Heartwarming Objects - Malawi Chairs

Sustainably made chairs by skilled artisans that fit any home or style

As a proud new owner of a Malawi chair, I’d like to write briefly about this unique piece, where it’s made, and what makes it so special. I’ll also show you how it‘s made which is truly inspiring.

An original Malawi chair is, like its name, made in Malawi, East Africa. The official language there is both English and Chewa. The chair, with its unique curved back and intricately woven design, is made from sustainable solid wood from the blue gum tree, rattan, and bamboo. Each chair is hand-crafted, so it has unique, one-of-a-kind design elements that make it stand out so it’s an original piece. In fact, many are hand-signed by the maker somewhere on the bottom. (Note: Always purchase an original from Malawi not copies made elsewhere.)

The Malawi chair will not only stand the test of time because of how it’s made and the materials used, but it’s also quite versatile and can fit into a variety or spaces and styles of rooms - indoors and out. You can use several around the dining table or one on each end to make a statement, or as a side chair in a living room. You can use them on the sunporch, in a sleep space, at a desk, or as a stand-alone piece in an otherwise unused nook. It even works in a child’s room, hallway, or in a bathroom.

Here are some images to start turning your decorating wheels. Each image is linked to its source, so just click on it to see where it originates.

The chair is even available as a mini sofa, shown below. Notice how nicely it fits in with a mid-century style sofa… It really is a versatile piece!

Or in a tiny version for the kids as shown with a wooden bed and soft tones below in this older heritage style home.

I also spotted them in white, black, navy and a few other colors but ultimately I prefer them in natural wood.

The unique history behind these chairs and how they are made will definitely touch you. Here is some information that I found on the CB2 website that was a fascinating read - I’ll break it down below.

“The chairs are made by a group of artisans under the nameTiyanjane Club. Tiyanjane Club’s artisans come from the Southern region of Malawi, the poorest region of the country. Set back by natural disasters such as floods that destroy crops and flood homes, people have few opportunities to escape rural poverty. The artisans have been perfecting their version of the traditional Malawi chair design since 1979, using local materials to make each chair over the approximately 10 days time. Why does it take so long? Here, they show us the steps to completely a single woven chair.”

Artisans start by hand-carving and building a frame from the wood of a blue gum tree, a locally-available wood often used for construction and joinery because of its strength. Then they insert straight strips of bamboo before weaving flexible rattan strips in intricate patterns along the sides of the seat. Rather than use glue, they secure the strips with special knots.

To create a curved barrel back, they temporarily insert spare parts from cars and bicycles that guide them as they work. Isn’t this innovative and smart?

Once the woven chair is complete, the artisan leaves his or her signature underneath.

Isn’t this wonderful to behold? I‘m so happy to own one of these chairs because mine is an original made in Malawi by one of these talented and beautiful people. It warms my heart to have something so beautiful in my home with such a cherished background.

I‘m curious where you would use this chair in your own home, so feel free to comment if you’d like.