shape & shade's sculptural wooden chair reimagines traditional albanian shkam stool

BOLD SHKAM marries Albanian craftsmanship with modern design

SHAPE & SHADE studio presents BOLD SHKAM, a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Albanian Shkam stool. Designed in Kosovo, this modular, eco-friendly collection combines heritage with contemporary design. Crafted from layered plywood, it offers customizable options, blending function and artistry seamlessly. As a modern take on the traditional Shkam stool, BOLD SHKAM blends cultural heritage with contemporary design principles. This collection is characterized by its modularity, sculptural forms, and the use of eco-friendly materials. Each chair within the collection reflects the rich tradition of Albanian craftsmanship, reimagined for today’s design-conscious world.

all images by Photo Dardha

BOLD SHKAM collection features modular mix-and-match system

Each Bold Shkam’ chair is a sculptural piece, with its distinct forms creating a visually engaging experience. The rounded seats, unique cut-out backrests, and varied leg designs combine to create a chair that is as much an artistic statement as it is a functional object. BOLD SHKAM draws its inspiration from the Shkam, a traditional stool deeply rooted in Albanian culture. This collection pays homage to the simplicity and functionality of its predecessor while introducing modern elements that elevate the design into the realm of contemporary furniture.

A key feature of the BOLD SHKAM is its modular design, allowing the chair to be easily disassembled and reconfigured. The components—legs, seats, and backrests—can be mixed and matched to create personalized combinations, reflecting the user’s individual taste and adapting to different spaces. This modularity not only enhances the chair’s versatility but also speaks to the adaptable nature of traditional Shkam. Crafted from layered plywood, the chairs are as environmentally conscious as they are stylish. The reused wood nish in one variant exudes warmth and organic beauty, while the vibrant red option adds a modern, eye-catching contrast. This thoughtful use of materials highlights the designers‘ commitment to sustainability, ensuring that these chairs are not only design-forward but also planet-friendly. 

SHAPE & SHADE studio presents BOLD SHKAM, a modern reimagining of the traditional Albanian Shkam stool

modular in design, BOLD SHKAM chairs allow for customization, combining artistic form with functional use

rounded seats and unique cut-out backrests make each chair a sculptural piece

each chair reflects the simplicity of its traditional roots, elevated for today’s design-conscious world

the design features a modular system, where components—legs, seats, and backrests—can be mixed and matched

BOLD SHKAM’s modularity enhances its versatility, allowing it to adapt to different spaces and personal tastes

crafted from layered plywood, the chairs are designed to be both environmentally conscious and stylish

the reused wood finish brings warmth, while the vibrant red variant offers a modern, bold contrast

project info:

name: BOLD SHKAM
designer: SHAPE & SHADE | @shapenshade.co

lead designer: Ibrahim Beqiri

designer: Engjëll Krasniqi

manufacturer: WOOD Weaver

photography: Photo Dardha | @photodardha

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom