Due to their function as visual centerpieces in a room, coffee tables often have elaborate and sophisticated designs that catch your attention and enhance the ambiance. They often also have some form of storage space to keep books and magazines within easy reach, though other objects also find their way there over time. It’s a piece of furniture that often combines function and form beautifully, yielding varied designs that span styles, materials, and themes.

Although there’s definitely nothing wrong with those designs, sometimes coffee tables have become a bit too complicated visually and functionally to the point that they become distractions. Rather than serving as a means to get people together, they become the end in themselves. That’s why this concept design for a simple yet pleasing coffee table feels like a breath of fresh air for keeping all those extraneous details down to a minimum.

Designer: Denis Zarembo

At first glance, the ALVO coffee table doesn’t even look like a table from certain angles, especially when the transparent glass tabletop isn’t clearly visible. It almost looks like one of those old wooden toys that try to mimic the general form of some quadruped animal, namely a horse, with its thin four legs and equally thin body. The coffee table doesn’t just shave off features, it even shaves off plenty of materials, effectively reducing material waste.

ALVO is a bit deceptive to some extent, though probably not by intention. Again from certain angles, it almost looks like it has a rather full body, but the reality is that it only has a simple wooden beam that spans its length. It creates the illusion of volume, which could cause a bit of delight when the viewer realizes the truth up close.

The table’s very basic design also means that there is no room for storing anything inside hidden drawers or compartments. The only place to put books, phones, and cups is on that clear tabletop, and probably not permanently for lack of space. It might be considered a disadvantage, but it also forces people to be more selective and intentional about what they put down on its surface.

By stripping away everything except the bare necessities, the ALVO coffee table concept exposes only what is absolutely necessary for a functional and aesthetic piece of furniture. Laying everything bare leaves no room for any object out of place, reducing the opportunities for accumulating clutter and losing things inside hidden spaces. It may be too plain for some people’s tastes, but it’s also quite a striking complement to any minimalist interior.

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If I had my own house and if I lived somewhere where it’s conducive to do so, my dream is to have a backyard or a patio where I could work, relax, or hang out with family and friends. Alas, I live in a city where condominium living is the most convenient and it’s too hot and humid to have an outdoor setting. But that doesn’t stop me from dreaming to have this someday, probably somewhere else. And of course having well-designed and beautiful outdoor furniture will be a key to this dream.

Designer: Tom Dixon

British designer Tom Dixon has created their first collection of outdoor furniture called Groove. It is made up of chairs, armchairs, stools, and dining tables, all well crafted and created to make your backyard and patio look cool and comfortable. The way it’s designed, you can also use it indoor if you want but it is able to shine best when placed outdoors since that’s how it was envisioned by the designer.

The items in the collection have raised ridges as well as curved line patterns with circular and oval grooves. The furniture also has angled tubular elements so it becomes more organic. It is created with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques through collaborations with companies that focus on high-tech aluminum production. They used corrosion-resistant aluminum with powder-coated finish so they can last for a long time and can also weather elements like rain and sunshine. The sunlight also plays well with the raised ridge design so the furniture looks better outdoors.

The Groove collection is available in two colors: Moss (with a greenish tint) and Putty (with its ecru-ish color). It can be used indoors as well and it comes with cushions so you would feel more comfortable. And if they’re not in use, it’s easy to stack since it is lightweight and portable. The design is pretty minimalist but with flair so it can fit in with most aesthetic tastes (unless you prefer brighter colors and more bold designs).

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Whether you’re a cat lover or not, you have probably noticed or heard about how cats are just drawn to boxes. The usual reason given is one of security and comfort, a place where they can observe their prey, often anything that moves, without being obvious. It’s also just fun to play in it, like how human kids seem to have a knack for jumping on bouncy beds, much to their parents’ stress.

Despite their utilitarian design and spartan appearance, those same cardboard boxes spark different emotions in humans. They are often associated with opening packages, which sometimes bring joy and create memories. So why preserve those moments for posterity with a piece of furniture that evokes such emotions as well? After all, no one said that enjoying boxes is for felines only.

