Dezeen Magazine

Retail platform Wescover celebrates independent designers and makers

Dezeen promotion: as coronavirus closures continue to impact small businesses, Dezeen has teamed up with design store Wescover to highlight the work of independent designers and makers from around the world.

Founded in San Francisco, Wescover is an online marketplace that sells furniture and accessories by independent designers and artists from across the globe. Most pieces are made-to-order or created in small production runs.

Instead of showcasing styled products on white backgrounds, products on the Wescover website are shown within interiors and alongside the creator's story. From there you can start a conversation directly with the creator to place an order.

"Supporting local creative brands has so many positive impacts," said Rachely Esman, CEO of Wescover, which has observed that the independent makers and creators that it works with are some of the businesses that are most impacted by the pandemic.

"The aesthetic value of original art and design work is obvious—it's more beautiful, interesting, and carries a story. In addition, investing in these pieces helps us shift away from fast-decor and disposable culture."


Caña Flecha poufs by L'aviva Home

Caña Flecha poufs by L'aviva Home

Made from an indigenous Colombian palm fibre called caña flecha, these poufs of the same name are produced by NYC-based design studio L'aviva Home in close collaboration with artisans in Colombia.

Long, thin strips of fibre are dyed using colour extracted from local leaves and plants before being finely braided together into strands, which are then sewn into a series of concentric circles.

Shop L'aviva home on Wescover ›


iSAMU original painting by Linnea Heide

iSAMU original painting by Linnea Heide

North Carolina artist Linnea Heide's acrylic on canvas painting is an homage to the work of Japanese American architect and artist Isamu Noguchi.

It features a continuous, monochromatic, biomorphic line art composition painted in shades of grey. During the painting process Heide turns her paintings around to each side, so that they work, compositionally, from all four directions."

Shop Linnea Heide on Wescover ›


Bartlett Backless bar stool by Fryn

Bartlett Backless bar stool by Fryn

As seen in San Francisco's Kimpton Hotel, the Bartlett bar stool by local furniture maker Fryn is made from oxidised oak with graphite brackets.

"We knew if it was lightweight and durable enough to survive in restaurants across this city, it could make itself at home anywhere," said Fryn founder Ros Broughton. "Its broad profile and comfortable seat encourage patrons to stick around for that extra drink."

Shop Fryn on Wescover ›


Bonnie Chandelier by Ovature Studios

Bonnie Chandelier by Ovature Studios

Inspired by the form of a Saffron flower, the Bonnie chandelier by Gothenburg-based Ovature Studios is stamped, moulded and polished by hand from solid brass or stainless steel.

Each "petal" reflects a warm glow from a carefully concealed LED light source. The design is fully customisable in finish, size, scale, hanging and arrangement.

Shop Ovature Studios on Wescover ›


Custom Chandelier by SLE 

Custom Chandelier by Southern Lights Electric

Southern Lights Electric has been making custom-designed lights for hospitality and trade projects since 2011.

This particular bespoke chandelier, which features 20 bulbs suspended on red powder-coated steel arms arranged into a spiral, was designed for The Russell in Nashville—a hotel located in a former Presbyterian church which was renovated by Powell Architecture + Building Studio.

"We worked with Powell Architecture + Building Studio to create a number of custom pieces for The Russell," said Southern Lights Electric co-founder Adam Gatchel. "The custom red chandelier was inspired by the bell tower staircase at the renovated 1904 church. The fixture was fabricated in our Nashville studio and features custom 3D-printed hardware."

Shop Southern Lights Electric on Wescover ›


Checkers rug, Atlas Collection by Mehraban

Checkers rug, Atlas Collection by Mehraban

Originally commissioned for the Santa Monica Proper hotel in Los Angeles, these chequered rugs were designed by West Hollywood rug brand Mehraban to complement the hotel's beach-inspired interiors by Kelly Wearstler.

Shop Mehraban on Wescover ›


Daisy occasional table by Oxford Street Furniture

Daisy occasional table by Oxford Street Furniture

Philadelphia-based company Oxford Street Furniture states that each one of its pieces, including this circular side table, is designed, built and finished entirely in house and made to last several lifetimes.

Shown here in oiled walnut, the slimline Daisy occasional table incorporates a narrow drawer with a brass pull.

Shop Oxford Street Furniture on Wescover ›


Earth Bamboo Chinese Yellow rugs by Massimo Copenhagen

Earth Bamboo Chinese Yellow rugs by Massimo Copenhagen

Made from New Zealand wool mixed with bamboo fibres, these sustainable, natural and biodegradable rugs are produced by Danish brand Massimo Copenhagen.

The company uses bamboo grown without pesticides and New Zealand wool made using animal-friendly practices.

Shop Massimo Copenhagen on Wescover ›


Monitor Stool by Asa Pingree

Monitor Stool by Asa Pingree

Brooklyn designer Asa Pingree's Monitor stool features an oversized cylindrical cushion cradled in a swooping fibreglass frame that is finished with a moulded gel coating. This special surface finish makes it extremely durable and suitable for use outdoors.

Shop Asa Pingree on Wescover ›

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Wescover as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.