Way back in 1903 the English mathematician Henry Ernest Dudeney worked out a way to morph a perfect square into an equilateral triangle. The trick involved dissecting the square into rearrangeable four distinct shapes. This method holds merit even after more than a century of varied applications.
Fast forward to 1986, and the mathematical formula was experimented with by architect David Ben-Grunberg and his artist father Maty Grunberg to create a table. This piece of furniture dubbed DTable was a unique creation at that time since it doubled as a storage solution, seating, or a centerpiece for the living room. Furthermore, the eight different configurations from a square to a triangle shape brought an element of freshness and the freedom to put in any space with any arrangement. The individual pieces could be detached to act as stand-alone pieces too.
In that era, the table design by DHaus was as exclusive as it could get and the high-end offering was manufactured in Denmark for an exorbitant price. The design studio has now reincarnated the DTable as a low-cost flat-pack furniture piece, initially as a prototype, that’ll later hit production lines with the option to customize the finish. Dubbed DTable Deco HACK, it is designed in Paris and prototyped in London by Base Models. The table is crafted from recycled plastic materials for a modern, eco-conscious element.
DHaus is going to showcase the new-age prototypes – DTable Deco, Deco GREEN GOBLIN and the Deco HACK at the Paris Design Week. We’re more interested in the Deco HACK version as it has an integrated vinyl player for music lovers. The buck doesn’t stop there as the flatpack table has a Bluetooth speaker, wireless charger, alarm clock and bottle opener. This modern-day inclusion and the highly configurable features of the table make it ideal for apartment living and blend in with contemporary interior décor as well.
There’s no word yet on when the DTable will be available to buy but we can expect some revelation post the Paris Design Week from 5th to 14th September, 2024.
Despite all the conveniences and marvels of modern technology today, our safety and security are still concerns. The moment we step out the door, we never know what emergency we will be facing, leaving us wondering if we’re properly prepared for any task, challenge, or even danger. The news is always full of reports of crimes that leave people, especially women, wounded and traumatized. We can bring all the tools and safety precautions we need in a large bag, but that not only cramps our style but also impedes our mobility, especially when we’re going out for some exercise. Enter the FitBeltSafeguard (StayFit-StaySafe), a simple yet ingenious everyday belt that you can wrap around your waist any time, giving you access to 17 essential features. Each pocket stores an essential tool you’ll need to be more productive including in an emergency situations where you have to defend yourself or call for help.
Nothing is more stressful than leaving home only to realize that you forgot small but important things like a reusable bag for groceries, tissue paper, or worse, even your phone. That sense of dread is amplified when you find yourself in a dangerous situation without a way to protect yourself or even call for help. Who says only superheroes can have a utility belt full of tools that can save the day or even lives? With the FitBeltSafeguard everyday belt, you no longer need to leave home unprepared to face any eventuality, whether you’re going out for a run, doing some groceries, or simply enjoying the fresh air.
Built-in anti-skid technology to keep the belt on your waist at all times. Even an extreme training.
This incredibly slim belt features as many as 17 functions with all the hidden pockets, securely behind a flap. All you need to do is pinch the lower reflective lining of the belt and lift it up to gain access to the pocket underneath. No one knows where the pockets are or what they hold except you, thanks to vibrant icons that give you a clue which one is which. To anyone else, it simply looks like you’re wearing a cute but unassuming lumbar support belt like the ones athletes wear while training.
The pockets are also strategically placed where you need them the most. The front pocket, for example, holds your smartphone for quick and easy access at any time. The pepper spray pocket, which is compatible with many types of small pepper spray cans, is on the right where your hand naturally rests, allowing you to instantly pull it out at a moment’s notice. The panic alarm with built-in stainless steel magnetic chain emergency trigger technology allowing for easy activation even when your movement is being limited by an assailant. The loud sound, SOS, and LED the alarm produces ensures that you can be seen and heard.
