Elementary school libraries are known for their bean bag chairs, acting like an incentive to reading. For various reasons, it seems that the poufs and bean bags we loved as kids aren’t as common in our adult world. Thanks to a few designers and manufacturers dabbling in the uncharted waters of unconventional seating for adults and kids alike, the blob-like, low seating designs are making an appearance in many a modern space.
Slumber Poufs. Designed by Aleksandra Gaca. Manufactured by Casalis.
The Dutch textile designer, Aleksandra Gaca, dove into her Slumber Pouf designs – matching chairs and ottomans – using a woven cover that resembles coarse knitting. Thanks to the Belgian carpet manufacturing company, Casalis, her creations come to life in bulbous splendor.
Métahlowski. Manufactured by Fatboy.
In another example, the shine of the Métahlowski by Fatboy brings the look of contemporary metallic seating in six different shades to life. Compared to your normal bean bag without much structure, the Italian fabric that is used in the Mètahlowski is soft and flexible but firm, forming a backrest and seat if so desired.
BuzziCube 3D. Manufactured by BuzziSpace.
For the closest, matching pouf or ottoman to our everyday affinity for angular furniture, the BuzziCube 3D by BuzziSpace uses a prismatic, relief look in 47 different shades of recycled-content fabric – from vibrant magenta (shown) to five shades of light to dark beige, and everything in between. The BuzziCube 3D comes in seven different sizes and has a 3cm deep wood base to support its funky design.
While we may not want to outfit an entire room using puffed out, rounded pieces of furniture, the addition of a minimal amount is guaranteed to breathe new life into a modern space, giving both kids and adults the opportunity to play with the design of chunky, comfortable seating.
—Sonja Hall
