Go Cuckoo for Coconut Furniture and Surfaces

When I first came across coconut as a furniture material several years ago, the idea absolutey intrigued me. Coconut shell and palm wood are normally industry by-products, typically either burned or thrown into landfills. But a number of manufacturers have taken up the challenge to transform these waste materials into usable surfaces. Nusa, Kirei, Omarno and Plyboo are just a few of the companies striving to create ecoconscious products out of coconut shell and palm wood, with adhesives that have low or no added urea formaldehyde and low VOC emissions. Rural farmers have gained a new source of revenue from previously unused waste, and the design-conscious public has gained an ecosmart product with an exotic flair.

Many of the products shown below qualify to achieve LEED points as per the U.S. Green Building Council.

by The Sky is the Limit Design »

When I was looking for a coffee table for my design studio in 2006, I came upon a company in California called Nusa, which specializes in furniture made from coconut. Seven years later I am still in love with my Nusa table (shown here), made from coconut husks and with a shiny mother-of-pearl inlay in the top. Its sleek Saarinen-inspired shape stands in beautiful contrast to the more unrefined coconut texture.

by Lauren Liess Interiors »

This beautiful but unexpected design is coconut turned into an unusual sculptural chandelier. It’s made from palm wood and ground coconut shell beads.

The combination of shapes, the natural palette with the tactile softness of the white slipcovered chairs, and the oversize artwork on the wall emanate a wonderful sense of calm in this sophisticated dining room.

by Allied Kitchen and Bath – Robert Feinberg CKD »

The cabinetry in this photo is made from palm plywood. According to Plyboo‘s website, Durapalm plywood panels are made from reclaimed or retired plantation-grown sugar and coconut palm trees. Around 60 years of age, the trees have passed their fruit-bearing years. These exotic palm plywood panels can be cut and sanded using conventional woodworking equipment and are formaldehyde free.

by Design For Less »

This bedroom doesn’t need a conventional headboard, thanks to the chocolate-colored coconut tile covering the wall in one bold gesture. Kirei is one company that provides flexible palm panels. You can create a seamless continuous textured surface, go around curves and apply it on round columns. The mosaic tiles come in a wide array of different designs and colors. Coconut tile can incorporate convex and concave surfaces in both matte and glossy finishes. The individual tiles are mounted on a mesh in a standard size of about 12 by 12 inches. They can be glued to the wall with regular construction adhesive and don’t need grouting.

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Go Cuckoo for Coconut Furniture and Surfaces