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Self-assembly Shares 5 New Furniture DIY Projects

We’ve talked about it before and plan to keep talking about it: product life cycles are decreasing while resource consumption continues to increase. The catch is that our human needs, as they relate products for the home, are not changing. As we continue to inform both ourselves and our readers as much as possible about where products we feature come from and how they’re made, Self-assembly is a font of information. It’s both a platform for designers and a resource for the rest of us, inspired by concerns within the design industry and cultural critics in regards to the social and ecological issues of today. Self-assembly encourages self-production of all kinds, along with critical thought on design, consumption and production.

sideview of bench

Simple Joinery Long Bench

Last year, we wrote about the seven DIY modern chairs that Self-assembly released detailed instructions for – including photos – free of charge. We’re happy to share that they’ve published five more furniture designs this Spring! For this collection, Ian Anderson focused on an essential concept of furniture production: joinery. Each of the new pieces utilize joinery in an approachable way that’s broken down into steps, with assembly taking one to two days to complete. Purchase materials through Self-assembly’s site or wherever you’d like. If you’re interested in taking on a Summer project or in a broader approach to sustainability, we can’t recommend looking into Self-assembly more.

top view of bench

Simple Joinery Long Bench

The Simple Joinery Long Bench efficiently uses wood, keeping costs down. You can even change its length with a quick measurement. Anderson recommends using a hardwood, like poplar or cherry, for the best end result.

bench being built

Simple Joinery Long Bench assembly

daybed

Simple Joinery Daybed

The Simple Joinery Daybed shares its design with the Long Bench, using modified steps for its assembly. Tension straps give this cot-like piece a timeless, functional appeal that won’t soon fade.

top view of daybed

Simple Joinery Daybed

side chair

Simple Joinery Side Chair

The Simple Joinery Side Chair features a sturdy frame using glue and dowel pins. Like the Long Bench and Daybed, heavy cotton tension straps make it a very comfortable seat.

side chair

Simple Joinery Side Chair

side chair being built

Simple Joinery Side Chair assembly

stool

Simple Joinery Scrap Wood Stool

A collage of a piece, the Simple Joinery Scrap Wood Stool is the perfect thing to make to use up leftovers. Modern joinery techniques and organic form, along with the use of a few fun tools, make its assembly fast.

stool

Simple Joinery Scrap Wood Stool

top view of stool

Simple Joinery Scrap Wood Stool

table

Simple Joinery Dining Table

It’s interesting to read Anderson’s comments about the evolution of the design of the Simple Joinery Dining Table. He speaks about aesthetics versus structural tradeoffs, and how rewarding assembly can be.

table

Simple Joinery Dining Table

table

Simple Joinery Dining Table

table being built

Simple Joinery Dining Table assembly

To learn more about Self-assembly’s Spring 2021 collection, visit self-assembly.org.

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.