Waterproof
In addition to these tools for fighting off dangerous actors, the belt is home to everyday essentials that make life so much more convenient, especially for those with active lifestyles. There’s a pocket for hand pads that lets you do pull-ups and push-ups safely without harming your hands, as well as an inflatable cushion for floor exercises or just sitting almost anywhere. You have access to a reusable shopping bag for those unexpected and unplanned market discoveries, while a roll of dog waste bags is also there for picking up after your furry friend. One of the most interesting items in this belt is the compressed tissue paper. Made of biodegradable eco-friendly material, these premium quality tear-resistant rolls of tissue magically expand with a few drops of water and can also be use without any water.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, and the FitBeltSafeguard has room for plenty more, including keys and credit cards. With all those things going inside it, it’s mind-blowing how this everyday belt remains compact and easy to use. Made of premium Lycra, the stretchable and durable material hugs your waist comfortably, and with the integrated anti-skid, you don’t have to worry about it bouncing and shifting, while industrial-grade Velcro makes sure it stays securely fastened around your body. Additionally, all the everyday essentials were specifically designed to fit the pouches perfectly and eliminate the bulkiness. Never again do you need to feel unprepared and vulnerable whenever you step outdoors with the FitBeltSafeguard. This is the one in a life time innovation that we all have been waiting for. A peace of mind for all!
People have different tastes when it comes to furniture, even something as functional as chairs. There are those that look for comfort while there are those that just want something they can sit on when working. There are people who look for highly aesthetic chairs that can fit into their space while there are those that like to look for more experimental kind of chairs.
Designer Name: Liam de la Beyodere
If you’re the last kind of person, this chair concept might be right up your alley. The Push Fit Chair uses frosted injection-moulded polycarbonate plastic for its parts. When you push them together and assemble it, you get a chair that sports a crystal-clear aesthetic. The idea is for light and colors to flow through the chair and lets it cast different patterns and shapes on nearby surfaces.
You can also remove the backrest part of the chair if you want to just have a stool type of furniture. You can also put the backrest on the side so you get a side table along with your chair. There is also space under where you can store items like books and knick knacks. If you put the full chair with the chair/side table together, then you have a more complete set.
Chairs made from polycarbonate plastic may not seem the most comfortable but based on the renders, you get something really pleasing to the eyes. And of course, we love multi-functional and modular things here, so that’s another bonus fro the Push Fit Chair.
People have different tastes when it comes to furniture, even something as functional as chairs. There are those that look for comfort while there are those that just want something they can sit on when working. There are people who look for highly aesthetic chairs that can fit into their space while there are those that like to look for more experimental kind of chairs.
Designer Name: Liam de la Beyodere
If you’re the last kind of person, this chair concept might be right up your alley. The Push Fit Chair uses frosted injection-moulded polycarbonate plastic for its parts. When you push them together and assemble it, you get a chair that sports a crystal-clear aesthetic. The idea is for light and colors to flow through the chair and lets it cast different patterns and shapes on nearby surfaces.
You can also remove the backrest part of the chair if you want to just have a stool type of furniture. You can also put the backrest on the side so you get a side table along with your chair. There is also space under where you can store items like books and knick knacks. If you put the full chair with the chair/side table together, then you have a more complete set.
Chairs made from polycarbonate plastic may not seem the most comfortable but based on the renders, you get something really pleasing to the eyes. And of course, we love multi-functional and modular things here, so that’s another bonus fro the Push Fit Chair.
Chairs are always a necessity in any living space, but that doesn’t mean they’re always in use. In fact, some chairs have become makeshift shelves for holding stuff either because the owner has run out of space for an actual shelf or because that chair has sat unused for months. While that’s a practical solution for an underutilized piece of furniture, it’s also unaesthetic, messy, and inefficient. If only you could have a chair that is also a shelf or table when it’s not in use. That’s precisely the multi-functional design that this rather distinctive chair has to offer, and it looks like a stunning art design object as well, no matter which way you use it.
