Swage Collection by Angus Easthope for Design By Them

The brief was to create a dining and counter chair that feels visually light without sacrificing structural integrity. Slender metal frames typically require bulky joinery to achieve stability, compromising the refined profile the design called for. The challenge was adapting swaging, a traditionally wood-turning technique, to stainless steel, tapering tube ends to form flush, seamless joins. The result is a frame that is both structurally robust and thoughtfully resolved. Despite its compact footprint, the circular upholstered seat and cushioned curved backrest deliver the comfort of a fully upholstered chair.

Extensive material testing was required to understand how metal behaves under compression, refining the process until tubes could be reshaped precisely without compromising structural integrity or surface quality. The outcome is a frame of flush, seamless joins with no visible brackets and no welding bulk, slender in appearance and robust in practice, verified through BIFMA X5.1 testing. Paired with a circular upholstered seat and curved backrest, Swage is available in dining and counter heights to suit a range of interior settings.

Swage is a study in material innovation, where structural problem-solving drives the design outcome. Translating swaging into stainless steel establishes a new approach to frame construction with relevance beyond this single product. Available in powder-coated and raw stainless steel finishes with customisable upholstery, it suits a wide range of interior settings. Confirmed through BIFMA X5.1 certification, its robust construction supports longevity. Components are assembled with standard mechanical fasteners for easy disassembly and replacement. At end of life, stainless steel is fully recyclable, and Design By Them's product stewardship program supports repair, reuse or return to minimise landfill.

With its tapered silhouette and slender profile, Swage marries a modern metal form with traditional wood-turning techniques. A balance of structure and softness, the collection is designed for longevity and comfort. Delicate but substantial, the upholstered circular seat and cushioned curved backrest provide support for extended sittings, while the stainless steel frame offers a durable, easy-to-clean surface that resists wear over time. Available in powder-coated or raw stainless steel finishes with tonal upholstery options and custom colour-matching for large-scale specifications. Minimal in form, distinctive in character, Swage adapts easily across a wide range of interior settings.