# Concealed Convertible Seating Jonah Rappaport's Silhouette Chair Has Concealed Altering Hardware By Amy Duong | Published 2026-05-26 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silhouette-chair References: [competition.adesignaward](https://competition.adesignaward.com/ada-winner-design.php?ID=177693)  Designer Jonah Rappaport created the Silhouette chair as a [convertible seating system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybla-seating-system) that shifts between an armchair, lounge chair, and chaise longue configuration through concealed internal mechanisms. The project combines [layered Baltic birch plywood](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mt-chair) with rotating structural components that reposition the headrest and legrest into load-bearing supports during transformation. Rappaport fabricated the chair over four months at [Yale University’s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dramatic-arts-building) wood and metal workshops before the project received recognition through the A’ Design Award 2025–2026 program. Silhouette integrates concealed locking components within the base while maintaining a continuous sculptural plywood exterior without exposed hardware or auxiliary framing. The chair includes adjustable armrests, an adjustable backrest, and metal-to-metal moving connections assembled without permanent glued joints. Rappaport laser-cut, hand-routed, sanded, stained, threaded, welded, and finished the wood and metal components individually before assembly. A black stain finish and clear polyurethane coating unify the layered plywood structure. Image Credit: Jonah Rappaport ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 8% | Freshness: 78% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Concealed Mechanical Systems:** Hidden mechanical systems enable products with seamless exteriors that mask complex motion, creating new expectations for invisible functionality in everyday objects. - **Convertible Multi-mode Seating:** Seating that reconfigures between distinct ergonomic modes within a single form factor offers opportunities for compact living and adaptive spatial solutions. - **Precision Wood-and-metal Craftsmanship:** High-precision joinery and metal-to-metal connections within layered timber structures create durable, repairable alternatives to glued or molded mass-produced components. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Contract Furniture Manufacturing:** Public and commercial furnishing suppliers could differentiate offerings by integrating concealed conversion mechanics to meet flexible use and aesthetic demands of shared spaces. - **Hospitality and Contract Interiors:** Hotels and premium lounges stand to benefit from adaptable seating that maintains a sculptural look while serving multiple guest needs in compact footprints. - **Aerospace and Automotive Interiors:** Transportation cabin designers may adopt compact convertible seating mechanisms to optimize passenger comfort and space efficiency without exposed hardware. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sophisticated Wood Surface Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wood-surface.md) - [Nervous System Regulation Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nervous-system-regulation.md) - [Modern Wood Furniture Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unform-studio1.md) - [Rounded Armchair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bosco-armchair.md) - [Apartment Design Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/italian-radical-design.md) - [Modular Outdoor Lifestyle Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bote-mule-series.md) - [Slatted Folding Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/theo-folding-chair.md) - [Modular Kids Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocco.md) - [Branded Photo Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/field-trip-1.md)