kettalplumon

a padded dress on wood

The concept is dressing and undressing. Urquiola separated the frame from its upholstery: the structure is rigid wood, and the cover is a tailored piece that fits over it with a few simple movements. Kettal describes the dress as moored to the frame, a fitting word for a family meant for terraces. Because it goes on and off with little effort, it is easier to handle outdoors than fixed upholstery.

The ribs are channels of stitched padding. They give the pieces their look, and they also do the work of comfort, spreading support across the seat and back. Fit decides the form here, the way a good jacket depends on its cut more than on trim. Up close, the lines of stitching are the main detail, and very little else has been added.

Two fabrics are named for the covers. Tonale Lino is solution-dyed acrylic, where the color is locked into the fiber before weaving, so sunlight fades it slowly. Tonale Boucle blends solution-dyed acrylic with polyester for a looped, textured surface. The frames are teak or iroko, dense woods that handle outdoor use and turn a soft gray over time if they are left unoiled.

Plumon is a compact family. The sofa and chair form a small lounge, and two side tables finish it: one round, one square in glass and ceramic. It suits a covered porch, a garden room or a sheltered corner of a terrace, where the padded forms are seen up close. For buyers who want Kettal patio furniture with an upholstered, indoor feel, it is one of the softest options.

A quilted cover, wrapped around a wooden frame.