Bale Backer Chairs by John Caswell

Here’s an idea for you fall lovers. John Caswell is a clever, whimsical designer from Bristol. His latest creation is a simple chair back that can be wedged into a bale of hay making sitting on straw more comfortable.

I know what you’re going to say. Sitting on straw more comfortable? And why not just sit on a bale of hay like a normal person? Because without amusing design and fun oddities, we’d all be in our beige apartments with functional furniture and proper reading light.

The Bale Backer seems like a charming way to kick back on a farm and take in the sunset with a glass of wine. Who’s with me? And who has a farm?

No word on pricing yet but his website mentions hopes of online availability soon.

Comments (16)

hmmm...kind of reminds me of the log bench:

http://www.modernests.com/2009/08/yay-or-nay-log-bench.html

While I love the idea of a few bundles of hay creating a bench on one side of a long dining table, I'm not sure about this. hmm...

actually...if the hay was only a square such that it would make for two separate chairs, I'd be more into it. Then it could be a whimsical accent chair, this way it is a bit too much like...I stuck some chair backs in a bundle of hay.

Fabulous for an outdoor wedding?

Given the fact that I have yet to find a hay bale that wasn't FULL of chiggers, and I've sat on a lot of bales, I'm going to venture a guess that this was invented by someone who hasn't.

Not wanting to sit on hay or straw (especially with odd attachments) doesn't mean my apartment is beige or that I have no sense of fun. Anyway, having a special hay bale chair seems to undermine the romantic, casual aspect of just plopping down on a natural 'seat' like a bale of hay, a large rock, a fence, a clump of grass, etc.

The idea of any kind of bugs (or is this hay sterilized?) and the fact that I would be sneezing my brains out just getting near these chairs, makes me think it isnt a good idea.

So what's the price point for this comfy instant asthma attack? This belongs in Regretsy, maybe?

Not quite getting this, but I think I hate it.

i think these would be great for hay rides in the back of big wagons that are so popular in the country/suburbs this time of year!

So much negativity! On a Friday, no less!

I grew up on a farm, and I think this idea is hilarious -- in a good way. Totally awesome idea for temporary outdoor seating in the summertime.

Only a "clever whimsical" designer would come up with this hare-brained scheme-- wildly impractical, but sure to garner mentions in decorating magazines & blogs. Isn't that what good design's all about, anyway?

I kind of want it to be wider/larger. More of something to lounge on. Is it really that impractical if you keep it outside? If I saw hay arranged in a way that could be construed as seating I'd jump on that right away.

This is great; I may have to go buy a couple of bales (they are only $2 around here for the real "farmer" ones (not the Halloween copies). I usually have a few around for my compost walls but I'm out.

@MODERnestS, it's easy to cut bales and retie them into squares.

um,i just think it is full of creative ,and i will not sit in.

This is another example of a chair design that looks cool but would be a bit uncomfortable. Wouldn't your legs and butt start to itch?

http://chillonthecheap.wordpress.com/