Have you ever sat on a cardboard chair? If not, now may be your chance: a new trend of cardboard furniture has arrived with many companies producing high end pieces. Anything can be made out of cardboard, from beds and sofas to chairs and toys. We’ve included five of our favourite furniture collections below.
It might seem odd, but cardboard furniture is designed to be more environmentally friendly than MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard), which is the most common material used in flat-pack furniture. Using recycled paper and cardboard has less of an impact on the environment than MDF (a product which usually contains toxic formaldehyde resins) and can be constructed by almost anyone; most kits just need to be slotted together.
There are many advantages of using cardboard; it’s tougher than you’d imagine and can carry a great deal of weight. Despite concerns about water-resistance, cardboard actually dries quickly and most spillages can be treated by a quick reactions with an absorbent cloth. It can also be painted, adding an extra level of protection from moisture.
1) The Karton “Counting Sheep” Bedroom
This bedroom from Australian company Karton includes a bed (with under bed storage), a chest of drawers and a little sheep. The bed is strong enough to comfortably carry the weight of two people, and its robust construction means it will last.
All this comes for only $449 (around £250) — including the sheep!
2) The “Chairigami” Arm Chair
This sleek geometric armchair is the product of the talented folks over at Chairigami, a US-based company that produces cardboard furniture. This chair will add sustainable style to any home!
3) The “Bravais” by Lazerian Studio
This limited edition chair (only 50 were made) has unfortunately sold out, which should come as no surprise when it effortlessly mixes geometrical intricacy with an environmentally-friendly conscience.
4) The “Chick ‘n’ Egg Chair” by Responsive Design
The Chick ‘n’ Egg Chair by Responsive Design can be made to any size for either parents or children, and its corrugated cardboard construction means it’s easy to move around the house. It’s also beautifully designed. It may look complex, but the construction has been refined and perfected to be as simple as possible.
5) “Riki Kid’s Set” by Metrocs
This set by Japanese company Metrocs is a multipurpose education tool for young children. It features two stools and a table that can be easily deconstructed and packed away. The surface is durable and designed to be drawn on, making this set perfect for younger children. It’s available online for ¥6,800 (about £38) before postage.
With so many amazing and interesting designs out there, now is the time to invest in cardboard furniture. If you want to, you could even make your own, with this incredible guide from Adrian Candela and faircompanies.com: