Latex is being hailed as a viable alternative to leather and plastic, thanks to its supple, second-skin-like quality. The material is harvested by tapping the bark of the rubber tree to draw out its liquid sap over several hours, making it plant-based and biodegradable.
However, the time-intensive process means pieces are often one-off or bespoke, which can drive up costs. Despite this, designers are experimenting with latex in various applications, from furniture to lighting, making it a great material for handcrafted home design.
Marsha Golemac, a creative director, chose to use latex for a simple stainless-steel screen to explore the boundaries between utility and allure. The semi-transparent latex lets users play with visibility, creating interesting silhouettes behind the material.
The screen is priced at £3,500 and can be found on marshagolemac.com. They are also experimenting with latex, using it to create unique lighting fixtures, such as Natalie Tischler‘s lamp, which features natural latex sheeting hooked through fish hooks to connect it to the metal frame.
Mai Rodtnes‘s Design Academy Eindhoven graduation project explores latex’s versatility in furniture design. According to Rodtnes, latex is most closely associated with fetish and fashion, but it has many applications in furniture design, including chairs and tables, making it a great material for convenient and versatile designs.
One such example is the ‘Milk’ bench, which comes with a hand-cast pure natural latex throw that serves as a cheeky accent point. The bench is priced at £3,600, including the latex throw. It is a unique piece of furniture that showcases the material’s potential.
Latex is also being used in accessories, such as a handmade bag by Climax, which has become a cult status symbol. The bag is priced at £150 and reflects Climax’s signature flirty brand ethos. They have managed to create a stylish and functional product using latex.
Emerging designer Beatrice Bonino has created a functional stool using latex, which features a punky, industrial look perfect for modern interiors. The price of the stool is available on application. The designers are experimenting with different applications of latex, including furniture and accessories.
Berlin-based designer Nazara Lázaro‘s ‘Cortina’ lamp features a white latex sheet in place of a shade, while stainless steel was used for the slender leg. The sculptural object makes a big statement when the light is switched on or off. The designers are using latex to create innovative and eye-catching pieces, such as this lamp.
The ‘Tremella’ armchair is another example of latex being used in furniture design, with a feminine take on the material. The armchair is priced at £26,500. It is a unique piece of furniture that showcases the material’s potential and versatility, much like ideal materials for house extension.
Key Designers and Their Latex Creations
- Marsha Golemac: stainless-steel screen with semi-transparent latex
- Natalie Tischler: lamp with natural latex sheeting
- Mai Rodtnes: chair exploring latex’s versatility in furniture design
- Climax: handmade latex bag
- Beatrice Bonino: functional stool with a punky, industrial look
- Nazara Lázaro: ‘Cortina’ lamp with a white latex sheet
With its unique properties and versatility, latex is becoming a popular choice for designers looking to create innovative and eye-catching pieces, and they will likely continue to experiment with it in the future.
