Screw-less stackable chairs offer a stress-free and sustainable way to sit

Most seating furniture is designed to more or less stay permanently where they’re located, but some spaces require chairs that can be added or removed, sometimes even at a moment’s notice. In order to conserve space, some of these chairs can be folded while others can be stacked on top of each other. One common trait between these two different designs, however, is that they either already come in a single inflexible piece or have to be assembled with much effort. In this agile and fast-paced world, neither seems to be an ideal condition, and this sustainable design offers an alternative that eases the burden of setting up each chair and doesn’t take up space when you don’t need them for the time being.

Designer: Martini & Dall’Agnol

Stackable chairs aren’t exactly novel or uncommon, but the majority of those tend to have a limit before they start tipping over because of the overall form of the chair. The Stack chair, in contrast, was designed especially with that use case in mind, and thanks to its compass-like four-legged base, you can stack the chairs almost to infinity, at least in theory. Of course, you’ll be limited by how much vertical space you have and how high you can safely reach, but it’s reassuring to know that there is enough leeway there for you to stop worrying about dozens of chairs taking up precious space when not in use.

That’s not even the most impressive thing about the Stack chair, though. The design comes in only two parts, the base and the shell, and these two parts can be joined by simply snapping the base underneath the shell’s uniquely designed rim. With just a snap, the two become a single and stable piece of furniture, simplifying not just the manufacturing process and assembly but also shipping.

This fastener-free design also lends itself quite well to customization, as you can mix and match different base and shell colors or even materials. By default, it comes with a polypropylene shell, but it can also be made from wood that’s then upholstered with fabric, leather, or other materials. The chairs can be made to match any style that your space requires, and not just with a single color either.

The choice of polypropylene wasn’t made on a whim either and was intended to help make the chair not only long-lasting but also recyclable. In addition to being space-efficient when it comes to storage, the Stack chair also aims to be efficient in manufacturing, packaging, and transportation, leading to a more sustainable product overall.

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Make more meaningful and memorable toasts with these stunning stacking sake cups

There are quite a few things that have become iconic of Japanese culture, from clothes like the kimono to warriors like the samurai to food like sushi. When it comes to beverages, there is green tea and, of course, sake, both of which have deep cultural roots and, sometimes, solemn practices. You don’t, however, need to take part in an elaborate pouring and drinking ceremony to appreciate the rich experience when drinking this Japanese rice wine. All you need to create this sacred and profound atmosphere is the right drinkware, just like these finely-crafted tin cups that not only make drinking sake more meaningful, it even provides aesthetic value to your tableware.

Designer: Metaphys

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Drinking sake is a common part of Japanese life, whether it’s in social settings or more formal ceremonies. The rice wine can be served either hot or cold, with most drinking cups made from ceramic or even glass. What better way, then, to amaze your guest or even yourself than with an unusual sake drinking cup made from nothing but authentic tin, such as this unique and distinctive drinking cup set?

Authentic Tin – Authentic tin generally contains 95% to 97% tin, warranted by the Tinware Business Cooperative Association. The sake becomes pure and mellow when it is poured into authentic tin drinkware.

Tin might be an odd choice for drinking wine, but it actually makes even more sense when you consider how the material has been used for drinkware for over a millennium, thanks to its ability to absorb impurities and purify water. It’s also the perfect material for cold sake because it offers a softer and more comfortable texture for hands to hold while also making the sake taste smoother and more mellow.

What makes this tin drinkware special is more than just its composition. Designed to stack easily upon each other, the bowl-shaped vessels are uncommon for use in drinking sake or any other wine for that matter, and yet they also look elegant and pleasing thanks to their smooth curves. When stacked, the cups resemble kagami-mochi or traditional Japanese rice cakes, as well as the smooth stone piles found in peaceful Zen gardens. Even unused, these cups turn into decorative pieces that can become the centerpiece of your dining table or shelf.

