In pictures: Felt like you've never seen before
Recently though, interior designers, architects and furniture makers have been using the age-old material in bold new ways, turning it into something rich, dramatic and luxurious.
Freyja Sewell’s Hush pod is made with a single sheet of all-wool felt, hand-stitched with wool yarn and lined with felt pillows (stuffed with recycled wool fibres). The young British designer worked with wool for its durability, breathability and sustainable attributes (not to mention its snuggyness). The piece is meant to open and close like a morning glory, transforming from a high-backed chair into a mini-den for napping. freyjasewell.co.uk
The Felt Store is an online emporium that sells both raw materials and ready-made products. Since starting five years ago, the Mississauga-based business has seen a sharp growth in felt’s popularity. Its colourful wall clocks might have something to do with it. Embossed with the initials of North American cities, the timepieces are modern, eye-catching and, above all, fun. feltstore.com
Cappellini’s Capo chair is all about coziness. The deep, cocoon-like shell is all the more enveloping because of the soft felt upholstery on the seat – an effect that is heightened by the cool, black leather finish on the exterior.handout
Remember that scene from American Beauty where Mena Suvari is hovering over a bed of roses? Well this headboard, in a show suite designed by Toronto firm Cecconi Simone for the new Monde condo development, is basically that. Except the petals are made of ruffled felt, so will last a lot longer than mere flowers.
Walter’s recent collaboration with architect Heather Dubbeldam gave a modern fireplace surround a retro, angel-stone effect (only better, because the felt is easy to vacuum, so it won’t get as dusty). Felt, says Walter, not only helps dampen sound but is also fire-resistant. feltstudio.com