Trendy and Sustainable: Cardboard Furniture And it Looks Like This

London, UK - Forget wood and metal, the latest buzz in furniture design is...cardboard? Yes, you read that right. From high-end galleries to eco-conscious startups, cardboard is being embraced for its surprising versatility, unique aesthetics, and sustainable potential.

From Humble Boxes to Sculptural Seating:

Leading the charge is British designer Max Lamb, who unveiled his "Box" collection at Gallery Fumi in London. Lamb transforms discarded cardboard boxes into intriguing chairs and tables, retaining their cubist forms and logos while adding unexpected sculptural elements and earthy paints.

Strength in Layers:

Despite its humble origins, cardboard offers surprising durability. Lamb's pieces utilize layered corrugated cardboard, known for its impact resistance, and a wheat-and-water glue mixture for added strength.

Cardboard's Design Legacy:

Lamb's work joins a rich history of cardboard furniture. Pioneering architects like Frank Gehry and Shigeru Ban explored its potential, inspiring contemporary artists like Illya Goldman Gubin, whose "Karton" series transforms misshapen cardboard into functional yet sculptural seats and tables.

Beyond Aesthetics: Sustainability and Affordability:

Cardboard also shines in its eco-friendly credentials. Brands like Room in a Box offer modular cardboard furniture lauded for its low carbon footprint, recycled materials, and affordability, appealing to young, environmentally conscious consumers.

More Than Just Furniture:

Cardboard's practicality extends beyond aesthetics. The Leaf Bed, designed by NOCC, offers a simple, self-assembly solution for refugee camps, highlighting its potential for emergency relief furniture.

A Material for Our Times:

Max Lamb acknowledges the contrast between his collectible designs and the everyday use of cardboard as shelter. However, he sees his work as a critical reflection on consumerism, showcasing the "beauty and permanence" of this often-discarded material. He concludes, "Cardboard doesn't have to be discarded. It can be a permanent part of our lives."