Best Furnishings of 2018
Quadrado
Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan based his design of Minotti’s new modular furniture system on the style of 1950s- and ’60s-era buildings in Japan’s futuristic Metabolist movement. At 40" square, the teak modules function as frames for seat cushions (rigid woven rubber-polypropylene backs are optional) and as side tables when used bare.
Pivot XL
To extend its line of operable pergolas, manufacturer Arcadia designed a modular version for commercial settings. Built of extruded aluminum, the Pivot XL system is available with 8', 10', or 12' x 20' louvered frames that users can program to close in response to weather, diverting rain to the ground through channels in its posts. Designers can also specify optional integrated lighting and ceiling fans.
Bistrò
An expanded color palette updates Italian manufacturer Paola Lenti’s popular Bistrò parasol, which is now available in 50 colorways ranging from solids to madras patterns. Waterproof and colorfast, the 8'-tall umbrellas come in domed and flat versions measuring about 10' in diameter and with optional integrated seats and tables from the company’s Clique series.
Harvest Collection
Part of a new line of matching outdoor benches and tables from Landscape Forms, Harvest table is available with an optional 3200K LED mounted on top. Designers can specify standing- and dining-height versions with 6"- or 14"-tall tasklights. Like the tables, seating is made of extruded aluminum bolted to steel supports, topped with post-consumer plastic, and finished in a polyester-based powder coating in four bright colors, including Apple Red (shown).
Sakonnet Café Chair
Lothar Windels, chairman of RISD’s furniture department, designed a contract-friendly Windsor chair for O & G Studio. The 32"-tall, 16"-wide chair has a single spindle supporting its back, as opposed to the traditional two. Designers can specify it in ash with a choice of 19 stains.
Tova
The innovative feature of this table from Nucraft is a structural steel core beneath the top, enabling it to expand up to 20' without additional legs. A 45º chamfer along the top’s edges keeps its profile thin, despite the heft. Designers can route a power line discreetly through one leg to a central spine of outlets and USB ports. Tova also comes in 42"-, 48"-, 54"-, and 60"-square.
AT Task Chair (187 Range)
A self-centering suspension and side-tilt mechanism help to distinguish this new line of task chairs from Wilkhahn. The only visible controls are on backs and armrests. Designers can specify the plastic shell in black or white, 12 upholstery fabrics, three back heights, and in five finishes on the aluminum base.
QuickStand Eco
The latest innovation from ergonomic office-furniture maker Humanscale is a portable version of its popular sit/stand workstation. Built of aluminum, steel, and PVC-free plastic, the durable stand has a self-locking mechanism for stability and can support up to 35 pounds of equipment. Three versions accommodate a laptop, a combination keyboard and monitor, or a keyboard with dual monitors.
A-Frame
As a storage unit, a magnetic writing surface, and a space divider in one, A-Frame adds versatility in the office. The writable surface is made of a durable 3⁄16"-thick tempered low-iron glass that comes in 12 colors. Casters and the unit’s easy-to-manage size (40" wide x 73" high by 25" deep at base) enhance its mobility.
Kinzie
This hinged screen by HBF opens to a maximum 120º and allows for transparency, as well as privacy, because of its slat-filled aluminum frames. Panels come in two widths (34" and 48") and two heights (48" and 60"), with vertical ash or walnut slats in an array of finishes.
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