Cardboard is not the most noble material in ordinary people’s minds, but modern designers have learned to overcome this and work with it because it’s a sustainable, strong, and flexible material. In this post we have compiled a collection of awesome designs made of cardboard.

ReCompute: the cardboard computer

ReCompute is the result of Brenden Macaluso’s doctor thesis, a sustainable computer made of cardboard. Macaluso reduced every step needed to build this computer: working hours, material, tools, energy,… The cover components can be uninstalled without tools and are recyclable. The best part, the design of the computer is actually quite nice.

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The cardboard highchair

A comfy and safe chair for your little ones. The design looks great, but I can see a couple issues on first look: it takes too much space, and the cardboard is probably not so easy to clean.

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The cardboard vacuum cleaner

Design student Jake Tyler built Vax, the first cardboard vacuum cleaner that you can assemble yourself. It’s not for sale yet, but there is a fully functional prototype and production should start soon.

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The cardboard radio

This cardboard radio is a FM radio, but it can also be used as a MP3 speaker for your iPod. It is made mostly of recycled cardboard, so it can pretty much be recycled once the product stops working.

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The conversation table

A gorgeous coffee table that also acts as a conversation starter. It’s built by Leo Kempf from corrugated cardboard, hardboard, and laminated hardboard spacers.

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Cardboard designy bench

A beautiful bench that pushes the limits of what can be made with cardboard. This project is a collaboration between French interior architect Laurine Gauthier, and TonkR.

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Refold standing desk

A foldable standing desk made of cardboard that you can take anywhere. Perfect for small homes and freelancers that really want to take the concept of nomad worker further.

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About the Author

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Mirko Humbert

Mirko Humbert is the editor-in-chief and main author of Designer Daily and Typography Daily. He is also a graphic designer and the founder of WP Expert.