Frank Willems is a Dutch designer who found a way to recycle old mattresses. The reason they weren't recyclable was because they got stuck in the shredders. Getting creative, Willems folded them up in unique ways to make overstuffed stools, chairs and pouffes. Once folded, the old mattress pieces were attached to old chair legs for an antique look. The stools and chairs were then covered with a special water-resistant soft foam coating in a variety of colours.
These are one of a kind designs, each with a different colour and legs. The Madam Rubens stool was his original design. The chair (Plus de Madam Rubens) and pouffe (Petit Pouf) are his most recent additions.
Recycled Mattress Chairs
Madam Rubens Stool
Trend Themes
1. Recycled Furniture - Exploring innovative ways to repurpose old materials like mattresses for creating unique and sustainable furniture pieces.
2. Antique-inspired Design - Combining vintage aesthetics with modern materials to create furniture pieces that blend nostalgia and sustainability.
3. Water-resistant Coating - Developing advanced coatings that offer water resistance to furniture, enhancing durability and versatility in various environments.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Design - By incorporating unconventional materials like recycled mattresses, designers can create eco-friendly furniture that appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.
2. Sustainability - Investigating innovative methods to reduce waste and promote the reuse and repurposing of materials, such as old mattresses, to contribute to a more sustainable future.
3. Coatings and Finishes - Exploring the development of water-resistant coatings that can be applied to various products, including furniture, to enhance their functionality and lifespan.