Opinion

Pia’s picks: freedom thanks to «in-between» collections

12.5.2022

Translation: Katherine Martin

These new outdoor furniture pieces could just as easily be positioned indoors. This sets them apart from their ancestor, a staple in every chip shop.

«Monobloc» may be the best-selling piece of furniture of all time, but I’d never want to see it in my garden. After all, these days, you can get cosy outdoor collections, or as I like to call them, «in-between collections», which complement stylish interiors.

The one-piece plastic chair in cold white was designed by French engineer and entrepreneur Henry Massonnet. The chair was actually originally targeted towards upper-class customers. In the end, though, it wound up in every other chip shop. Not on account of its gorgeous appearance, but because it was particularly handy, easy to clean and inexpensive. Thanks to mass production, it could be manufactured in less than a minute. The polypropylene was injected hot into a mould, cooled, and voila – the standard chair was finished.

Garden chairs

Resol Monobloc Inca

Over the years, many have attempted put an individual spin on the plastic chair and make it prettier. To no avail. Even the puzzle pattern set into the backrest of the «Inca» variation fails to convince me. Especially since there are now great alternatives, including the new «Bat chair» from Gubi.

Chairs

CHF330.30

Gubi Bat Dining Chair Plastic Stuhl

The price of the bat chair might raise a few objections. But like so many other current designs, and quite unlike the Monobloc chair, its chic appearance means it excels indoors, too.

Monobloc vs. Bat(man)

Which design do you like better?

Monobloc
18%
Gubi
82%

The competition has ended.

Homey outdoor designs

Although Gubi has been making luxury furniture since 1967, it has only just launched an outdoor collection. It includes the aforementioned «Bat» in alabaster white, and the «Beetle» with its curvaceous shell reminiscent of a beetle’s body. It’s waterproof, and thanks to UV protection, the chair can also survive being outdoors. But the Milan-based, Scandinavian brand isn’t the only one to make these additional touches. Blomus has also been a trailblazer in the world of in-between collections. The lifestyle label, which has its roots in the Sauerland region, was founded under a different name back in 1921. In the last two years, they’ve launched garden collections, likely under the assumption that people are more discerning these days when it comes to style and comfort. People want to turn their backyards into open-air living rooms, not haul the furniture and cushions back inside after every use.

With its new UV-protected shell and legs, the iconic Beetle chair can now head outdoors. Image: Gubi

For the flow

In architecture, too, I’ve been reading that there’s desire for more room for manoeuvre. Areas of the home which flow into each other are becoming increasingly common. Whether it’s a loggia or winter garden, they all tear down barriers and bring us a little closer to nature. In-between designs are the logical consequence of that. They’re not quite for indoors, not quite for outdoors and prompt a casual mixing of the two. Which is exactly what I’m looking for. I want furniture that matches my flow. Furniture that allows me to live life in the open air, then come indoors in winter. Instead of buying everything twice, I can get one dining chair for both indoors and outdoors, such as this one from Kave. The same applies to other seating and tables.

«Nina» with its solid eucalyptus frame is perfect for transitional spaces...

...and always cuts a fine figure. Images: Kave Home — «Nina» with its solid eucalyptus frame is perfect for transitional spaces...

Chairs

CHF275.–

Kave Home Nina

Chairs

Gubi Beetle Dining Chair Black Base Stuhl

Hartman Jill Armchair resin shell outdoor

Garden chairs

CHF156.–

Hartman Jill Armchair resin shell outdoor

Chairs

CHF275.–

Kave Home Nina

Chairs

Gubi Beetle Dining Chair Black Base Stuhl

Garden chairs

CHF156.–

Hartman Jill Armchair resin shell outdoor

Garden tables + Balcony tables

CHF959.–

Kave Home Jeanette

Garden tables + Balcony tables

Kave Home Shanelle

120 cm

Garden tables + Balcony tables

CHF321.–

Zuiver Metsu

70 cm

Garden tables + Balcony tables

CHF959.–

Kave Home Jeanette

Garden tables + Balcony tables

Kave Home Shanelle

Garden tables + Balcony tables

CHF321.–

Zuiver Metsu

Moving your living room outdoors requires furniture that’s sun and waterproof, made of lightweight materials and tactile fabrics. Blomus has designed this year’s «Stay» collection so that I can quickly create a cosy outdoor lounge anywhere. Bulky garden lounges can’t compete with that. The «Breeze» from manufacturer Zuiver could also hold its own as a living room sofa if my next apartment doesn’t include a sunny outdoor space. Which is more than I can say for the Monobloc chair. Despite its unspectacular form, it’s a real hit with me. So, how has the Monobloc chair made it this far? The answer might lie in Hauke Wendler’s documentary or in the book released by publisher Hantje Cantz as an accompaniment to the film. The writer spent eight years tracing the story of the plastic chair around the world and speaking to people who have one. Stay tuned.

The daybeds, loungers and poufs by Blomus are made of weatherproof, UV-resistant textile material.

They’re filled with EPS beads. Images: Blomus. — The daybeds, loungers and poufs by Blomus are made of weatherproof, UV-resistant textile material.

Garden lounges

Blomus Stay

Garden lounges

Blomus Stay

Zuiver breeze

Blomus Stay

Blomus Stay

Zuiver breeze

In my regular «Pia’s Picks» series, I share items from my watch list that you might like too. This time it’s homely garden furniture, next time it’s design’s answer to fireflies – outdoor lamps.

Header image: Gubi

16 people like this article

Pia Seidel

Senior Editor

Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.ch

Like a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.

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Pia’s picks: freedom thanks to «in-between» collections

Monobloc vs. Bat(man)

Homey outdoor designs

For the flow

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