When it comes to designing furniture, there are a lot of considerations. You have to make sure the piece is sturdy, durable and comfortable to use. You also need to make sure the design reflects its intended purpose.
There are many furniture designs that you can take inspiration from. Some of them are timeless and classic, while others are modern and innovative.
Panton Chair
In postwar Europe, experimental Danish designer Verner Panton was fascinated by progressive polymers that could be molded into any shape and mass-produced. So he set his sights on an ambitious project: a legless chair made from one single piece. At the time, the concept was considered impossible and most manufacturers turned down his request. However, he did find a manufacturer who was willing to invest several years into the research and development process. And the result is a classic piece of furniture that continues to be produced today: the Panton Chair.
The first model of the Panton Chair was created from cold-pressed polyester strengthened with fiberglass and introduced in 1967. Its cantilever design and vibrant colors caused a sensation at the time. However, the material used was not as durable as expected and serial production of this version was stopped in 1979.
Over the years, the design was adapted and improved to be suitable for mass-production. The final version was introduced in 1999 and is manufactured from solid-colored, hard-wearing plastic with a matt surface. This version also has special added additives that slow down the color changes caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays.
A true icon of modern design, the Panton Chair has won various awards and is represented in many museum collections. Its expressive form and comfortable seating thanks to its cantilever structure and body-friendly shape make it a favorite for interior designers worldwide.
Another great thing about this chair is that it fits in perfectly with the current trend of blurring the lines between traditional and modern furniture. The cantilever construction makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor use, as well as for home, office, or public spaces. In addition, its sculptural quality and vivid colors can add a dramatic effect to any space. And the fact that it is so easy to stack the chairs means that they can be easily stored when not in use. This means that the chair can save a lot of space in a small apartment or office without losing its functionality. This versatility is what makes the Panton Chair so enduring and popular.
Piano Hanger
As the name suggests, Piano Hanger takes inspiration from the keyed mechanism of a musical instrument. Just like a piano key, when one end of the wood strip is depressed the other pops up, revealing a pragmatic perch for your coat or hat. The playful design elevates the utilitarian coat hook into a pleasing whole-wall decoration and infuses your interior with a symphony of style.
The clever Piano Coat Rack was designed by Patrick Seha, a Belgian designer who studied at the La Cambre ENSAV. His entire portfolio reflects his penchant for noble and solid materials, which he often incorporates into contemporary and graphic designs that are both practical and playful at the same time. The Piano Folding Coat Rack is no exception, showcasing a series of 20 folding pegs that can accommodate boots children’s coats and adult coats simultaneously. The ingenious storage solution is crafted from solid beech wood and with proper care should last a lifetime.
Unlike other flip-down coat racks, the Piano Hanger has a rounded shape, making it less likely to stab people or snag their clothes. This makes it a great choice for rooms with young kids, but it’s also an excellent option for offices and other workspaces where people are likely to move in and out of their clothes more frequently.
When not in use, the Piano Coat Rack lies flat against the wall, saving valuable space. It’s easy to install, too, thanks to a separate wall-mounting block. The coat rack can be mounted either horizontally or vertically, depending on how much space you have and your preferred positioning of the individual hooks.
Like other pieces from the Piano Collection, the Piano Hanger is made in Europe with high-grade European hardwoods and expert craftsmanship. Despite its minimalist and elegant form, the Piano Coat Rack is quite sturdy, with hooks that can support up to 60 pounds. The design can be custom-made to your needs, and it’s available in a range of different finishes.
Stools
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your kitchen seating, a stool is an easy-to-clean option for a counter or bar. Plus, they come in a wide variety of styles so you can find something that fits the rest of your home decor. Just be sure to consider how much your stools will be used and by whom (kids’ pint-sized marinara handprints, anyone?) before you pick out a style that’s as pretty as it is practical.
Here are a few of our favorite options:
This sleek, modern lucite stool is as stylish as it is affordable and comes in multiple eye-catching colors. The minimalistic design makes it a great choice for contemporary homes, but it will also work well with more traditional decor as well. Plus, it’s available in both counter and bar height to accommodate your home bar or kitchen island.
Pottery Barn’s handsome leather stools are as comfortable as they are stylish. They have a contoured seat that’s designed for long meals and come in six different shades of leather, so you can find the perfect match for your kitchen. Plus, they have a swivel and are sold in sets of two or four so you can outfit the entire space at once.
Another option to consider is this FSC-certified eucalyptus wood stool from Serena and Lily. “It has a gorgeous color, is durable, and is super sturdy,” says Senior Shopping Editor Isis Briones. And a bonus: the seat cushion is removable so you can wash it as needed.
If you want to go with a more casual look, try this woven rattan option from Lulu and Georgia. It’s a versatile design that will add texture and a coastal vibe to your home, and it’s also a sustainable product because it’s made of repurposed fishing boats and finished with eco-friendly stains and paints.
And if you’re not interested in any of these styles, this stool from Hedgehouse is a timeless and classic option. The curved back and arms offer comfort without feeling too fancy, and it’s also a good choice for families because of the high weight limit of 300 pounds.
Tables
Furniture design is one of the most important branches and economic generators within interior design. A well-executed piece of furniture can transform a bland room into a space that is both functional and aesthetic.
Whether you are looking for modern, sleek pieces or something more organic, there is a table that will fit the bill. These cool designs range from the innovative to the traditional, but they all serve a purpose – to add an element of creativity to any home or office.
One of the best places to look for inspiration for cool furniture is online. There are numerous websites that feature a wide variety of different styles, from the avant-garde to the minimalist. For example, Behance is a platform where designers can upload their designs and showcase them to potential clients. The website also allows users to rate and comment on projects, which can provide valuable insight into what customers want in their own homes or offices.
Another great resource for inspiration is a furniture blog. There are several popular blogs that focus on furniture and interior design, such as Apartment Therapy, Remodelista, and Dezeen. These websites have house tours, how-to materials, and shopping sections, which can help you find the perfect pieces for your space. Additionally, many of these blogs have social media accounts where they share new trends and designs, which can give you even more ideas.
When it comes to a unique piece of furniture, nothing beats a creative concept. Some of the most creative tables include Piscina, which was inspired by pool ladders, and the Flow table, which was designed to make it easier to reach things in the drawers. Other designs, such as the Exploded Chair and the Tangled Tree Chair, have a fun aesthetic that is sure to liven up any room.
Lastly, the Hideaway Lounge is another creative piece that is both functional and beautiful. It is designed to be a comfortable place for both humans and pets to sit, and it is made from upholstery fabric, wood, and foam. Its unique form is influenced by the idea of micro-homes, and it plays with themes of perspective and light.
