nuts + bolts exhibition in NYC shows hardware store supplies as DIY chairs, tables and lamps

"Running until October 5th, 2025, the second edition of the exhibition focuses on design made from hardware store materials by 24 designers, including Fort Standard, Christian Borger, Office of Tangible Space, and outgoing. Each of them was asked to make a piece of furniture or home decor using only items that can be sourced from a local hardware store, and the brief allowed only a small amount of lumber without any use of 3D printing or parts bought from online industrial suppliers."

"On-site, the materials used include PVC pipes, gutter parts, soil tampers, clamps, nuts, bolts, street brooms, chain link fence gates, tarps, and aluminum thresholds. By using these materials, the designers show how utilitarian products can be repurposed into finished furniture and objects. The project is organized by Available Items co-founder Chad Phillips, who explains that the aim is to explore design thinking as well as the use of everyday materials."

"Repurposed finished furniture takes the center stage inside the NUTS + BOLTS exhibition in NYC. The design store and gallery presents the modular floor lamp by Christian Borger that uses ceiling louvers, which are usually flat panels placed in ceiling grids. It shares the same space with the Office of Tangible Space's Street Broom Stool, a seat that uses wooden broom handles for the legs and frame, while the broom bristles provide the main seating space."

NUTS + BOLTS assembles 24 designers to produce furniture and home decor using only items available at local hardware stores, permitting minimal lumber and banning 3D printing and industrial online parts. The show presents chairs, tables, and lamps fabricated from PVC pipes, gutter parts, soil tampers, clamps, nuts, bolts, street brooms, chain-link fence gates, tarps, and aluminum thresholds. Notable works include Christian Borger's modular floor lamp with ceiling louvers, the Office of Tangible Space's Street Broom Stool, and Fort Standard's Catch & Release lamp combining a soil tamper, tube clamps, and a fishing net. Available Items co-founder Chad Phillips organized the project to examine design thinking and everyday materials. The exhibition is on view at 64 Broadway, Tivoli, NYC through October 5, 2025.

Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine