to whatever normal is, bikers are still a huge segment of the transportation market for a lot of reasons. One of these is that it’s more eco-friendly that cars since it does not use any fuel. But there has also been an interest in making the bicycles themselves even more eco-friendly.

Designer: Frame Cycles

One new product that can make your bike more sustainable is the FR-1 Bike Saddle since it is made from reconstituted cork and grade 5 titanium. It was able to do away with the usual three plastic layers of the bike saddle and replace it with the single piece of cork. What’s more, this cork is able to have all the properties of those plastic layers: structural rigidity, foam comfort, and weather resistance.

According to Frame Cycles, they were able to create the first batch of these cork saddles by using a firm grade of reconstituted cork so it has the similar hardness to the usual leather bike saddle. This also means that you will have to spend at least two weeks for the cork saddle to break in and start to soften. They will eventually release variants with different grades of cork. The process of sourcing the materials from the cork trees is also less harmful as stripping the bark every 8-10 years boosts the carbon consumption 3-5 times.

Before the cork saddle gets to you, the components are harvested in Portugal and then molded when it reaches Glasgow, Scotland. This is also where the parts are treated with water-based lacquer and then integrated into the welded titanium substructure. Knowing this entire process, it will not surprise you that the FR-1 Bike Saddle is a bit expensive at around $130. But of course, it’s a small (expensive) price to pay if you want a more eco-friendly bike to accompany your sustainable lifestyle.

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This Adaptable + Minimal Furniture Collection Is The Future Of Seating In Schools & Offices

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Having the right seating solutions in offices and schools is of utmost importance. We spend a lot of time on it, completing our tasks, working away to glory, or sitting through tedious classes if we’re still in school. An excellent seating design is of course, comfortable and ergonomic, but also able to add some personality and spunk to a space. It functions as a great spot to not only complete your work but also lounge about a bit, and have a quick chat with your co-workers and friends. And, one such seating option to consider is the Plega Seating Collection by Alexander Lotersztain for Derlot.

Designer: Alexander Lotersztain for Derlot

Designed by Australian designer Alexander Lotersztain for Derlot, the Plega seating collection includes a range of stool and benches that perfectly combine acoustic properties with adaptable seating, to work efficiently for work and school environments. The Plega stools and benches are made using a thick felt sound-dampening panel which is called Autex Acoustics’ CubeTM material. The collection is built using an attractive yet functional design that can be folded and slotted together from a flat-pack format.

The stool and benches have a cuboidal form which allows them to be used as flexible furniture items in dynamic settings. The lightweight seating designs can be bundled together to support team meetings and huddles. The aforementioned CubeTM panels are built using compressed polyester felt with 60 percent recycled content. The entire collection is awarded with certifications by WELL, LEED, Green Star, and BREEAM for the collection’s high environmental performance.

“Beyond sustainability, these stools and benches encapsulate a harmonious blend of adaptability and form, catering to the dynamic requirements of educational and corporate spaces,” said Derlot. The varied PLEGA stools and benches are available in a collection of soft and pastel colors that won’t command too much attention. They’re available in both adult and kid sizes, making them ideal for offices and schools. PLEGA is designed to be the future of seating in contemporary schools and offices. The collection has a minimal and clean form, making it appropriate for such spaces, and allowing the furniture pieces to harmoniously merge with such environments.

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The Valencia Modular Seating Is The Sleek + Stylish Furniture Piece Your Living Room Needs

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We often underestimate the importance of a great sofa. When in reality, we really shouldn’t. We spend the majority of our day sitting on sofas, whether we’re watching some TV, enjoying a meal, or simply sitting and reading a book for leisure! Hence, this piece of furniture needs to be not only comfortable but ergonomic and aesthetic as well. And we’ve curated a collection of chair designs that meet all these criteria! An excellent sofa should not only be super comfy to sink into, but should also perfectly match the interiors of your modern homes, and one such sofa design is the Valencia Modular Sofa.

