When I was a kid we had our weekly hours of running around in the school sports hall and doing gymnastic like exercises. Well, that running around and doing activities with a ball was something I liked, but gymnastics just wasn’t my thing. But there was something, and still is, about a sports hall and gymnastics that I like and that’s those wooden floors with striping and equipment used for those exercises. Beautiful wood on the floor with that characteristic lacquer finish, combined with equipment made out of wood and vegetable-tanned leather.
These items are now real classics and more and more people start to notice this and give them a second life in one way or another.
Gymnastics are a source for furniture
And one of these people is Niels van den Honert, founder of Dutch company Gym & Classics, based in Amsterdam. With his company he brings together his great loves; sport, vintage and design. As a trained sports instructor, he knows better than anyone the quality of the materials used in sports halls. That’s why upcycling these materials and objects was a logical step when he decided to start creating handmade designer furniture. Giving these old materials and objects a second life was in line with his thoughts on sustainability, something we can no longer ignore.
The furniture collection of Gym & Classics consists of tables, benches, poufs and daybeds. The tables show graphic elements originating from the lines on the sports hall floor used for several sports. These markings provide a playful touch and make every table a one of a kind piece. Leather objects like the horse used for vaulting and vintage gymnastics mats are now upcycled into stylish benches, poufs and daybeds. Due to heavy use the leather shows beautiful wear and tear with some authentic marks, giving the furniture its unique look and feel.
Gym & Classics:
“Gym & Classics furniture can be described as vintage/industrial and is a true EYE-CATCHER that fits in different styles of living.”
Niels is always looking for the finest vintage gymnastics and wooden gymnasium floors for his handmade design products. He finds great stuff all over Europe, but also at local gymnastic associations.
Photos © Gym & Classics
This upcycle furniture collection shows again that objects from the past deserve to get a second chance. They’re just to special to be thrown away. And searching the internet proves I’m right. There quite a few places where you can find vintage objects used for gymnastics. They’re not cheap, but very special.
Design by Gym & Classics | Facebook
Since you’re here …
I have a small favor to ask. Thousands are visiting upcycleDZINE for upcycle design inspiration every month. Readers in more than 100 countries around the world are now able to support financially.
upcycleDZINE is a completely independent niche site, is very work-intensive, and offers tons of unique information for free.
To keep upcycleDZINE running, I’m asking you for your support.
Your contribution will allow me to:
– meet the hosting costs
– upgrade to keep track of traffic increases
– add new content, and keep improving the older content
– add new functionalities to this site
– improve how it works and how it looks
– and last but not least, my daily dose of coffee 🙂
Again, all contributions will be reinvested into the aforementioned associated costs of running this blog and will help ensure the ongoing quest for quality upcycle design.
Your kindness and generosity will be greatly appreciated and will give me the motivation to continue.
Every contribution, however big or small, is so valuable for the future of upcycleDZINE.
Support today from as little as $2 – it only takes a minute. Thank you.
