I’ve come to the conclusion that people will buy anything as long as it’s marketed right. Using some of today’s top buzzwords — “recyclable” and “FSC certified virgin fiber” — a New Haven, CT-based company is making a nice profit selling cardboard furniture targeted to college students and those on a limited budget.

Chairigami touts its furniture for "the urban nomad." Granted, I may be biased, but $70 for a cardboard chair seems a bit excessive for a nomad or student – even if it is made from a three-ply corrugated board. The company describes the piece as “simple and elegant” and boasts of its versatility as “it also conveniently becomes a stacking shelf. “

For $80, you can purchase the recyclable chairigami desk, designed “for the lean start-up or for the closet graffiti artist.” There’s also a standing desk model for $100.

The company calls its products “temporary yet durable,” but you be the judge. While I give chairigami a lot of credit for its inventiveness/ingenuity, give me a wood/wood-composite panel product any time.

Read more of Karen's blogs.

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