Designer: Morgan Furniture

The Valencia modular sofa is designed by the British brand Morgan, and is intended to be a light and aesthetically pleasing design. It is designed to be an alternative to typical modular sofas. It is a classic of the brand’s catalogue and made up of individual seating units that are meant to be placed together. You can pick from the option of a full, three-quarter or half backrest.

“The combined backrest outlines create a rhythmic sequence of rise and fall, with sofas coming together to form distinctive ‘V’-shaped silhouettes,” said Morgan. The backrests of the Valencia modular sofa are tapered at each end to reduce some of the weight from the volumes, providing the sofa with a clean and flowing form that brings to mind the image of rolling hills in a landscape.

The tapered timber legs add an impressive effect to which echo the gentle angles at the top of the sofa, providing the seating with a look of lightness. The Valencia collection has won the Design Guild Mark award in 2017, which recognizes excellence in British design. The collection will include a daybed, as well as a side and coffee tables, which would make for an excellent addition to your modern living spaces.

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Bold & Bulky Seating Collection Is Designed To Mimic The Horns Of A Buffalo

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When it comes to seating arrangements, one must be super picky and wise. The right seating decision holds immense value to it since your seating arrangement must be comfortable, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing too – if possible. It should not only comfortably accommodate you but also your guests if you’re someone who is fond of hosting. A smart and well-designed seating collection I recently came across, that ticks all these boxes is the Buffo seating collection.

Designer: Mobella

Based in Thailand, the design brand Mobella created the Buffo seating collection, which as its name signifies is inspired by a buffalo! The seating collection includes a sofa and an armchair – both of which replicate the physical traits of a buffalo. The seating designs are equipped with an arching backrest that commands attention and goes on to form sweeping armrests. The focal design of the pieces mimics the shape of a buffalo’s horns. The linear stitching detailing on the pieces further creates the impression of the horns, by imitating their texture.

The Buffo sofa and the armchair both feature firm upholstery which captures the sensation of riding on the back of a buffalo. The spacious sofa can accommodate three people, while the armchair has an interesting swiveling base to facilitate movement. The Buffo collection is also customizable as users can select from a range of upholstery materials that are available in neutral and bold shades. So, you can personalize the pieces according to your personal taste and preference!

However, much like a buffalo, both the Buffo furniture pieces do seem a bit large and bulky. They’re definitely not the most portable designs, and in fact, moving them from one room to another may prove to be a hassle. They’re not well-suited for homes with space constraints, as they will occupy a substantial amount of space, leaving almost no room for other furniture designs and home essentials. But, if you’re someone who enjoys eclectic pieces with a unique and bold personality, and if your home allows the presence of space-consuming designs, then the Buffo collection would be an ideal fit for your living space!

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This mobile and flexible seating collection meets the furniture requirements of schools and offices

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We often underestimate the importance of great office furniture! When in reality we really shouldn’t. We spend the majority of our day sitting on our office chairs or typing away on our desks whether we’re working in our home office or a corporate one. Hence, these pieces of furniture need to be not only comfortable but ergonomic, and aesthetic as well. And one such furniture design I recently came across for our modern-day office spaces is the Hybe seating collection.

Designer: Form Us With Love for EFG

Designed by industrial design studio Form Us With Love for furniture manufacturer EFG, the Hybe seating collection is a dynamic and mobile seating collection, that is quite versatile and unique. The brand says that the seating collection, is in fact, defined by ‘versatility’. The collection was designed to be utilized for both professional and educational environments.

“The [furniture] family’s primary characteristic is versatility, as it provides seating areas and meeting spaces that meet your needs and assignments at any given moment,” said EFG. The furniture collection includes single to double-seated chairs and enclosed booths. They’ve all been equipped with wheels, to create seating solutions that are both mobile and flexible. The singe-seat versions have been amped with wooden armrests, although they come without as well. Partition screens can be attached to the single and double-seated chairs, to transform them into sound-blocking booths, that function as private and secluded spaces to work in. The chairs come with castors or swivel bases.

