Denim in design: sustainable furniture

Denim, long celebrated for its casual charm, has now taken the interior design world by storm as a chic and sustainable option. This iconic fabric is not only incredibly durable but also boasts a timeless aesthetic that can elevate any space. With its eco-friendly potential, denim is proving to be a fantastic choice for crafting stylish, sustainable furniture that makes a bold statement in your home.

From workwear to chic interiors

Once known for its rugged workwear, denim fabrics have surprisingly found their way into interior design. Initially used for practical purposes, such as covering wagon seats and workbenches, denim’s durability and practicality made it an ideal choice.

As denim’s popularity grew, it became a symbol of hard work and utility. Its strong texture made it a favored choice for laborers. By the late 20th century, denim evolved into a fashion statement embraced by all demographics. Its distinct indigo color and durability also made it a suitable option for home décor and upholstery. In the 1990s, designers began to experiment with denim as a material for furniture, appreciating not only its strength but also its casual, lived-in aesthetic.

Denim has become a stylish and sustainable alternative to traditional upholstery in the furniture industry. Known for its durability and resistance to wear, denim enhances the appeal of furniture pieces like sofas and ottomans. Many manufacturers upcycle old denim, converting discarded jeans into new items, which supports sustainable design.

Its versatility allows denim to suit various styles, from rustic to modern. Rich indigo hues create statement pieces, while lighter washes offer a contemporary feel. Denim is also practical for high-traffic areas, as it resists fading and stains, making it a popular choice for families and businesses. Overall, denim combines aesthetic appeal with long-lasting comfort.

Advantages of denim furniture

Denim can be a sustainable choice for several reasons:

• Recycling: using discarded jeans and denim scraps helps minimize waste and reduces the need for virgin materials
• Durability: denim’s inherent strength ensures that furniture lasts longer, decreasing the need for frequent replacements and lowering manufacturing and disposal’s environmental impact. Comfort can be enhanced by adding padding or by combining denim with softer materials
• Natural dyes: some denim manufacturers are exploring natural dyes, further enhancing the material’s eco-friendliness

Denim’s versatility is also evident in its various applications in furniture design, including:

• Upholstery: denim can be used to upholster sofas, chairs, and even headboards, adding a touch of rustic charm. Denim is also appreciated as an upholstery fabric for its easy maintenance, as it is machine washable without requiring any special treatment
• Structural elements: denim can be incorporated into the furniture’s structure by wrapping frames or creating unique weaves for chair seats
• Accent pieces: denim is suitable for creating accent pieces such as ottomans, poufs, and decorative pillows

Finally, the lasting appeal of denim in the design industry is enhanced by its timeless aesthetic. The classic blue color and unique texture of denim add an authentic feel to a variety of spaces and styles, from industrial and rustic to modern and contemporary. This versatility contributes to its popularity among designers. Through various treatments—such as washes, dyes, and distressing—designers infuse furniture pieces with a sense of warmth and character that resembles the lived-in quality of a favorite pair of jeans. Additionally, denim develops a timeless look over time, allowing it to adapt to different interior styles seamlessly.

The Busnelli collaboration

Our collaboration with DONDUP and Busnelli exemplifies the intersection of denim and design. We partnered to reinterpret two of Busnelli’s most iconic armchairs, the Armadillo and Fiocco, using denim fabrics. These pieces debuted in 2019 during Milano Design Week at our store located in Piazza Mentana, 3.

This collaboration is founded on shared values such as sustainability and innovation, resulting in products that feature unique and cutting-edge aesthetics. We emphasize continuous research and development processes while prioritizing the reduction of both environmental and social impact. This commitment is reflected in the upholstery of Busnelli’s armchairs, which are covered with the D/zero denim that we created in partnership with DONDUP.

DONDUP is a leading brand in the premium denim sector. The D/zero project sets out to embark on a 100% Made in Italy sustainable journey, focusing on traceable and certified washes and finishing processes, as well as exclusive fabric treatments designed to minimize the consumption of water, energy, and chemicals in the production of denim garments.

Busnelli is a furniture design brand that harmonizes tradition with innovation and craftsmanship with industrialization. Some of its pieces have made significant contributions to design history and are featured in major museums around the world. Notable examples include the Armadillo and Fiocco chairs designed by Gianni Pareschi, the latter of which is part of the permanent collection at MoMA in New York.

The Armadillo armchair was designed in 1969 and is characterized by its curved tubular metal frame, which is covered by plush, handcrafted cushions that define the shape of the seat. The name Armadillo comes from the way the fabric is folded, reminiscent of the armadillo’s features. The cross-stitching, done with either tone-on-tone or contrasting threads, creates a refined geometric pattern.

The Fiocco armchair, designed in 1970, is an iconic piece of radical design. It features two parallel metal profiles that are highlighted by an aerodynamic form, creating wide and flowing lines that guide the eye to explore the surrounding space. The armchair is defined by its vitality, originality, and technological influences, enhancing any room it occupies. Its curved tubular metal structure is typically covered with stretch fabric, which can be easily removed and replaced with a different material.

Sustainable materials

Denim is an excellent material for designing sustainable furniture. It is durable, easily recyclable, and often made with preferred cotton fibers, such as organic, regenerative, and Better Cotton. Additionally, denim furniture can utilize recycled fabrics, like upcycled jeans transformed into ottomans.

Beyond denim, other materials can also be used to create sustainable furniture, including wood, bamboo, recycled plastics, and natural fibers.

Wood has long been a staple in the furniture industry, used to make tables, chairs, cabinets, shelving, and many other pieces. To ensure that the wood comes from responsibly managed forests, look for certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Furthermore, reclaimed wood gives new life to old timber, which can include salvaged lumber from demolished buildings, recycled pallets, or even old shipping crates.

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, making it a highly renewable resource. It is surprisingly strong and durable, making it suitable for various furniture pieces such as chairs, tables, flooring, and decorative accents.

Recycled plastics help reduce the environmental impact of plastic products by diverting waste from landfills and oceans, giving these materials a second life. Recycled plastics are often extremely durable and weather-resistant, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor furniture, such as chairs, tables, and decorative items.

Natural fibers like jute, hemp, and linen are great options for eco-friendly upholstery, cushions, rugs, and sheets. Jute is strong, durable, and naturally resistant to moisture, commonly used for upholstery and ropes. Hemp is also a strong and durable fiber, similar to jute, but with a slightly coarser texture. Linen, on the other hand, is soft, breathable, and durable, often used for upholstery and bedding.

When selecting furniture made from these materials, it is essential to research the specific brand and its sourcing practices. Look for certifications and transparent information about their sustainability efforts. Additional tips for sustainable furniture shopping, which are also applicable to the textile and fashion industries, include:

• Buy secondhand: give pre-loved furniture a new home
• Support local artisans: choose handcrafted pieces with unique stories
• Invest in quality: well-made furniture lasts longer, reducing waste