Designers: Julia Kononenko, Artem Kravchenko (Kononenko ID)

Perhaps the last thing you’d expect to serve as inspiration for a comfy chair would be a box. Truth be told, the rough surface and sometimes sharp edges are hardly enjoyable unless you’re a cat. But what if you only needed to mimic the appearance of that stereotypical box and inject the things that give humans comfort and joy?

That’s what the BOX Armchair conceptual design tries to accomplish, embracing the form of a cardboard box and wrapping it with comfy cushions. In addition to its rather unconventional shape for a chair, its design quickly reminds one of those large packing boxes, even if using a different hue. It immediately brings up memories perhaps of opening surprise gifts or maybe unpacking in a new home, almost always a joyful experience worth remembering.

There’s also a touch of unexpected functionality located in those side and back flaps. Open them out to have more room inside the chair, or fold them in to have a snugger sitting experience. The front “flap,” on the other hand, can be a footrest when reclining backward for a relaxing moment.

BOX doesn’t have advanced functions or hidden features; what you see is what you get. Its whimsical design, however, is enough to capture anyone’s attention, and its soft cushions provide a tempting haven for any weary body. You might end up just wanting to sink in or curl up inside this box-like armchair, just like your feline friend.

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Think sound absorption/dampening and you automatically think of materials like foam, cardboard, cloth, egg-holder trays. A designer is encouraging us to think outside the box – or rather, outside the ball. Designed by Mathilde Wittock of MWO Design, Soundbounce takes discarded tennis balls and transforms them into a material that’s not just sustainable but visually and texturally delightful. It’s sustainability turned into functional art—making you rethink how something as humble as a tennis ball can turn into the ultimate sound-absorbing material.

Soundbounce begins with used tennis balls, remnants of matches and memories, once destined for the landfill. The world produces 330 million tennis balls each year – once they serve their purpose, the balls are discarded, taking over 400 years to decompose. Instead of becoming planet Earth’s problem, Wittock reimagines these balls into a material that retains their essence—soft yet durable, lightweight yet strong. You can almost sense the energy of their previous life in the surface of this material, now transformed into something tactile and inviting.

Designer: Mathilde Wittock

The texture of Soundbounce is immediately captivating. Soft and slightly springy, it’s reminiscent of the original ball yet feels entirely new. This is the kind of surface that invites interaction—it’s warm to the touch, with a playfulness that balances its eco-conscious origins. Its imperfections aren’t flaws; they’re subtle reminders of the material’s journey, adding depth and intrigue to its appearance. Moreover, rather than being just visual, this decorative material is textural and tactile too, involving more senses in the user experience. Heck, it might just smell like a fresh tennis ball too!

Visually, the material has a velvety quality that feels unexpected for something made from recycled rubber. Its aesthetic is versatile, making it a compelling choice for a variety of applications. Picture it as upholstery on modern furniture, lending softness and personality to a space. Or imagine it as part of a design accent—perhaps an acoustic panel, a room divider, or even a pet bed. The tactile and visual appeal makes Soundbounce both approachable and elegant, capable of elevating any setting it’s introduced into.

Sustainability in design often comes with compromises. The raw, industrial look of recycled materials can sometimes overshadow their function, leaving them appreciated more for their message than their form. Soundbounce avoids that pitfall, showing that recycled materials can be both thoughtfully sustainable and visually refined. Its texture and color feel purposeful, celebrating its origins without overwhelming the final design. The balls also come in a variety of natural colors, with designer Mathilde Wittock also customizing the balls with RAL colors upon request – making it perfect for billboards, corporate installations, or other large-scale branding projects.

Its playful roots add another layer of charm. There’s something undeniably cheerful about its tennis ball heritage—a connection to sport, movement, and energy that carries over into the material. That lighthearted quality makes Soundbounce adaptable. Whether in a sleek interior, a casual workspace, or a child’s playroom, it has a way of blending in while adding its own story to the mix. Besides, the name Soundbounce perfectly captures the material’s history (bouncy tennis balls) but simultaneously feels like a playful taunt given that this new material doesn’t bounce sound – in fact, it absorbs it!

