The best chainmail designs for the home, from stools to sconces
These pieces prove how the medieval armour has got the contemporary design pack in a choke hold
The worlds of fashion and high-end jewellery have a long, storied history with chainmail, but now the design world is taking note. Modern-day creatives are employing the linked metal rings to dress consoles and tables, form protective shields for lights and create unique chairs. Seriously unconventional but equally slinky, this trend is a crossover success as its popularity continues to march forward, amassing an army of devotees. Resistance is futile.
‘T SW’ small bookshelf, Mantas Lesauskas
We first came across this arresting design at Milan design week earlier this year, where it was on show at an exhibition dedicated to contemporary Baltic design. Taking cues from military design, the piece is partially covered in ‘ghostly’ metal chainmail, referencing the ways in which we shield, protect and conceal ourselves. Approx £5,492, galerijavartai.com
‘Chastity’ sconce, Studio S II
Studio S II’s ‘Chastity’ is all about contrast. The stainless steel cage encases a rippled glass light, which has been handblown to create its unique texture. Meanwhile, the light emits a soft, warm glow that is at odds with its precision-welded metal frame. Approx £1,730, studiosii.com
‘Grid Play #3’ floor lamp, LS Gomma
Industrial mesh is British-born, Paris-based designer LS Gomma’s material of choice and can be seen across his vases, lights and chairs. Every item embodies his signature punky, slightly avant-garde style and is handmade in his Paris studio. £4,650, maxradfordgallery.com
‘Chainmail’ camping stool, Panorammma
Though technically a camping stool, we’d advise against taking this work of art to a festival site this summer. Made from steel with nickel plating, it takes the humble furniture item and elevates it into a collectible, marrying practicality with innovation. Approx £1,500, panorammma.com
‘Chainlink’ outdoor chair, Jamps Studio
Everything London-based design duo Jamps Studio makes is hand crafted from recycled materials in their Greenwich workshops, making them an eco choice. In the case of the ‘Chainlink’ chair, anodised aluminium and galvanised steel have been used to make a durable, weather-resistant piece. £1,200, jamps.co.uk
‘Armor’ console table, Konekt Studio
Blink and you might miss the stainless steel chainmail detail that cloaks the legs of this minimalist console table. Designed by furniture and lighting studio Konekt, it is available in a variety of metals and finishes, as well as different chainmail finish options. Approx £11,750, konektstudio.com
‘Tapestry I (Peterson’s Magazine, 1888)’ wall hanging, Wretched Flowers
Whether you use this as a room divider or as a wall piece, it is sure to turn heads. Drawing inspiration from Wretched Flowers’ background in floristry, it features delicate florals that offset the harshness of the metal chains. Approx £8,950, wretchedflowers.com
‘Twisted Wire’ table by Zachary Besner
Canadian-born, upstate New York–based designer Zach Besner has a way with metal. For this statement coffee table, he individually twisted ropes of aluminium by hand, making the metal appear fluid. Approx £11,690, gallerysohe.com
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