Tobias Lounge

A low lounge chair in steam-bent European ash, with a heavy canvas sling and brass hardware. One-off commission for a private client.

The Tobias Lounge began as a request for a chair “to read a long book in.” The client wanted something that committed to a posture — not a do-everything armchair — and was willing to give up versatility for the right one.

We landed on a low, slightly reclined sling: deep enough to sink into without being a sofa about it, and short-armed so a forearm could rest on a knee while turning a page.

Construction

The frame is a single continuous loop of steam-bent European ash, pinned at the back where the curve meets itself. The sling is a double-layer of 12 oz duck canvas, finished with hand-rolled hems and brass grommets that take the strain off the fabric.

There is no hardware visible from the user-facing side of the chair. Brass pins are countersunk into the ash and capped with matching wood plugs; the sling threads through internal channels routed into the frame.

Production

Bent in batches of three at a small steam-bending shop outside Aveiro. Sling sewn by a local upholsterer who’s done the studio’s textile work since 2022. Final finish — Danish oil followed by a light wax — done in the studio. Each chair takes about three weeks from rough lumber to crate.

The piece is not in production. The client owns the design; a small number of additional units may be made on commission.

Pinned ash joint at the back of the loop. Brass pin countersunk and capped with a matching plug.
The sling threads through internal channels routed into the frame. Brass grommets at each suspension point.
In situ, with a Bramble side table within easy reach.