Crate lounge chair by Gerrit Rietveld

“The Crate lounge sofa features low proportions, a slightly reclined back and seat, and supportive armrests; it is crafted from solid pine with a water-based lacquer finish in a range of colors.”: HAY

The 1934 armchair expanded into a two-seater, 134.5 cm, added by HAY and Rietveld Originals in 2024. The folding cushion is available in this size.

Pine and water-based lacquer

Each piece is made of solid pine: HAY writes solid pinewood on all product sheets: protected by a water-based lacquer, which is transparent on the natural version and tinted on the other four. HAY explains its choice of water-based lacquer: it “emits fewer volatile organic compounds than standard PU lacquer” and “was developed to match the durability of traditional PU finishes.” The series is intended for outdoor use, “suitable for a wide range of outdoor environments,” and is delivered flat-packed, with standard gliders. Five finishes: natural, white, London fog (a warm grey), iron red, and black.

Crate, Gerrit Rietveld’s crate furniture

In 1934, Gerrit Rietveld designed a chair using planks from shipping crates: reclaimed wood, visible joinery, and an assembly plan anyone could follow. HAY summarizes the origin: “originally designed to utilize surplus wooden shipping crates.” The series was sold at the time as “weekend furniture” by the Amsterdam department store Metz & Co, recalls Titus Darley of Rietveld Originals. HAY reissued it in 2023 with Rietveld Originals: armchair, chair, coffee table, and side table first, then the sofa, bench, and dining table in 2024. Rolf Hay, co-founder of the company: “It is hard to imagine something closer to our design values, because Rietveld’s mission was really to create a cool, affordable, and accessible range of furniture for everyone.”