Sway Collection Molteni&C

Unrestricted Living

We designed Sway to live outdoors as an extension of the home; however, we do not believe furniture needs to be separated by environment. Sway can live indoors as easily as it can outdoors because the materials and technique allow the collection to feel at home in any setting.

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Together the pieces form an eleven-module system that supports varied configurations inspired by the layering concept of a sofa.

Flexible Reach

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We sought to identify how we could create a minimal, modular collection of outdoor furniture designed to adapt to the way people choose to engage and evolve with the outdoors.

Reawakened Romance

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Throughout the design process, we considered how Sway could bring people closer to nature and support personal wellbeing. Our goal was to encourage a renewed relationship with the outdoors.

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Sway challenges the idea that outdoor living is reserved for special occasions, and the easy-going nature of the collection reinforces this narrative.

Ribbon, Reimagined

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‍We shaped the back of the Sway Sofa with a lift, like a ribbon floating in air.  Elevating the form on legs, to make it hover while remaining grounded.

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The back of the sofa curves like a Richard Serra piece, inviting people to question how the structure stands with ease. This sense of airiness guided us to create pieces that engage with the natural landscape rather than resist it.

Reworking Heritage for the Outdoors

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Throughout the design process, we referenced Japanese heritage and its craftsmanship in form and proportion. This perspective shaped the Sway Table, inspired by the structure of a tatami mat.

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Its proportions allow it to function as either a table or a seat, giving it versatility to shift according to need. For the Sway Sofa, we shaped the back to evoke the gentle presence of a woven basket.

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Achieving this involved shrinking and flattening the metal backing from a round tube to a flat weave, softening the profile. Horizontal layers across the base, back, and cushion use natural materials that link the piece to outdoor settings. The collection features three primary materials: teak essence, aluminum, and polypropylene ropes.