The young German designer Meike Harde explores new upholstery methods in her seating series "Zieharsofika." The project turns simple materials into expressive seats: wooden stools and benches fitted with flat rubber-foam mats, elastic bands, and folded cushions that become three-dimensional forms.
Wooden stools with uniform, cushion-like folds
In conventional upholstery, wrinkles and waves are usually hidden. Harde does the opposite: she makes the folds visible and treats them as the main visual feature. They become the focal point and play a decisive role in the look of the wooden stools.
Wooden stools and benches with easily replaceable cushions
Meike Harde demonstrates an inventive use of textile materials. The project relies on familiar components: wooden frames, flat foam mats, and elastic bands. The cushions are rectangular or square, while the simple bench-like substructure provides stability. Stools and wooden benches can be taken apart and reassembled quickly, making the design playful, practical, and resource-conscious. The wooden frames can be reused, and worn cushions can be replaced.
Foam mats arranged in even folds
Benches and wooden stools can be transformed into different seating shapes. Soft foam mats are fixed to the wooden frames with colorful rubber bands, so no permanent connection is needed. The bands hold the folds in place, and the colors give the pieces a modern, welcoming presence.
Stool with draped upholstery
Furniture series "Zieharsofika" with wooden frames
A simple seat with an ornamental surface
The folded Zieharsofika stool
Folds held by rubber bands
Zieharsofika stool with uniform folds by Meike Harde
Foam mats shaped into seats
Folded upholstery by Meike Harde
miranda_shida
Peter Dark
Anna Lohan
Theresa V. Adams
