Unique furniture designs utilizing the power of ratchet straps

We see and use ratchet straps on a daily basis. Whether to prevent load shits, tighten cargo or make the most of space available, they serve an important purpose. As we can see from modern product designs, ratchet straps can also become an impressive design detail. You’d be surprised to see how they can give an entirely different feel to an object.

Don’t believe us? You will – after you look at these unique furniture designs utilizing the power of ratchet straps.

1. The Hay Bale Sofa System by Nicholas Baker

The first on our list is the stunning creation of Baker Studio. The Hay Bale Sofa System utilizes straps to hold cushions and allow them to be used in several configurations. Single chair. Armchair. Sofa. Ottoman. The options are endless! 

The designer gained inspiration for his work from his childhood memories. As a child, Baker would spend a lot of time exploring his family’s barn, filled with hay bales. According to the creative, he was compelled to create a sofa system inspired by these nostalgic memories. 

Although Baker has picked tan leather that resembles the holden hay bales, the design can also work in other materials and finishes.

2. Strap Chair by Nicholas Baker

It’s clear that the Brooklyn-based designer sees ratchet straps as tools to add a bit of whimsy to his designs. The story behind the Strap Chair is as fascinating as the design itself. It started with a simple sketch that went viral.

After people began to debate its feasibility, Baker was tempted to build the prototype and prove it could be comfortable (thanks to the straps offering support).

As you can see, the chair includes several ratchet straps, which tighten its four legs. Since Baker worked on the design just after Christmas, he used the discarded Christmas trees to create the logs.

3. TEMP chair by Joo Ho Young

Another impressive and quirky example of using ratchet straps in design is the TEMP chair. As described by the designer – Joo Ho Young – the creation process was simple and straightforward. 

After cutting OSB, he assembled it using a single cargo strap with ratchets. Since the strap can hold more than 700kg, it’s an excellent option for constructing a sturdy chair. With it, there’s no need to have screws, bonds, or any hardware.

The designer uses the same strap also to wrap the five panels that make up the chair. One of them includes a handle, which makes the object easier to move.

4. Ratchet Furniture by Harry Hasson

Although using ratchet straps in design might seem like a new concept, some creative minds have utilized them already years before. A fab example of product designs using straps is the work of Harry Hasson. In 2009, he made a collection that featured furniture aimed at people who moved frequently.

All the furniture pieces are made of phenol-faced plywood held together with ratchet straps. For this reason, they are incredibly easy to assemble and disassemble. According to the designer, his collection made use of items that lay around the home and were never used. In his own way, Hasson managed to give these objects a new, more functional life.

End notes

Good design is all about offering a fresh perspective on the ordinary. When you look at ratchet straps, there’s nothing too fancy or chic about them. But once added to a piece of furniture, they, too, can become aesthetically pleasing. These designs are simple, yes. But in no way are they plain.