Furniture

A lot of work goes into creating wooden objects like furniture, but some scientists are rethinking the process. They've created a wood-based ink that can be 3D printed into flat shapes, which then morph into more complex 3D forms as they dry out.

The Ikea Kreativ digital design tool lets customers scan a room using a smartphone camera, remove existing furniture and try out new products from the Swedish home furnishing giant's catalog in a virtual recreation of their living space.

BIG is often at its most interesting when mixing contrasting ideas. The Plus furniture factory in Norway boasts impressive sustainable design and also hosts hiking and camping facilities – even welcoming visitors onto its green roof.

One of the many cultural shifts driven by the COVID-19 pandemic is the growing number of people working from home, and furniture-maker Pith & Stem is looking to tap into this trend with a workstation that you mightn't even know was there.

BIG has a habit of producing architecture that serves a dual purpose and now its upcoming furniture factory will also double as a hiking and camping destination. The project will boast solar power and efficient heating and cooling systems too.

Originally designed by French architect Charlotte Perriand in the 1960s, Coudamy Architectures sought to preserve the retro interior design, while enhancing the 19-sq-m (205-sq-ft) apartment with some fresh space-saving upgrades.

Malessa Studio has revealed its foldable and compact furniture collection, especially designed for students and renters who frequently move homes. Nest features everyday furniture pieces that can be dismantled, packed, moved and re-assembled.

Sportswear giant Puma has teamed up with gaming gear company Playseat to develop the Playseat|Puma game seat for e-sport athletes.

The VertDesk v3 standing desk can be automatically raised using voice commands.

A Spanish start-up called Proton New Energy Future has unveiled Ebörd, a smart table that has a wireless charger built into the entire surface, allowing it to charge multiple devices at once. Better yet, it harvests energy from the Sun or even artificial light.

IKEA's new Råvaror series will include a collection of everyday furniture pieces that are specifically designed for small spaces, with the added bonus of being easily dismantled, packed, moved and re-assembled.

IKEA has revealed its innovative Rognan robotic furniture, designed to minimize the compromises of small space living. Developed in collaboration with Ori, a Boston-based furniture start-up, the robotic furniture is set to first roll-out in Hong Kong and Japan next year.