Pet owners, in particular, might find Soundbounce especially charming. Its soft, textured surface feels fantastic to the touch—perfect for a pet bed or a chew-resistant toy. After all, what better way to give your furry friend a slice of luxury while being kind to the planet? It’s as if Soundbounce is naturally tailored for the kind of practical, playful designs pets (and their humans) adore.

Soundbounce is a versatile material that lends itself to a range of applications, from furniture and interior design to fashion accessories and pet products. Its soft, tactile surface makes it ideal for upholstery, adding both comfort and visual appeal to chairs, cushions, and benches. Designers can also use it for accent pieces like lampshades or wall panels, where its textured finish becomes a focal point. Beyond aesthetics, Soundbounce delivers a significant sustainable impact. Each square meter incorporates approximately 283 upcycled tennis balls, preventing them from entering landfills and repurposing the equivalent of 8.5 kg of CO2. By transforming waste into a functional, beautiful material, Soundbounce champions a circular approach to design, reducing environmental harm while creating meaningful products.

The post This Underrated Sound-Absorbing Material uses Hundreds of Recycled Tennis Balls first appeared on Yanko Design.

I am not the most organized person and also I have too much stuff. I also don’t have unlimited space so there is clutter everywhere in my apartment. A lot of things that have a certain function become unintentionally multi purpose because I just need more places to put my other stuff. So a TV cabinet becomes a bookshelf and my sofa becomes a storage area for my stationery stuff. I like it when there are pieces that can be used as storage and tables as well even if their original purpose is not really for that.

Designer: Amuni Studio

Turntable is a record player that plays not just into people’s love for vintage/retro/analog but also anything that’s multi purpose. Aside from the fact that it can play your vinyl records, it can also serve as a side table where you can place light objects. And since it’s very prettily designed, it can also be part of your room’s decoration or aesthetic. It also has a built-in speaker and an integrated battery so you can easily move it around the room or house wherever you want to play some music while entertaining guests or just relaxing on your own.

It has a tripod-style base so you get stability for the turntable as well as giving it a visually appealing look. At the top, you have a 12″ vinyl player with the speaker and battery underneath it. It has a wooden base as well as a molded plastic box that can protect the audio components. It has a transparent acrylic top so you can still show off the beautiful turn table. Since it has a flat surface, you can use it as a side table where you can place light objects on it. It’s transparent so they will not obstruct the view of the main character (the turntable) but you can also display some other objects. The emphasis of course is on light since you don’t want the acrylic top to eventually break.

Amuni Studio actually collaborated with local manufacturers in Toronto to create this beautiful and somehow multi-functional Turntable. This freestanding unit was actually submitted to Umbra’s Purpose Play Exhibition and won several awards during Toronto Design Week. It doesn’t seem to have been turned into an actual product since then which is a shame since it’s a pretty interesting kind of turn table that people like me who like multi-purpose things will find appealing.

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When sitting on a regular chair, I am probably the most uncomfortable when I’m on a regular sitting posture, with feet on the ground and back against the chair. Well, since I am also vertically challenged, there are times when my feet don’t even reach the floor when I’m sitting upright. So my favorite positions are always leg crossed over the other, leg under the other leg, or crossed legs like you’re about to do yoga. However, not all chairs are built to accommodate other positions other than the knees straight back upright kind of sitting.

Designer: Chandra Prakash

Now, we have a concept for a low cross-legged seating chair called The Lap Chair. The designer’s idea is to evoke the feeling of sitting on your mother’s lap (if you ever did that when you were younger). The chair has an ergonomic form that lets you adapt different positions when sitting on it, including various cross-legged positions. It also has a minimalist design, focusing more on the functionality and the comfort and warmth that you would want from a chair. They did a 30 minute sitting session study to see what are the common postures we take when sitting and adapted this to their concept.

For the prototype, they used flexy plywood with melamine coating and MS pipe for the legs. The chair is lower than most of the chairs we see around and also has a wider backrest and seat to accommodate our legs when we’re doing our comfortable cross-legged pose. It has an ergonomic back support that is designed for optimal spinal alignment. The wide seat is spacious enough for when you’re working, reading, or relaxing, and you can even put some stuff beside you if you’re not going full cross-legged. It is also gently curved so it can adapt to your different sitting styles.

