Out of the Ordinary Furniture

Once there was a time when rare and exotic materials were considered chic. Thankfully fashions change for the better and it is now about as acceptable to detail a table in teak from endangered rainforests as it is to trim a coat with real leopard fur.

Interior designers are always exploring new ways of making furniture, often using materials and technologies from other industries. These pieces tend to emanate from small studios where designers take risks large manufacturers cannot consider. This conceptual approach can lead to provocative pieces which take on iconagraphic status. The uncompromising disposition of their designs often means they are unsuitable for volume production and are made as one-offs or in small batches. This can make them collectable, being used as semi-functional sculpture to give an interesting edge to a room. Opting for innovative furniture may seem a risk compared to buying reproductions of classics, but it is worth buying originals. Arne Jacobsen’s Ant chair was innovative and influential in the 1960s and an original is now worth a skip-load of the lesser quality designs inspired by it. It is likely this will apply to contemporary rising stars.

The Inflatable Chair has welded sections with chrome plated steel tube and wood frame. Space age and futuristic-looking, Nick Crosbie’s chair was designed for Inflate in 1997.

Ghost is made from molded, toughened glass, an ingenious one-piece form that is stronger than you might think. This is similar to wire mesh furniture in that it casts no shadow and makes little visual impact on space. Desiged by Cino Boeri and Tomu Katayanagi for Fiam in 1987.

King Tubby is an intriguing reinterpretation of the traditional wickerwork arm chair. Designed by Platt and Young for Driade in 1997.