Dezeen Magazine

Mannequin Chair by Werteloberfell

WertelOberfell dresses Mannequin chairs in quilted upholstery

Quilted fabrics cover the seats and backs of chairs in this collection by German studio WertelOberfell for Polish brand Iker.

Mannequin Chair by Werteloberfell

WertelOberfell founders Gernot Oberfell and Jan Wertel took references from retail clothing displays when designing the Mannequin chairs for Iker.

"The inspiration for the Mannequin chair comes from our interest in patterns and structures, and the concept of changing the appearance of a chair by dressing it in different 'clothes'," said the designers.

Mannequin Chair by Werteloberfell

They created three quilted patterns on colourful materials to upholster the simple plywood shells.

Mannequin Chair by Werteloberfell

"The raw shape of the Mannequin chair is plain, friendly and ergonomic," the designers said. "The choice of one of the three 'quilted dresses' and bases gives the chair its final character."

Mannequin Chair by Werteloberfell

The patterns feature interlocking triangles, diagonal stripes and curved lines emanating from the core of the shell.

Mannequin Chair by Werteloberfell

Legs are also available in three different styles. Steel wire is used for two bases, one as a continuous loop that forms four legs and the other as supports on either side braced across the middle.

Mannequin Chair by Werteloberfell

The other design comprises four solid beechwood legs that connect beneath the centre of the seat and splay outward. WertelOberfell plans to add more sizes and a range of tables to the collection soon.

Mannequin Chair by Werteloberfell

Dressing up furniture has been proposed by a few design studios. Färg & Blanche created a series of garments to be worn by seats and Bernotat & Co designed a range of coverings for chairs modelled on a grandma's dressing gown, baggy overalls and an oven mitt.

WertelOberfell has previously designed a golf ball-textured extendable egg tray and a 3D-printed table featuring trunk-like legs.