Concrete furniture

The versatility of concrete has led to its appearance in numerous non-traditional formats such as furniture, sculpture and art.^[1]

Due to improved setting and molding techniques, it is now possible to create more sophisticated shaped furniture using concrete. The added durability of concrete means they can be placed indoors or outdoors, leading to many being located in local parks and community areas.

Concrete furniture design is evolving rapidly and cement furniture is making an appearance inside the contemporary home. Cast concrete counters in the kitchen are one thing but furniture designers are bringing the material into the home in a very modern way.

History

Recent discoveries show that concrete has been used in Mesopotamia and Ancient Rome over 4,000 years ago. However, the application of concrete in interior design and furniture started much later, in the beginning of the 20th century. Thomas Edison is known as a pioneer of concrete development, and the first person to predict the use of concrete furniture. His company Edison Portland Cement Company combined ore milling technologies to develop more durable cement for construction of concrete houses and large building blocks.^[2] Edison created concrete phonograph cabinets and proposed the making of concrete musical instruments, refrigerators, and furniture.^[3]

Example designers

Some example designers who create concrete furniture are Nico Yektai, Peter Harrison, Joël Urruty and Douglas Thayer.^[4]

References

1. Clothier Jones Furniture Blog
2. Thomas Alva Edison And The Concrete Piano
3. History of Concrete from Romans to Thomas Edison
4. Profile of Concrete Sculptors & Designers