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Rethink the Norm With These Two Jumbo Chairs

There’s always room for more irreverent whimsy in the world! Jumbo, a New York City design practice founded by friends Justin Donnelly and Monling Lee, seemingly agree. The brand produces objects and environments guided by an interest in reductivism. As a result of the duo’s less is more approach, Jumbo’s projects are simultaneously technical in execution and joyful in design. In 2023, they released two seating designs that stand out for their creativity and questioning of the norm: the Snow Fence Chair and the Foldont Chair.

abstract chair made of bright orange snow fencing

Snow Fence Chair

Shown at ‘Local Objects’ at International Objects in April 2023, the Snow Fence Chair came into existence during the pandemic. At the time, inexpensive materials such as snow fence were put to use cordoning off areas – from outdoor seating to streets that were suddenly pedestrian-only. The Snow Fence Chair continues to explore the boundaries that surround the use of the material by reimagining the flexible polypropylene as a fixed loveseat.

abstract chair made of bright orange snow fencing

Snow Fence Chair

abstract chair made of bright orange snow fencing

Snow Fence Chair

detail of abstract chair made of bright orange snow fencing

Snow Fence Chair

wood chair shaped like a folding chair but not foldable

Foldont Chair

At first glance, you’ll likely guess that the Foldont Chair is an exaggerated folding chair – but that’s not the case. First shown at the Sight Unseen Collection in May 2023, it was created as a response to AI. Playfully utilitarian in form, it follows the expected shape, replacing metal and thin wood in favor of thick wood and birdseye veneer to create a static place to sit.

wood chair shaped like a folding chair but not foldable

Foldont Chair

wood chairs shaped like a folding chair but not foldable in an office environment

Foldont Chair

To learn more about the Snow Fence Chair or the Foldont Chair, visit jumbo.nyc.

Snow Fence Chair photography by Sean Davidson.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.