The piece was designed by brothers and occasional design duo Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1957, a symbol of Made in Italy and the modernist approach of using everyday objects in unexpected ways.
With its rounded base and challenge to equilibrium, it’s also a great way for improving core strength while working from home.
Pratone by Giorgio Ceretti, Pietro Derossi and Riccardo Rosso for Gufram (1971)
With its long green stems that wrap the user in comfort, Pratone takes inspiration from the natural form of overgrown grass.
Made from polyurethane foam and covered with a washable varnish that mimics the look of leather, these 42 giant stalks reform after use just like the real thing.
Pratone is a beautifully irreverent design created for Gufram in 1971 by Gruppo Strum, an Italian radical design group made up of architects, Giorgio Ceretti, Pietro Derossi and Riccardo Rosso.
Terrifying, exhilarating and playful, the Spun Chair by British designer Thomas Heatherwick was an accidental creation whilst experimenting with the process of spinning metal.
When upright, it looks like a sculptural vessel.
However, when tilted it spins around and rocks from side-to-side, playing with the user’s viewpoint and challenging their perspective.
Used across indoor and outdoor public spaces around the world, Spun embodies playful design through its championing of democratic participation.
Multiple iterations of this spinning top-shaped chair have been launched since its inception in 2007.
Jigsaw Puzzle Coffee Table by Unnecessary Inventions (2020)
A jigsaw puzzle that’s also a coffee table, the aptly called Jigsaw Puzzle Coffee Table is as functional as it is playful.
A 55-piece top is made from laser cut wood allowing each puzzle piece to perfectly fit together.
It is the brainchild of designer Matty Benedetto, founder of US-based studio Unnecessary Inventions.
Founded to solve real world problems that don’t actually exist, this perfect contradiction has also led to other nonsensical inventions like the Alarm Clock Cup and a pair of suspenders designed to keep face masks in place.
Slide-stairs in Panorama House by Moon Hoon (2011)
Designed by Seoul studio Moon Hoon, the Panorama house features a wooden slide slotted into a combined staircase and bookshelf.
Situated at the heart of the three-storey residence, the multi-functional imbues the architecture with vitality and intellect. Because stairs are boring anyway.
If you want to know more about the work of Duffy London, don’t miss The Civilization series.
Tables by Michael Beitz
Another designer pushing the envelope when it comes to public furniture is Michael Beitz.
His sculptural work plays with and challenges the functionality of everyday objects namely picnic tables which he transforms into mesmerizing spots for people to interact with.
BuzziJungle by Jonas Van for BuzziSpace (2016)
In 2016, Belgian designer and architect Jonas Van created BuzziJungle for office furniture company BuzziSpace.
Challenging the traditional confines of the workplace, this structural design turns the meeting room into a multilevel playground encouraging users to be active and interact.
BuzziSpace tells us how to reshape our workspaces, head to The trophy office.
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Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
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Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.
Our Instagram audience wanted us to write about ‘Playful Furniture’ so here's some of the best we could find, all featuring designs that are wacky or fun.