Multifunctional furniture often involves moving or modular parts, requiring some action that can be cumbersome to undertake. Given human nature, owners are less likely to take advantage of these features, so a chair or table remains as they are throughout their lifetime. Metamorfosi, in contrast, is just a single piece with no moving or removable parts. It’s a single, hollow shape that simply looks like the outline of a splat or puddle from the side, but this seemingly random shape is actually what gives the chair its three functions.
It is, of course, first and foremost a chair, though one that seems to be more of an artistic interpretation of a chair. There’s room for only a single person, and the absence of armrests might make it feel less secure and comfortable. Despite its appearance, however, it’s still a table seat, and its creative design lets you lean back with confidence, knowing that it won’t flip over on its own.
If you do flip it over, it transforms into a low side table, one with a larger flat area in front and a smaller space on its back. It definitely boggles the mind how a chair with plenty of curves on its body in one moment can become a stable table the next. And if you flip it again, it becomes a makeshift bookcase whose corners prevent the books from sliding off.
The Metamorfosi, however, has a fourth function: enhancing the ambiance of a space with its unique beauty. These handmade chairs have a certain charm to them with their dynamic shapes and glossy hues. They’re as much a work of art as they are multi-purpose pieces of furniture, shattering expectations that multifunctional furniture needs to look technical and complex.
People are rediscovering the joys of being outdoors, but worries begin to sink in as the sun starts to set. The night has always been an unfamiliar and sometimes unsettling territory for most people, but it also holds countless wonders for those who dare brave the darkness. Of course, in our modern world, you no longer have to fear stumbling in the dark, especially when you have plenty of advanced and portable lighting solutions available today. This small EDC accessory, for example, might look like a tactical knife at first glance, but it’s actually a very handy, compact, and multi-functional flashlight that sheds light on your path, lets you verify bank notes, or even gives your cat something to play with.
You might think of a flashlight as a very simple device. After all, there’s not much to it other than turning it on or off and adjusting its intensity. Of course, there are considerations regarding brightness and longevity, but those don’t sound very exciting. Despite its small size, the JETBeam E26 EDC flashlight shatters those misconceptions with an innovative design that combines three different light sources in a single compact body, delivering all the lighting you’ll need when braving the night, whether outdoors or even indoors.
The main star of the show is undoubtedly the Luminus SFT-40 LED which delivers bright white light that can reach 2,000 lumens of brightness at a distance of 165 meters. Of course, you can make the light as soft or as bright as you want with four levels of brightness for every need. And when you need something more tactical or more dynamic, the strobe button at the opposite end of the handle flashes the light for better visibility in an emergency. Best of all the JETBeam E26 remembers the brightness level you last used so you don’t have to go through the whole process of changing the brightness every time you turn the flashlight on.
The JETBeam E26 flashlight’s list of impressive features doesn’t end there, of course. Along with the bright white light, the flashlight can also shine UV light which is great for seeing in the dark, activating glow-in-the-dark material, and checking the authenticity of bank notes. Last but not least, the flashlight also has a 5mW green laser that can be used for stargazing, construction surveys, making presentations, or playing with your cat. Switching between these three light sources is as easy as turning a dial, and with a 1700mAh rechargeable battery, this flashlight is ready for action any time with a 65-hour battery life, even with all that light.
With such a variety of features, it’s only fitting that the JETBeam E26 carries a design suited for greatness as well. Made with aircraft-grade aluminum and boasting an IPX8 waterproof rating, the flashlight is ready to weather rain or shine and will even survive an accidental drop in a puddle. A variety of safety features, from Intelligent Temperature Control to a Low Voltage Warning System ensure the longevity of the flashlight from within as well. Whether you’re out exploring the world at night, giving a presentation, or simply looking for something in the dark, the JETBeam E26 EDC flashlight will bring the brightness you need in a compact design that doesn’t get in your way when you’re done.
If you have both kids and pets at home, it can sometimes be a challenge to have furniture that can friendly for both of them. You have to get separate kid-friendly and pet-friendly items if you want to have them feel comfortable and at home in your space. So it would be nice if there are multipurpose furniture that they can both use and enjoy. And of course, we all love items that serve more than just one purpose of course to save space and money.
