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Join the fold as pleats become a big trend in homeware
Seen on everything from sideboards to pendant lights, cushions to dining tables, this is a look that’s easy to adopt
Pleats, which the late Issey Miyake employed so brilliantly in fashion, began filtering into homeware and furniture at the tail end of last year with creatives including Paola Navone producing designer crimped pieces, such as her ‘Plissé Table’ for Midj. Since then, designers have given materials like steel and glass the folding treatment, proving that pleats needn’t be constrained to garments on the runway. Read on for our edit of the best pleated items out now.
‘Container’ sideboard by E-ggs for Miniforms
Corrugated fold-out doors make ‘Container’ by E-ggs a nifty sideboard that will cleverly hide your everyday clutter. The fact that it can be purchased in three sizes and any of Miniform’s colour options makes it ideal for both large and small spaces. £4,270, gomodern.co.uk
‘Ombo Glass Candlestick’, Issy Granger
Not just a pretty candlestick, these borosilicate glass numbers are a masterpiece in ancient craft. Designed by Issy and handblown by artisans in Cairo, it draws on Egypt’s rich history of glassblowing – a craft that has been passed through generations. £38, issygranger.com
‘The Pleat’ pendant light, Emma Gurner
Interior designer Emma Gurner’s winning combination of bold colour and retro style imbues this lighting collection with hints of nostalgia. This hanging ceiling pendant – perfect for illuminating the dining table – is made from steel painted in burnt orange with a pale pink interior. £329, houseof.com
‘Pleated Starburst’ trivet, Our Place
The ridges in Our Place’s stoneware trivet aren't just to make it look pretty; rather the pleated design allows increased airflow between hot food and your kitchen surfaces. At ten inches in diameter, it’s also larger than your average trivet, meaning you can place this season’s sharing bowls down hassle-free. £30, nordstrom.com
‘Table Lamp Pleated for Frank’, Folkform
Linen has been expertly hand folded into sharp pleats to form ‘Table Lamp Pleated for Frank’ by Folkform for Svenkst Tenn, which is part of a wider range comprised of two table lamps and a series of lampshades. Josef Frank’s well-known prints, ‘Aristidia’, ‘Brazil’ (pictured) and ‘Poisons’ have been embossed onto Svenskt Tenn’s linens for the collection. Approx £1,060 for lamp and shade, svenskttenn.com
‘Cary Silk Square Cushion’, Ginger Lily
Designed and made in the UK by Ginger Lily, the ‘Cary’ Pink square cushion comes in classic candy pink or sky blue stripes on an ivory background. A whimsical seven-centimetre pleated ruffle borders the range. £165, gingerlily.co.uk
‘Stool with valance’, Georgia Merrit
All seating looks better wrapped in a frilly skirt. This sentiment is keenly felt by Goldsmiths graduate Georgia Merritt, who created this stainless steel stool, which is adorned with a chic pleated cotton valance. £2,200, mkardana.com
‘Plissé Table’, Midj
With a base pleated much like a fan, Paola Navone’s sculptural ‘Plissé Table’ makes a statement no matter what room it occupies. Every lacquered metal table comes with a round top in either veneered wood, crystal ceramic or marble. £5,674, galleriaitalia.it
‘Flounce-trimmed shower curtain’, H&M
Perhaps the item that’s most similar to a delicately pleated piece of clothing, this shower curtain has a wide flounce at the hem that brings a fanciful element to the bathroom. Made from a water-repellent polyester with eyelets at the top for hanging, it’s easy to install and made to last. £24.99, hm.com
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