Introducing Domkapa – timeless, versatile furniture from Portugal

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I’m always on the lookout for timeless, pared-back pieces that are beautiful to look at and practical to use. I’ve also been fascinated by Portugal’s long furniture-making heritage and growing contemporary design scene ever since I started traveling to the country. So, I was delighted to discover Domkapa – a specialist in versatile upholstered furniture based just outside Porto.

Domkapa began life in 2009 and now crafts sofas, beds, benches, chairs, outdoor ranges and more, all made locally and often by small-scale artisan suppliers. All its materials are sourced within Portugal, and its collection combines modern design and innovative technology with traditional hand-sewing techniques that have been passed down through the generations. There’s also a real focus on adaptability and functionality, with lots of customisation options and clever features conceived to improve everyday living.

This week Domkapa has been exhibiting at the Decorex interiors fair in London, so I headed along to its stand to learn more about the company and see its latest launches for myself. Here’s a look at some of the pieces that caught my eye…

The ‘Beaumont’ sofabed

With its clean lines, simple silhouette and beautiful stitch detailing, the ‘Beaumont’ embodies timeless, elegant design. It’s the kind of sofa that will suit all sorts of spaces and remain stylish for a very long time to come. But what makes it really special is the way it folds out into a bed in one easy motion, using a discreet loop pull at the back – you don’t even need to faff around removing any cushions first! It does away with one of the main annoyances of most sofabeds, and the mattress frame feels sturdy, stable and durable. There are small, medium and large sizes to choose from and, like all Domkapa pieces, it’s available in numerous upholstery fabrics, from velvet to textural bouclé.

The ‘Avery’ pouf

The ‘Avery’ pouf is certainly pretty on the eye, with its soft curves, wooden base and gently inclined shape. But again, what really stood out to me is the way it balances form, practicality and versatility. It works as a footrest or an extra seat, and you can transform it into a side table simply by removing the upholstered top to reveal a second lacquered top beneath; that, too, then lifts off to provide access to a hidden storage compartment within. It’s ideal for today’s multifunctional homes, particularly if space is tight, and there are multiple wood, upholstery and lacquer combinations. What’s more, it’s lightweight enough to move wherever you need it.

The ‘Henry’ bench

I was instantly drawn to the harmonious, balanced expression of the ‘Henry’ bench, with its plump upholstery and rounded wooden frame. It’s also designed for adaptability, with a small cushion that’s secured in place with a buckled strap and that can be adjusted or removed as needed. The frame comes in an array of woods and the seat in Domkapa’s full range of fabrics, meaning you can customise it to suit your taste and decor; you can even choose between a matching or contrasting cushion.

The ‘Edward’ modular sofa system

Just as ingenious is the ‘Edward’ sofa system, whose vast range of modular elements allows for numerous configurations, large and small. There are angular and curved corner sections, end sections with high or low armrests, chaise-longue and footstool sections, and middle sections with or without backrests. There’s even an add-on side table with neatly concealed storage drawers at the front and back! A lot of thought has gone into making it as comfortable as possible, with hidden lumbar support cushions, wonderfully deep seats and a slot-in cylindrical headrest / neck pillow for those who like to lean back as they lounge. Perhaps my favourite detail, though, is a pocketed tidy that drapes over the armrests – perfect for storing books and magazines, and for keeping the TV remote control close at hand!

The ‘Carter’ bar chair

So many bar stools and chairs are beautiful to look at but uncomfortable to sit on. Not so Domkapa’s upholstered options, and the latest to join the line-up is ‘Carter’. Its cushioned seat, back and armrests hug and support the body, and the shape gently flares outwards for an air of subtle sophistication. I particularly like the double top-stitch detail that runs in a continuous line over the front and back, and the way a metal plate has been added to the bar of the wooden frame to prevent wear and tear from resting feet. It works equally well in residential and commercial settings, and it’s ideal for kitchen island units, breakfast bars or restaurant and cafe counters.

The ‘Inside’ table series

Finally, one of the non-upholstered designs which Domkapa has created to complement its range: the minimalist ‘Inside’ series. It consists of coffee tables and tall and low side tables, all with circular or oval tops on angular steel bases. The slender forms and contrasting shapes mean they’re simple yet striking, and the X-shaped frames create an intriguing optical illusion when viewed from the front. There’s also a choice of woods, lacquers and metals for the tops, allowing you to build a table that works for you and your decor.

Browse’s Domkapa’s full collection and find details of stockists near you here.

All photography courtesy of Domkapa