Designers: Wei Jingye, Song Kexin, Zheng Xiaolei and Zhou Haoyuan
Wowo Multipurpose Furniture is a collection of items that can serve that purpose for parents that need stuff for their human kids and their fur-babies. The pieces in the collection have round and playful forms and colorful hues which makes it attractive for those that will use the seats and tables. The shapes are inspired by the mouth shape that children make when they say the cute word “wowo”. The hollow structure combined with the “saturation color and mellow shape” adds to the comfort that both kids and pets will get when they use the furniture.
The kids can sit on the chairs with their feet hanging or knees bent, whichever is more comfortable with them. Some of the seats are hallowed so this is where the pets can stay, to give a harmonious space for the two kinds of “children”. The main part of the furniture uses 3D-printing technology and magnetic assembly structure while the supporting structure uses solid wood in primary colors, processed and formed by machine cutting and manual grinding.
The collection is made up of various chairs and tables, some with the hallowed parts and stands for the pets to rest and play with. The pastel colors also add to the feeling of warmth and comfort. And because of the shape and colors of the items, they can also serve as part of your space’s decoration when not in use (or even when in use), especially if pastel and warm colors are your aesthetic.
We seem to always be running out of space on our desks. Any free area that we get often quickly becomes occupied by a new thing, a tool, or a book, that we can always justify as necessary. And then there are purely decorative items that, while not serving any practical function, serve to put us in a good mood. Sadly, those reasons don’t remove the fact that they still take up precious space that could have been used for other things. Cutting down on the amount of “stuff” on your desk is one possible solution to this conundrum, but another is to use multi-functional products that serve more than one purpose, like these rather aesthetic bookends that are actually speakers in disguise.
If there are two things that are standard on a modern desk, it would be books and speakers. The former is often essential for work, even if just for appearance’s sake, while the latter is necessary to keep our minds sane with our favorite music and podcasts. They might even be necessary for the video meetings that are becoming more common these days. Naturally, these things will need some space on your desk, so why not combine them in a way that still retains each product’s identity while also bringing a fresh twist to their designs?
The Beat Bookends concept does exactly that by transforming bookends into two parts of a speaker system. Specifically, the triangular shapes that sit on either end of a row of books act not only as stable structures to keep your reading materials upright but also serve as front-firing speakers. Although it probably would have been enough to just have two wireless speakers performing this function, the design concept actually includes one or two more speakers for an even better audio experience.
The bookend speakers are actually just the “satellite” speakers, and a rectangular block serves as the main unit you connect to. This piece can stand in the middle of your row of books to add a bit of variety to the composition, or it can even be placed anywhere else to set up a spatial audio arrangement of sorts. Another rectangular speaker block can even be added to the mix for an even louder and more distributed audio output.
What’s interesting about the Beat Bookends concept is that it isn’t limited to actually being used as bookends only. With a flexible building block concept, you can mix and match pieces and arrange the speakers in different ways, even if you don’t have books to stand on your desk or shelf. You can combine the speakers in more interesting arrangements to provide not only audio but also a bit of decoration on your desk, hitting two birds with a single stone.
The latest trend in furniture design revolves around multifunctional furniture integrated with clever storage solutions. Choosing furniture with built-in storage offers numerous advantages, making it a smart choice for individuals and households alike. Here are some emerging trends in furniture design that are gaining popularity.
Modular multifunctional furniture pieces showcase creativity by adjusting to available space according to specific needs, whether it’s altering height, built-in storage configuration, or layout. This adaptability empowers homeowners to tailor their living spaces to fit their needs, rather than the other way around.
The Vank Cube is a modular furniture system by the Polish brand Vank. Crafted from flax and hemp fibers, these versatile “building blocks” can transform into storage units, space dividers, tables, and desks. Designed for adaptability, they seamlessly blend minimalist aesthetics with functionality, perfect for various interiors from homes to offices. With reversible connectors, modifications are quick and easy, while optional add-ons like upholstered cushions and biomaterial side panels offer further customization. Sustainable, sleek, and adaptable—the Vank Cube is the modern solution for versatile furniture needs.
