SQUARE CHAIR: A Well-Designed Kid's Chair Made of Natural Wood

Designed by KIDS DESIGN LABO

Many children’s chairs made of melamine and plastic are often seen in the market. But these artificial materials are chosen just for adults to clean easily, not for children. Children should touch, feel and know the genuine things in the important early time for their future. So, natural wood materials which have good texture and smell are used, and also those materials give stimulus to develop their body and brain.

SQUARE CHAIR is a kid’s chair, made of natural wood and with natural oil finishing. It’s designed by KIDS DESIGN LABO (KDL) with the idea that the things which children experience, see touch and use at the early stage of their lives need to be very well designed. We want children to know and appreciate genuine things. SQUARE CHAIR is designed as a standard product of KDL and its simple design matches any spaces. It has 4 sizes, XS, S, M and L so that children can choose according their growth.

All furniture is made of only natural wood and with natural painting. In most of children’s furniture, synthetic resin or artificial paintings are used for its maintenance, productivity and durability. It’s certain that wood is sensitive and easy to scratched, but it's important children know and appreciate the genuine things, and how to take good care of things. So the color, texture, and pattern which the wood has in itself are kept as what they are, to make the most of.

With this chair, children can enjoy the variability in color and weight. After children use this chair made of natural wood for several years, the color gets aged and dark. In rainy days, children may notice a little change of weight. It’s happened only by the natural wood. This chair can be used for a long time with good maintenance because the stain of the wood can be removed by polishing and painted in natural oil again. It gives children chances to learn how to maintain and make things last.

SQUARE CHAIR is a testament to the research conducted by Masato Nishimoto from Fukui University, Japan, on the effect of wooden interiors on childcare. Wooden interiors provide warmth and calmness with their natural texture and pleasant smell. They also teach children the importance of taking care of things and keeping them clean. The sensitivity of wood to scratches encourages children to handle things gently and avoid causing harm. It instills a sense of responsibility and teaches them how to maintain and preserve their belongings.

KIDS DESIGN LABO faced a creative challenge in designing SQUARE CHAIR. Instead of opting for a rounded corner to prevent children from getting injured, they chose to keep the sharp corner and angular design. This non-overprotective design approach aims to help children learn to prevent themselves from danger and develop a sense of caution. It prepares them for the real world where they will encounter potential hazards.

SQUARE CHAIR, designed by KIDS DESIGN LABO, is a well-crafted kid's chair that prioritizes the use of natural wood and a simple, timeless design. It not only provides children with a comfortable and durable seating option but also teaches them to appreciate genuine materials and take care of their belongings. With its range of sizes, SQUARE CHAIR grows with the child, ensuring a perfect fit at every stage. This award-winning design is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of KIDS DESIGN LABO.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Taku Hibino
Image Credits: Toru Kometani, studio BAUHAUS
Project Team Members: KIDS DESIGN LABO
Project Name: SQUARE
Project Client: Taku Hibino


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