Now if you want to sit “regularly”, I don’t know how a low chair can make you that comfortable, especially if you’re a tall person. So the assumption is that if you get this chair, you’re the kind of person (like me) who’s more likely to sit cross-legged and other non-regular positions. If this gets made into an actual consumer chair, I would probably be one of the people who would line up to get this and sit to my heart’s content.

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Would you sit on a chair that only has one leg? Probably not willingly, and only if you’ve been tricked really hard. Chairs are meant to be stable after all, and many definitely look that part. Once in a while, however, we do come across a design that boggles the mind, causing a conflict between what you’re seeing and what you know to be true.

This classical wooden chair is one such design, though to be fair, its single leg isn’t exactly just a wooden stick. Inspired by Brazilian folklore and using indigenous materials, this modular furniture adds a rather playful twist to your living space, while also inspiring the sharing of stories with the unique marks on the wood that come from its past lifetimes.

Designer: Dimitrih Correa

Almost every culture has myths about a trickster god or creature. The Greeks have Hermes, the Norse have Loki, and Brazilians have Saci, a one-legged black man who loves to play dangerous pranks but also rewards those who are able to trick and trap him in turn. Not exactly the most reassuring inspiration, but fortunately, its association with the Perê Chair is pretty superficial.

Like that mythical character, the wooden chair has only one “leg” on the front that spans the whole width. There are, of course, chairs with similar designs that similarly cause some hesitation from people. Practically speaking, however, it’s a rather safe design because it uses a cantilever system that’s employed in even more critical structures like balconies, bridges, and towers. Its backrest is removable, transforming it into a stool, though with that same uncertainty and taunting appearance.

You can’t be blamed if you feel like you’re being wooed to sit on it, especially with its warm reddish brown hues and a rattan woven seat and backrest. That wood is made of Peroba de Campos, a hardwood that’s particularly popular in Brazil for its sturdiness and durability. It’s widely used in fine furniture and decorative paneling because of its innate beauty and longevity.

The Perê Chair, however, has another story to tell, quite literally. No trees were cut down in making this quirky chair, and it uses recycled hardwood instead. It doesn’t mask its old soul, though, and displays scratches and holes for everyone to see, making you wonder where the wood has been and what stories it had to tell as well.

The post One-legged wooden chair steeped in Brazilian culture challenges your courage first appeared on Yanko Design.

In the bustling heart of Hong Kong, where the Tai Kwun Arts and Cultural Center stands as a testament to the city’s rich heritage and modern innovation, ARTA Architects has unveiled the Tai Kwun Chairs. Designed for The Hong Kong Jockey Club, these chairs provide a revolutionary solution to stair seating by combining comfort, modularity, and aesthetic appeal.

Designer: ARTA Architects

The Tai Kwun Chairs beautifully harmonize with the architectural diversity of Tai Kwun, where ancient buildings coexist with cutting-edge modern designs. Their curving forms draw inspiration from the “floating boxes” of contemporary structures and the intricate roofscapes of historical landmarks. This thoughtful design approach ensures that the chairs enhance rather than disrupt their surroundings.

Crafted from sustainably sourced wood in a spectrum of shades, the chairs create a striking gradient effect. This design choice balances the need for visual impact with the importance of environmental harmony, making the chairs both iconic and respectful of their natural and architectural context.

The chairs’ elegant curves are ergonomically designed to offer exceptional comfort. Whether for a brief rest or an extended gathering, they provide optimal support. Available in both cushioned and uncushioned options, the chairs cater to diverse user preferences, enhancing their versatility.

Equipped with a bespoke locking system, the Tai Kwun Chairs can be easily installed or removed, offering unparalleled flexibility. This adaptability makes them ideal for various settings, from grand performances to casual group interactions or solitary moments of reflection. When not in use, the chairs’ stackable design allows them to form a visually appealing sculpture while minimizing storage space.

The Tai Kwun Chairs are a statement of innovative design that enriches public spaces. By seamlessly integrating sustainability, comfort, and flexibility, these chairs invite visitors to experience Tai Kwun in new and meaningful ways.