2. Focus on Minimalism
Numerous minimalist furniture pieces prioritize sleek design aesthetics. These pieces feature smooth curves and seamlessly integrate storage options too.
The KURVE furniture collection is a blend of minimalist design and functional innovation. Crafted from simple curved layers of plywood, each piece seamlessly integrates storage solutions into its sleek aesthetic. From the throne-like KURVE chair with a backless storage box to the KURVE Couch featuring a central console and ample storage space, every element maximizes utility without compromising style. The table and nightstand complete the collection, offering practicality with their trapezoidal designs and clever storage solutions.
3. Go for the Compact Home Office
In the post-COVID era, remote work became the new standard with the rise of WFH (work from home), and now, hybrid work models are becoming permanent fixtures. Consequently, our homes must now serve the dual purpose of living and office spaces. This shift is particularly challenging for urban dwellers residing in compact homes, leading to an increased demand for compact home office setups.
The Portable Compartment Desk Looha is a transformative piece designed for the contemporary workspace. Crafted with portable wire compartments, it redefines organization while seamlessly integrating practicality and aesthetics. Foldable legs ensure mobility and flexibility, allowing easy transitions between spaces. With adaptable trays for storage and pinboard functionality, this desk promotes efficiency and personalization. Made from durable, eco-friendly materials, Looha combines functionality with timeless design, elevating any workspace into a haven of productivity and style.
4. Prioritize Organization
Structured environments guarantee clutter-free spaces, achieved through multifunctional furniture equipped with storage solutions down to the smallest details. Take, for example, this gaming console.
Bauhutte, renowned for its gaming comfort has introduced a sleek, organized solution which is a specially designed cabinet for storing game consoles and accessories. Featuring open shelves and a dark color scheme, it ensures optimal ventilation and maximizes storage space. Equipped with a hidden cable box and compatibility for multiple consoles, Bauhutte’s cabinet combines functionality and style for the ultimate gaming setup.
5. Say Yes to Quirky Furniture
Not all furniture needs to be serious; it can also infuse a playful touch into home decor while integrating storage and serving multifunctional purposes in any living space.
The Moose Cabinet is a whimsical yet functional statement piece that is designed to infuse joy into your living space. Crafted by Priyam Doshi and winner of the A’ Design Award, this handmade cabinet features a playful silhouette inspired by the majestic moose. Made from Oakwood with a water-based matte finish, it integrates four storage areas, including open compartments in the legs and concealed storage in the body and face. The tabletop surface comes equipped with trays for organizing small items, while the moose’s tail features a built-in mirror. With horns that serve as convenient hangers, this cabinet adds both charm and practicality to any room.
6. Consider Rotating Furniture
Compact spaces inspire creativity and drive innovative product design. Consider a single piece of furniture that effortlessly functions as both a bedroom and an office, boasting a sleek and minimalist design without appearing bulky.
The Compatto Rotating Office Murphy Bed with Desk is the ultimate space-saving solution for small living spaces. This innovative furniture piece seamlessly transitions from a comfortable bed to a functional workspace and multimedia area with just a few rotations. Its wide desk offers ample space for dual monitors, TV screens, or all-in-one iMacs, while also providing storage for files, books, and decorations. Thoughtfully designed with provisions for power cords and wires, this compact yet versatile unit is perfect for those seeking a stylish bed and workstation combination.
7. Invest in Space Saving Furniture
To maximize storage capacity, make sure to use the walls effectively, transforming them into functional furniture when needed. This innovative approach revolutionizes design, optimizing space utilization in multifunctional ways.
This Space-Saving Marvel by Friday Furniture is closed with a sleek 6.6-inch fixture against the wall. Once opened it reveals a spacious workstation with a built-in webcam and warm LED lighting. Crafted from sturdy birch plywood, it seamlessly combines style and function, offering room for the monitor, accessories, and storage, along with smart features like cork pinboards and USB ports for organization. With dimmable LED lighting and a foldable design, it’s the perfect space-saving solution for any urban setting.
