I have to say, I find it strange that so many pieces of furniture similar to the Bookshelf chair have popped up in the last little while. The reason I find the Bookshelf chair and those like it strange is because of the growing popularity of e-readers and tablets.
The Bookshelf chair shows that books are still very much prevalent in modern society and that designers do not see them diminishing any time soon. Although people may be living in an era of rapid technological advancements, they are also a nostalgic generation that appreciates the past.
Created by Beijing-based designer Wenshuai Liu, the Bookshelf chair is simple enough to complement any living interior.
Minimal Mantle Seating
Wenshuai Liu's Bookshelf Chair Shows that Paper Novels are Still Revelant
Trend Themes
1. Nostalgic Furniture - Designing furniture with careful appreciation of traditional styles while keeping the functionality of modern elements would create a niche market for those who seek familiarity and warm memories.
2. Paper Book Appreciation - As digital books take over the mainstream market, designing furniture that showcases people's love for physical paper books is a novel way to merge antiquity with modernity.
3. Multipurpose Furniture - Creating furniture that serves more than one purpose, can optimize living space and cater to people's needs in a way that is both fashionable and functional.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture - The fusion of traditional and modern elements in furniture designs will appeal to a larger market, and the creation of multipurpose furniture can optimize living space.
2. Publishing - Creating furniture that appreciates the aesthetic and tactile experience of physical books is a way to keep readers engaged and cultivates a love for physical books, likely increasing physical book sales.
3. Interior Design - Designing furniture that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences while keeping in mind the importance of space optimization and functionality, is an opportunity for interior designers to cater to a large, diverse market.