Furniture

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.

The Elephant In A Box collapsible sofa comes delivered in a compact box and, according to the creators, takes less than five minutes to assemble. Incorporating a honeycomb technology core, the sofa simply stretches out of the box and is secured into place before the cushions are placed on top.

Hong Kong-based Coolgeek has launched a 360-degree Bluetooth speaker that's a little different from the rest. A circular piece of glass has been plonked on top, turning the setup into a music-streaming coffee table.

Panasonic has included a transparent OLED display concept as part of a Salone del Mobile installation from Swiss furniture brand Vitra. Looking like a glass cabinet, the display concept is the first of a number looking at how new technologies can be seamlessly integrated into the modern home.