8. Experiment with Interlocking Storage
Leveraging 3D printing technology opens up boundless creative possibilities. Through 3D printing, multifunctional furniture pieces emerge, featuring interlocked storage options and fluid curves that craft captivating compositions while offering dedicated storage compartments.
The Drop Side Table is a sleek and versatile piece of furniture designed by Deniz Aktay. Crafted with minimalist elegance, it’s 3D-printed using recycled materials for sustainability. Its unique asymmetrical twisting point allows for flexible usage from every angle, doubling as stylish storage for books, magazines, or decor. With a space-saving design and geometric aesthetic, the Drop Side Table effortlessly enhances any room with its functional charm and modern appeal.
9. Integrate Technology
As Generation Z enters the workforce, they are heavily influenced by technology and the digital era. Their preference leans towards furniture that is technologically advanced and can enhance storage capabilities.
PRISOOM is the ultimate party companion designed collaboratively by LG and KDM for the MZ generation. This sleek mobile serving table doubles as storage and features integrated lighting for captivating photos and a powerful speaker for the perfect party vibe. With customizable hues and user-friendly controls, PRISOOM enhances interaction and ambiance. Its stable design ensures items stay secure, while convenient cable management keeps things tidy. As the go-to solution for house parties, PRISOOM offers compact functionality tailored to modern socializing.
10. Add Interest in 3D Furniture
Three-dimensional furniture injects a dynamic vibe into interiors, doubling as an artful accent piece in any space, with the added functionality of accommodating storage.
The ‘Overlap’ Table is a sleek and versatile furniture piece designed by the renowned Deniz Aktay. This innovative table combines functionality with minimalist elegance, serving as both a coffee table and a compact storage solution. Crafted from interlocking wooden boxes, it maximizes storage while maintaining a small footprint, perfect for modern living spaces. Whether as a centerpiece or tucked into a corner, the ‘Overlap’ Table offers both style and practicality for today’s homeowners.
Tables are important pieces of furniture in any human space, whether it’s the dining table at home or a meeting table at the office. That said, we don’t always use these flat horizontal surfaces all the time, and there will be times when they’re just taking up precious space. Yes, more aesthetic tables do provide some visual value, but it doesn’t outweigh the cost of their presence. Foldable tables are practical, but few actually look good even when unfolded and the hassle of moving the folded table out of the way makes them less compelling. But what if you didn’t need to put the table away because it not only becomes more compact but also serves a different purpose? That’s the kind of multi-functional design that this concept proposes, turning a table into a lamp.
Designer: Sonakshi Gupta
The Japanese art of folding paper has inspired many designs because of its beauty, simplicity, and space efficiency. A large and flat sheet of paper can suddenly become a geometric flower or swan with a few folds, significantly reducing the area that the piece of paper once occupied. This art doesn’t involve removing or adding parts, which makes each piece an independent and standalone unit.
LightUP is a concept that takes inspiration from origami and kirigami (which does involve cutting away and gluing pieces together) to design a table that not only saves space but also provides a completely different functionality or two. The squarish wooden tabletop folds up into a shape that’s like a flower bud, freeing up the space around the table for use. Thanks to ingenious invisible hinges, not only do you have a clean and flat table surface but moving only one or two corners is enough to fold and unfold the table. The easier you can perform this action, the more frequently you’re willing to do it.
Of course, that’s not where it all ends. The design’s name comes from the fact that wide LED light strips from the pyramidal base of the table to each of the four corners. Thus, the table becomes a room-wide lamp at night but can also remain as a space-saving art object when the lights are off.
Admittedly, the design’s implementation is actually more complicated than it looks thanks to the moving parts and hinges involved. Those may become points of failure over time due to wear and tear. The idea, however, could give birth to a simpler design, one that takes into account aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability altogether for a truly space-saving piece of furniture.