ARTA Architects has reimagined what stair seating can be, turning it into a symbol of Hong Kong’s architectural heritage and forward-thinking spirit. The Tai Kwun Chairs stand as a celebration of design’s potential to transform everyday experiences while honoring the essence of their environment.

The post Tai Kwun Chairs Revolutionize Stair Seating By Blending Heritage, Comfort, and Sustainability in Hong Kong first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ever since I discovered the joys of bean bags, I automatically sit on one whenever I see one at a coffee shop, library, or at my friend’s house. There’s something really comfortable about sinking in almost to the floor on these mostly comfortable chair alternatives instead of sitting on a chair or couch. There are times when I can actually sleep in those things, although it’s not good for the back or neck afterwards. I sometimes want to take a peek inside though as to what are the materials there inside.

Designer: Shayan Ramesht

Transparent Bean Bag is what its name says it is. The concept is to have a bean bag that you can see what’s inside since the outer part is of a transparent, plastic material. There are two ideas behind this design: to use recycled materials and also to take advantage of the raw aesthetic of said recycled materials. They used the excess foam from a furniture workshop to not just reduce the carbon footprint that a normal bean bag would have but also to reduce the production cost since you just re-use what is already been discarded.

The usual bean bag has an emphasis on the outer wrapping as the main design. But this time around, the volumetric material (mass) that’s inside the bean bag takes center stage. It’s like seeing a bunch of different colored popcorn squished inside the transparent bag when you sit on it. There are several advantages to having a transparent bean bag. For one, it can be more aesthetically pleasing. You can also customize the “content” inside to show more colorful elements and fillers, or even a more minimalist approach. They can also blend in better with different kinds of surroundings, especially if you are able to customize what’s inside.

Maintenance can also be better for this kind of bean bag since the transparent plastic material is often water-resistant and easy to wipe off. It would be nice also if the material inside can be replaced eventually, although that may defeat the idea of using more sustainable materials. This is a pretty interesting kind of item to have in my space and the Architecture Masterprize seems to think so too since they chose it as one of the best products last year.

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Buying furniture for newborns and toddlers might be a fun activity for some parents, but it becomes more of a hassle when the child has outgrown their size or use. Depending on the state of the product, they could resell it, hand it down, or even donate it, though an even more economical solution would probably be if it could actually still be used one way or another. Unfortunately, most kids’ furniture doesn’t have that in mind, which can lead to waste and unnecessary costs down the line.

This aesthetic wooden high chair, however, is designed very differently, almost as if it was made with adults’ peace of mind as well. Easy to use, elegant, and modular, this chair can be used by a child from the moment they are born to the day they grow old and decide they don’t want to sit so high up anymore, even if they still technically can.

Designer: Cybex

Furniture for kids are often made with plastic because they are durable enough to withstand the many accidents unavoidable involving young children. It’s also a lot cheaper compared to most materials, but they also give products a certain aesthetic that, in this particular case, is toy-like and immediately associated with kids. Even if they were to remain useful for older ages, very few would want to be caught dead using them anyway.

Click and Fold is a high chair design that goes against the flow by using solid beechwood for its body, giving it a more mature character than most high chairs. This kind of wood is quite hardy against bumps, but not impervious to nicks and scratches. At the same time, however, these “war wounds” become part of the product’s history and charm, just like those pencil markings that record a child’s growth on door frames.

Although primarily made for a child’s use and comfort, the Click and Fold is designed for adults just as well. With a simple push of a button accompanied by a satisfying clicking sound, you can fold the chair up and quickly put it aside when you need more room. Even better, because of its luxurious wooden material and elegant curves, simply propping it against the wall turns the folded high chair into a beautiful design object when it’s not in use.

One of Click and Fold’s key features, however, is its modularity. You can remove the seat and backrest to make room for a bouncer nest for a baby or put on a baby set with a tray when that baby is old enough to eat. The seat and footrest can be moved to any height, so it can function as a regular chair for grown-ups as well, albeit one that might be a bit too high for some tastes. Click and Fold has a visually simple yet aesthetic design that belies its ability to grow old with your kid, extending not only its use but also its value long after that child has grown into an adult.

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