Single Cup Edition

Two Cup Edition

Each piece of the stacking sake cups is made using ancient casting techniques by expert craftsmen that give tangible and beautiful form to this Japanese heritage. Whether you’re drinking by yourself with the single-cup configuration or toasting a drink with a friend with the two-cup set, the suiu stacking tin drinkware will add a spiritual flavor to your rice wine, immersing you in the deep cultural heritage of Japan.

Click Here to Buy Now: $239 $299 ($60 off at checkout). Hurry, 4th of July sale ends in 48 hours!

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Stackable chair concept transforms into a desk for space-saving efficiency

Space is at a premium, whether it’s at home, in the office, or even in classrooms. Never mind working desks, sometimes there’s not even enough space for more than a few chairs at a time. Common chairs designed for mass production aren’t exactly the most comfortable, nor are they the most versatile when it comes to functionality. Admittedly, it’s not that easy to execute multiple functions in a single product without risking its overall usability. Sit’n’Switch is a concept design that dares to take that risk, proposing a chair that can be used in a few different ways while still maintaining its sleek and modern aesthetic that makes it ideal not just for classrooms but even for workspaces or even your bedroom.

Designer: Shakthi Monesh

There are different chairs in classrooms that serve different purposes. There are plain, armless chairs that are often paired with desks, and there are chairs that have stationary or movable arm desks that are OK for writing on notebooks but not always for typing on laptops. There are also more typical chairs that can be stacked on top of each other when not in use, such as the stereotypical plastic Monobloc, but these are neither comfortable nor flexible in accommodating different sitting positions.

The Sit’n’Switch concept tries to accommodate all these cases with a single design that manages to look appealing despite trying to check multiple boxes at the same time. In its most basic configuration, it is an armless wooden chair with a wide seat and a padded backrest. Its general shape is similar to those Monobloc chairs, sans the arms, so they can also be stacked together to free up space when they’re not in use.

The trick is that the upper half of that backrest can fold down, transforming into a flat surface that can be used as a desk. Although it does mean that you have to turn around and sit “backward” with the central rail in between your legs, it is a lot more convenient for a desk, especially since it’s placed in the center rather than presuming that everyone is right-handed.

The design has another trick up its sleeve when you combine four of these chairs together in a cross arrangement with the desks facing inward. This forms a makeshift bench table for more collaborative activities, which is common in classrooms and office environments. The absence of arms and the wide seat lets Sit’n’Switch accommodate almost any sitting position, making it a versatile piece of furniture, whether for work, study, or just lounging around.

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These outdoor stools and table stack together like a totem pole to save space

Being able to sit outdoors with friends and family is always a great time, but the setup and cleanup can be quite a chore. Not everyone has a large enough space to accommodate both people and furniture. Having to take out chairs and tables every time you need them could also be a considerable hurdle to an enjoyable day under the sun. That is the reason why there has been a rise in interest in modular or portable furniture, especially those that can be kept outdoors. In terms of function, Totem is such a type of solution that lets you save time and space in setting up a quick outdoor gathering, but it also does it in a creative way that makes its inactive form a great outdoor decoration as well.

Designer: Robin Delaere

Most people would probably like to have wide, open spaces to lounge in or socialize with friends, with seats and tables that deliver comfort while providing decor as well. Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of space, even for keeping this outdoor furniture when not in use. That shouldn’t be a deterrent, however, for enjoying the sun and fresh air, especially when there are creative ways where you can stack these chairs or stools when not in use and make them look good, too.

Of course, there are plenty of stackable chairs in the market, but those often pay no attention to appearances. Some might not even be designed to be comfortable, simply offering a space-saving solid piece of plastic you can sit on. In contrast, Totem offers comfort, charm, and space efficiency, all in one tall package that splits into three to five pieces.

Just like its namesake, Totem resembles something like a totem pole that has five distinct segments stacked on top of each other. When disassembled, four of these segments function as stools you can sit on, while the fifth and top section serves as a table. Except for having the table on top, there is no specific way to arrange these pieces, making cleanup almost like a game rather than a chore.

