The world of work is changing. Offices are changing. Not only has working from home become commonplace, but numerous work and social spaces are also becoming more welcoming, emphasising natural materials, solid craftsmanship, design, and durability to create environments where people feel comfortable. Gemla, the renowned furniture brand with a workshop in Småland, Sweden, presented a broad spectrum of both classic and new products at the Orgatec trade show for the first time. These pieces combine the traditional craftsmanship of steam-bending wood with modern, contemporary Swedish design.
Gemla not only furnishes offices but also creates welcoming spaces in restaurants, bars, hotels, and event venues worldwide. For example, some installations can be found in the wine bar at KaDeWe in Berlin, a project by Philippe Starck in New York City, and Sony's office. Sustainability is a core value for the brand, including options for clients to return aged furniture for complete restoration. Private homes also appreciate these well-crafted, durable products from Sweden. Below is a selection of new and classic Gemla products for public spaces, restaurants, bars, hotels, and conference rooms.
The design of the new GEMYT bentwood armchair by Sami Kallio is based on a strong backrest formed from a single piece of solid, steam-bent beech wood. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the chair combines soft organic shapes with the structure of the backrest. The seat is upholstered with a rich, natural filling of horsehair and wool, and covered in vegetable-tanned leather from Tärnsjö. This robust and comfortable armchair is ideal for restaurants or other public spaces.
The new ZINC bar stool, made of solid ash and designed by Mathieu Gustafsson, features a unique construction where each part is steam-bent from originally straight wood. The stool's sweeping back legs flow seamlessly into the backrest, forming both the back and armrest. The footrest introduces a fresh look, with an oval-shaped wooden ring for added durability and a recessed wear surface made of solid aluminium sand casting for graceful ageing. The seat is upholstered with horsehair and wool and covered in Tärnsjö leather. As with all Gemla products, colours can be customised to suit each project.
Gemla's iconic VILDA chair by Jonas Bohlin will also be on display in various versions in Cologne. Vilda is a classic café chair with a modern design that pairs the simplicity of bentwood with a contemporary aesthetic. This chair embodies a 40-year love affair between Jonas Bohlin and bentwood craftsmanship.
CATTELIN is one of Gemla's most classic and robust armchairs, designed in 1948 by Axel Kandell for the Cattelin restaurant in Stockholm. With its solid, fully bent construction, CATTELIN is virtually indestructible and is one of Gemla's best-selling chairs. Legend has it that the designer threw the chair from the third floor to demonstrate its durability, and it held up. Made from solid beech wood, CATTELIN has a comfortable seat with horsehair and certified wool padding.
COLLAGE, designed by the Swedish design studio Front in 2013, offers an exciting blend of traditional bentwood techniques and a modern aesthetic with hand-stitched leather details. Its sturdy steam-bent ash construction and robust, vegetable-tanned leather make it ideal for high-use environments. The chair is as comfortable as it is lightweight and made from natural materials that age beautifully.
The new VIDE series of coat racks, designed by Javier Masa, features solid, steam-bent beech wood and is suitable for hotel rooms, restaurants, and residential spaces. The small sculptural stand, or valet, was specifically designed for high-end restaurants, where it can be placed next to the table to serve as a "servant," allowing guests to hang items like handbags.
NORDIC, created by the design duo Sami Kallio & Jakob Thau, is a lightweight yet sturdy bar stool that merges traditional craftsmanship with modern design. NORDIC is made from solid ash sourced from certified European forests.
HOF is an elegant and durable bar stool that can withstand the toughest conditions. Thanks to its timeless design, HOF is a popular classic found in numerous award-winning restaurant settings. Its solid, welded steel frame provides excellent balance and durability for generations to come.
More information:
Gemla
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www.gemlaab.se