“In recent years, we’ve seen significant changes in working environments, and tomorrow’s workplace will be even more versatile. A single piece of furniture will have to do more than one thing, and Hybe is the perfect hybrid for relaxation and work. You can work in it, hold a meeting or take a phone call,” said Form Us With Love co-founder John Löfgren. The seating collection features tubular steel chair legs which the brand defines as “a classic Scandinavian design with a soft, playful twist”. Wooden accents and soft delicate upholstery in a wide range of colors mark the various chairs. All the individual elements of the Hybe collection can be replaced and recycled over time.

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This modular seating system inspired by space-age aesthetics can be configured in multiple ways

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When it comes to seating arrangements, one must be super picky and wise. The right seating decision holds immense value to it since your seating arrangement must be comfortable, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing too – if possible. A smart and well-designed seating piece I recently came across, that ticks all these boxes is the Pipeline modular seating system.

Designer: Alexander Lotersztain for Derlot

Designed by Alexander Lotersztain for the Australian brand Derlot, the Pipeline modular seating system features a rather distinctive and innovative cylindrical backrest. Inspired by space-age designs, the Pipeline seating system has an intriguing snaking backrest that can be modified and configured in different ways to create a variety of diverse and interesting seating arrangements.

The seating system has different modules that are equipped with grooves at the rear or across the middle of the seats. Straight or curved cushions are placed in these grooves, creating variations in the arrangement.” This flexible modularity paired with a minimalist form creates an incredibly simple, yet iconic design,” said Lotersztain. And I agree! Pipeline’s modularity, flexibility, and rather minimal aesthetic make it a pleasant addition to any living space. It can merge with the different interior styles of different homes.

Pipeline is designed to be suitable for both homes and public environments. Derlot says that Pipeline’s cylindrical cushioning offers unparalleled comfort as well as adds a unique design element. In fact, you can pair up the seating system with Derlot’s powder-coated steel side tables. They pair up to add a rather bold yet subtle aura to your living space. The side tables can be used either free-standing or tucked away between units for a floating effect. You can also incorporate power and USB sockets. Besides working great for homes, I think Pipeline could also be a suitable option for modern-day office spaces, especially ones that have a generous amount of space. The seating system could be added to these offices, functioning as a space for employees to meet, engage and interact. It serves as a relaxing and casual space for employees to take breaks or unwind in during a hectic work day.

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This minimal + branching seating design features a biophilic structure

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When it comes to seating arrangements, one must be super picky and wise. The right seating decision holds immense value to it since your seating arrangement must be comfortable, ergonomic, and aesthetically pleasing too – if possible. A smart and well-designed seating piece I recently came across, that ticks all these boxes is the Twig seating.

Designer: Alexander Lotersztain for Derlot

Designed by Alexander Lotersztain for Derlot, the Twig seating is designed for both the indoors and outdoors. The unique seating design features a biophilic structure heavily inspired by nature. Nature is always a great source of inspiration in the arena of design, and it’s quite interesting to see how Lotersztain has intertwined nature in a rather minimal and sturdy furniture piece.

The Twig seating was originally designed in 2008, and it is in fact modeled on the boughs of trees. If you inspect closer, you’ll notice that the innovative form of the furniture artfully mimics the boughs of a tree, creating a rather geometrically intriguing form that instantly grabs attention. The various units can be positioned next to each other, creating a larger and branching pattern, that provides seating space for a number of people. This tree-inspired biophilic shape forms natural meeting points in the crooks of the ‘branches’, creating spaces for people to interact and engage, thereby encouraging social interactions and connections.  It’s a great space to sit down, and have a meaningful conversation while feeling completely comfortable.

The standard version of the seat is great for the outdoors and is built from low-density polyethylene (LDPE). It can be optically illuminated from within. While the indoor version can be upholstered in either fabric or leather.

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