How can we make our furniture in the most sustainable way possible? At Thorsønn, we have been asking ourselves this question for years. Our made to order business model, domestic production line and focus on longevity already give us a head start. Through an experimental practise we explore the reuse of textiles and wood-based materials, investigate local supply chains and collaborate with research institutions on an on-going project about sustainable furniture production.
Re-Box Sofa
The Re-Box Sofa is the first piece of our original collection that we have remade in recycled and reused materials. The frame is made from reused plywood, while the upholstery is 100% recycled polyester and PFAS-free. The Re-Box Sofa can also be upholstered in surplus fabric. The sofa is based on our classic Indeks Box Sofa design, see more pictures and a price estimate here:
Thorsønn x Kupp
The Soft Table is designed in collaboration with Kupp Tekstil, an Oslo-based retailer for surplus upholstery fabrics. All parts, except the screws and thread, are made from surplus or reused materials. The inside can be an old cabinet door or a discarded piece of particle board, then carefully upholstered in high quality surplus upholstery fabrics. The tops are made of any suitable material we have available at the time of production, from marble to terrazzo to wood. See more pictures and a price estimate here:
We recently finished the research pre-project “From Cradle to Cradle — Our circular sofa”, where we collaborated with the Norwegian Institute for Sustainability Research. The project layed the groundwork for further exploration on how to make Norway’s most sustainable sofa. We are continuing to collaborate with research institutions and now dedicate twenty percent of our own time to research.
In addition to more knowledge and insight, new partnerships and fresh ideas, the pre-project resulted in the report Rethinking Furniture: A Pre-Study on Sustainable Sofa Design and Production. The report is available to read here:
Through the years, we have experimented with different ways of reusing leftover materials in new designs. One of our longest running projects has been about reusing post-production wool scraps. Wool is a fantastic natural resource and should be used to its full potential.
Thorsønn x Lillunn
After attending a workshop intended to spark new ideas to reduce post-production waste in the fashion industry, we got a large stock of lambswool offcuts from Norwegian fashion house Lillunn. From this beautiful material, we made our Fille Collection; rugs, blankets, pillows, trivets, oven mitts and seating pads. Learn more about each product in the Fille Collection here:
Waste Reduction
Because our sofas are square and leather comes in a cow shape, the upholstering process naturally leaves behind off-cuts. Rather than letting this material go to waste, we designed the Fille Puffen; an accessory made from surplus leather from our own furniture production. The patchworked scraps give each Fille Puffen a distinctive and original character. This labour-intensive technique transforms leftover material into a functional piece of art.
Local craftsmanship
All Thorsønn furniture is produced within a 1.5-hour drive from Oslo. This is both a socially and environmentally sustainable choice. We know that our craftspeople work under good conditions and are paid a living wage, and the short distance between us and our factories keeps transportation to a minimum. An added benefit is the close involvement we have in the making process. Collaborating with local craftspeople allows for clear communication, greater transparency, and a shared commitment to responsible and sustainable production.
“Maximising product lifetime should always be the primary goal of sustainability efforts. Longer product life spans lead to reduced material throughput and less waste generation.”
Rethinking Furniture: A Pre-Study on Sustainable Sofa Design and Production
Maintenance and Repair
No one likes to tiptoe around their furniture, which is why Thorsønn makes furniture that enhances the activities of your family. We use quality materials and traditional craftsmanship to encourage a repair practice instead of replacing. Joints can get loose, wood can get scratched or fabric stained, but Thorsønn is here to help keep your furniture beautiful. Whether that be tightening joints, sanding and re-staining, or replacing the stained panel on a cushion; together we can repair and maintain your Thorsønn furniture for your family and future.
Refurbishing
In addition to designing our own furniture, Thorsønn also source, refurbish and reupholster old furniture classics in collaboration with skilled craftspeople. We carefully select high-quality fabrics, leather, and finishes that enhance each piece and ensure it can continue to be enjoyed for years to come. Sometimes the perfect chair is one already designed, and we are proud to help keep these pieces in the loop.
