Trend Watch: Rubber Decor

Speaking of optical illusions, I did a double take when I first saw Studio JSPR's Plastic Fantastic furniture collection. The shapes are traditional -- Louis chairs, a Chesterfield club chair -- but on closer inspection, they're all made of rubber.

Intrigued? I sure was. Think of all the possibilities of a world of rubber furniture -- no stains, no fabric fading and no breakage! Well, on second thought, I might miss the richness and texture of textiles, but there's a whole new rubberized world out there.

In addition to the ochre-colored dining chair, Studio JSPR's line includes sconces, dressers, and sofas in a choice of about 18 colors, ranging from muted anthracite gray to bright fuchsia. (Custom options are also available).
And rubber isn't just limited to furniture -- designer Tobias Wong created this rubber chandelier for CITIZEN:Citizen, also with a totally trad silhouette. Delicate light fixtures? Such a thing of tomorrow when fragile glass is replaced with industrial rubber.

Wait, there's more. Accessories are in on the movement, too. And doesn't it make sense with water-filled objects like vases? Danish design company Menu makes them in a bunch of fun colors.


Normann Copenhagen's Washing-up bowl also functions as a container for books or magazines, a storage place for toys or anything your imagination allows, really.

With rubber pieces like these, who needs wood or ceramic any longer?


Read more about other furniture trends like cardboard design or cane.