Both the stools and the table look to utilize black metal frames, hopefully powder-coated rather than painted. Thick, drum-like cushions provide the actual seat for the stools, while the low table’s surface is made of multiple slats of wood. The standard setup has four stools and one table, but the combinations can be as few as two stools and a table.

The idea of stackable chairs isn’t exactly revolutionary, but it takes just a little imagination and creativity to turn it into something unique and memorable. Individually, each piece has a simple yet functional design, but their true glory comes from their combined height. The space-saving Totem deserves to be a staple of any patio or garden, creating a way for people to gather at a moment’s notice while also giving the space a distinctive look when not in use.

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Geelink GL-02 portable power station can be mixed and matched to your needs

Battery-powered backups are becoming more common these days, especially as people start to move away from inefficient, loud, and dangerous gasoline generators. There is quite a number of options out there, differing in sizes, battery capacities, and output ports, demonstrating that there isn’t really a “one size fits all” solution in this case. There are some modular designs out there as well, but they sadly lean towards the hefty side of the spectrum, sorely testing the definition of the word “portable.” This portable power station, in contrast, is really something you can carry around without breaking your back. More importantly, however, you can lighten your load even further by bringing only what you need, leaving the rest behind if you’re sure you won’t need either AC or DC power while you enjoy a relaxing day off the grid.

Designer: OCEAN DESIGN

Different portable power stations try to meet different needs, which is why there are dozens of them available in different sizes. Some are hulking beasts that are really only portable if you roll them around on their wheels but, in turn, can power an entire house in an emergency. Some are small boxes that are only slightly larger but definitely heavier than a toolbox, and they can charge laptops and very small appliances for just a few hours, just enough for an afternoon outdoors.

The thing with these big batteries is that you are stuck with what you have. Sure, some let you daisy chain to power stations together, but the number of ports you have available is fixed forever. You can neither add more nor can you remove those that you don’t need, which could actually decrease the mass you need to carry. The Geelink GL-02 actually tries its hand at that modular approach, and while not completely perfect, it lays the foundation of what could be the modular and portable power station of the very near future.

Instead of a single box or crate, the GL-02 is made up of four parts that nicely stack on top of each other. The cover on top is really only needed when you’re not using the power station, but the battery box that sits at the bottom is the one constant part of the assembly. That module houses an 80,000 mAh battery that, thanks to sine wave inverters, can output a good 300W of AC power for appliances.

What goes on top of that battery is really up to you, but there are two modules available. The DC module is going to be popular with gadget lovers with its USB-C and USB-A ports, as well as a 12V DC barrel-type port. It is also the module that has a flashlight that is typical for camping and emergencies. The AC module, on the other hand, has two 220V AC outlets for appliances and a switch that manually turns the output on or off. Both modules have their own displays, but the odd location of the AC module’s screen pretty much decides that it will always be at the top.

With this design, you can opt to either attach only the DC module or only the AC module if you’re sure you won’t be needing the other. Of course, having the full assembly means you won’t have to think hard about that, but at least the option is there. The one flaw in this design is that it is limited to these four pieces and in a fixed stacking order. You can’t swap the placement of the DC and AC modules, and you can’t have two modules of the same type. You can’t even stack batteries to double the output. The execution might not be perfect, but it definitely sparks the imagination of what can be done with some tweaks to this stackable and modular design.

 

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This prairie-inspired modular planter puts the charm of the savanna grasslands on your desk!

What is a planter but just a simple container for your plants? Aditi Kedia’s Prairie Planter reinterprets these containers as landscape-elements in their own right. Designed to look almost like an abstraction of a prairie-grassland landscape, the modular planters stack over one another, resembling mounds of red soil. When paired with succulents or cacti, the Prairie Planters come to life, looking a lot like a savannah landscape! “By adjusting each unit in different orientations, one can play with the shape and placement. The design takes inspiration from how things in nature grow on uneven, unexpected surfaces”, says Aditi, who designed the planters as a part of an Instagram-based design challenge.

