Modular seating collection with hidden BDSM function «Randevú»
Brief description of the project
As public awareness grows, the stigma surrounding many taboo topics is gradually diminishing. One such topic is BDSM — a set of sexual practices involving consensual power exchange. More and more individuals are seeking to explore and integrate these experiences into their everyday lives. However, a major obstacle to fulfilling these fantasies lies in the easily recognizable and often aggressively styled aesthetics of traditional BDSM products, which can lead to fear of judgment from others. The modular furniture collection «Randevú» discreetly incorporates hidden BDSM functionalities, offering innovation in a field where product design has remained largely unchanged for years. Aimed at adventurous adults interested in enhancing their intimate experiences while maintaining discretion, «Randevú» enables exploration without compromising privacy or attracting unwanted attention. At the same time, the collection contributes to ongoing societal dialogue, supporting the destigmatization of alternative sexual practices. This project was developed during the study program in Material Technology and Design at the Institute of Architecture and Design of Riga Technical University.
Originality and creativity of the idea
The Randevú furniture collection offers a modular solution that functions both as everyday seating and as specialized furniture for intimate (including BDSM) activities. The collection reflects shifts in approaches to intimacy, where discretion and multifunctionality are increasingly relevant. The concept not only breaks traditional boundaries but also expands the possibilities of furniture design, giving users the freedom to explore new experiences without external criticism or stigmatization. The design challenge was to create discreet and visually aesthetic furniture that provides comfort and functionality for daily use, while also enhancing intimate experiences through transformation, blending seamlessly into living spaces. The goal is to offer curious users the opportunity to explore and enhance their sexual experiences, while avoiding the stigmas commonly associated with traditional BDSM or fetish product aesthetics and ergonomics.
Definition of the problem and the relevance of the applied solutions
While many traditional BDSM products are available on the market, their aggressive aesthetics, complex constructions, and negative societal associations often deter users from purchasing and storing them at home. The Randevú collection offers an alternative that, through modularity, ensures discretion, privacy, and freedom of use. The collection consists of modular living room and bedroom furniture that can quickly transform from a comfortable bench or chair into functional BDSM furniture. Integrated positioning cushions and restraint points enhance variety and the sexual experience while supporting ergonomic comfort for partners of various sizes, ages, and physical conditions. Furthermore, the collection expands product offerings for members of the BDSM community dissatisfied with the quality or functionality of existing alternatives.
Co-creation, stakeholder involvement and cooperation during the realisation process
The collection was developed within the professional bachelor’s thesis “Modular seating collection with hidden BDSM function” at the Institute of Architecture and Design, Riga Technical University (RTU), in the Material Technology and Design study program. The project was supervised by Mg. sc. ing. Ilze Gūtmane. The concept was accepted into RTU’s Science and Innovation Center’s Product Development Program (PAP), receiving both knowledge support and financial aid for materials and prototype production. To ensure a solid theoretical foundation, sexuality and BDSM expert Natalja Sorokina was involved, offering in-depth insight into BDSM theory and practice, and reviewed the prototype, rating it as highly practical and functional. A comprehensive market study was conducted, including analysis of user habits, surveys and interviews with potential users and industry representatives, as well as research of analogous products in the local market and by visiting the Venus Berlin 2024 exhibition in Germany.
Functionality and technological solutions
In everyday use, the furniture serves as seating and lounging pieces. The transformation process is quick and intuitive, making the hidden functions easily accessible and comfortable to use when needed.
The furniture is made from solid ash wood with a semi-matte water-based lacquer finish. Upholstered parts consist of high-resilience foam wrapped in padding and covered with an easy-to-clean and disinfect vinyl leather substitute. The “Soirée” chair features a fold-out play mattress with attachment points and a cylindrical pillow. The chair structure can be transformed into a BDSM cross shape, allowing body exposure and upright restraint. The “Reverie” bench is complemented by two semi-circular cushions providing firm body support for various positions. Both products feature strategically integrated straps that primarily secure cushions but can also serve as attachment points or tools for physical restraint.
Aesthetics and other experiential dimensions
The seating furniture is designed for indoor use. The selection of colors and materials is based on the collection’s concept, usage, analysis of analogous products, and functionality.
The chromatic monochrome tone palette is warm, calm, and homely. The caramel-toned orange-brown vinyl leather substitute paired with the natural ash wood grain creates a neutral and unobtrusive furniture solution for home interiors. Additionally, the vinyl is soft and pleasant to the touch, complementing the warmth of the solid wood.
To create visual interest and contrast, black accent lines have been integrated into the furniture using straps. These black elements subtly reference BDSM aesthetics but do not immediately reveal their alternative function.
The collection deliberately avoids the clichés of traditional BDSM practices, which often appear aggressive, coarse, and suited only for seemingly indecent environments, provoking discomfort or shame among a large segment of society.
Economic significance, sustainability and circularity
The potential target audience is broad and continues to grow as society becomes more open to topics of sexuality. The initial distribution focus is Europe, targeting exports to countries with higher tolerance levels and demand for intimate products, as well as more diverse and open-minded consumers such as Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, etc. After successful distribution in Europe, the market can be expanded further.
The modularity of the furniture allows adaptation to various needs and life situations, ensuring long-term utility. Additionally, the collection has extensive expansion potential with thematically related add-ons.
The construction uses strong and natural solid ash wood – a renewable natural resource with high aesthetic quality. For comfort, the upholstered parts are made of high-quality materials that can be disassembled, repaired, and recycled.
Social relevance, inclusion, availability and accessibility
Research findings confirm a significant public interest and the relevance of BDSM themes, which contrasts with the stigma surrounding them. One of the key benefits of the collection is its ability to spark social discussion, promoting increased tolerance toward sexuality and alternative lifestyles.
For those interested in integrating new passions into their lifestyle and home, the biggest barrier to exploring BDSM has often been emotional concerns about social judgment. As a result, conditions have emerged for the development of new, innovative products that address this problem. The Randevú collection enables new users to feel safe and begin the exploration process—free from fear or shame typically associated with conventional BDSM aesthetics.
Moreover, the furniture is suitable for adults of various sizes and ages, and for both traditional and same-sex partnerships.
Link to video or other link
https://youtu.be/Cuip5AX0o8A