The Prairie Planters sport a rather fascinating geometric design, almost looking like a Minecraft landscape. The planters can either be used individually, or stacked atop one another. When stacked, they efficiently manage irrigation, as the planters on the top help drip water into the planters below. A water tray sits at the very base of the planter stack, allowing you to pour water into it so the lowest tier of planters can absorb moisture when the soil runs dry!

Designer: Aditi Kedia

Stackable planters allow you to create a modular ecosystem within your home

My greatest pleasure, and also my greatest regret, is coming across designs that make me go “Why didn’t I think of that?” Chris Ference’s Elevated Planter is one of them.

The Elevated Planters are a series of planters with toothed bases. Made from anodized aluminum, these planters can easily be stacked one above the other, simply by getting the teeth/grooves on the base of one planter to lock onto the upper rim of another planter. The metal construction ensures a secure, strong fit, and the modular nature of the Elevated Planters allow you to build yourself a vertical jungle, so you can expand your garden without requiring a large space for multiple planters. The metallic planters come in a variety of sizes and colors too, giving you the freedom to mix and match your set, based on the plants you have (or intend to buy/grow). The grooves on the base of the planter allow you to explore a variety of arrangements, and you can even stack them on the edge, so that the upper pots don’t end up obstructing the growth of plants in the lower pots. Each Elevated Planter even comes with a drainage hole at the base along with a rubber plug to block it off, just in case you keep planters indoors.

The Elevated Planters were developed as a personal concept while Chris was practicing model-making using cardboard and paper. The concept evolved further as he began sketching and exploring forms, concepts, layouts, and details. Chris is currently working with a sheet metal manufacturer to bring the Elevated Planters to life.

Designer: Chris Ference

This stool was designed for nomadic millennials who shift apartments

The Triplex stool addresses the overconsumption of furniture, especially the kind associated with a nomadic lifestyle that requires people to constantly buy new furniture for their new spaces. Designed to live with you, move with you, and last as long as you need, the Triplex stool comes with a three-part design that uses identical pieces that are screwed together. The identical pieces make the Triplex’s manufacturing footprint relatively small, while their stackable design means the stool can be shipped in a smaller box, and can be assembled at home. While moving (or when not in use), the stool can easily be disassembled and stacked/stored efficiently.

The Triplex stool (which is currently on the shortlist for an Inde Award) is made with flax fibre and bio-resin, which are both biological. Similar to the physical properties of carbon fiber, flax fiber has high tensile strength, while the stool’s own geometry utilizes curvature to attain structural performance. The stool weighs a mere 1.8 kilograms too, allowing it to easily be moved while shifting apartments, and when the stool’s life is finally over, it can naturally biodegrade without causing any pollution or residue.

Designer: Studio RYTE

This armchair is actually made up of 3 separate chairs stacked together

Designed for people who enjoy solitary life but also love entertaining guests, the Social Chair by Yvonne Hung explores a new way to stack furniture. The chair’s design looks like a quirky armchair but look closer and you’ll see that each armrest is in fact a part of a separate chair. Disassemble the Social Chair and you’ve got one chair that turns into three separate seating devices for you and your guests! Dock them back and they come together to form one single armchair yet again! It’s lovely how Yvonne Hung has developed a method of making chairs useful even when they’re stacked into each other. A great addition to small homes in highly populated cities!

Designer: Yvonne Hung

One chair, two chair, double-sided blue chair…

The unique appeal of the Turning Chair by Insu Kim is that it’s a comfortable lounger as well as a bar-stool. This creative take on seating relies on a form that can be flipped 90° to completely change its function! When in orientation A, the Turning Chair is a comfortable low-lying lounger with a reclining backrest, perfect for your living room… but thanks to its angular rear legs, the chair can be flipped backwards to turn it into a high-seated bar-stool that fits rather suitably in your kitchen. Plus, get this… the chair’s form is stackable too! What a space-saving shape-shifting seater!

The Turning Chair is a winner of the K-Design Award for the year 2019.

Designer: Insu Kim