Etch

Project Overview

The HON Company, a leading manufacturer of office and education solutions, launched Etch, a multi-purpose seating collection designed to balance flexibility, function, and aesthetic appeal for modern office and education spaces. Designed by longtime HON collaborator Nils Koehn, Etch redefines the traditional multi-purpose chair as a dynamic, innovative, and flexible solution. With its sleek, slim silhouette, eye-catching perforated shell, and diverse customization options, Etch delivers a versatile solution for both educational and office contexts. It is available in a full plastic shell or with an upholstered seat pad, and offers a wide range of customization options, including 20 frame paint options and 13 polyshell colors.

Organisation

The HON Company

Team

Project Brief

Etch represents a new anchor within HON’s award-winning seating portfolio. Prioritizing comfort, adaptability, and approachability, the statement piece is as practical as it is visually impactful. With options to stack, swivel, and perch, Etch seating makes classrooms dynamic, granting educators and students the ability to transform their spaces in seconds. The extensive colorways of Etch seating gives schools the opportunity to incorporate both understated, monochromatic colors and bold, energized colors into their classrooms, libraries, and cafeterias.

Project Innovation/Need

Etch is the ultimate “one-stop shop” for multi-purpose seating. Versatile by design, Etch transitions effortlessly from one setting to the next, empowering organizations to design spaces that are efficient and responsive to changing needs. Etch is adaptable and built to complement the pace and variety of modern learning. In education, it supports active learning with mobility and durable construction. In social or shared spaces, it creates inviting environments for connection and collaboration. Wherever it goes, Etch brings cohesion, clarity, and a contemporary edge. Its perforated shell, HON’s first, delivers subtle flex, airflow, and a visually striking design, setting it apart from traditional multipurpose chairs. Apart from its signature shell, the stackability and range of base options makes Etch ideal for fast-paced environments that demand both performance and style. A built-in handle makes the chair easy to move, underscoring its user-friendly construction and accommodating both collaborative and individual work styles. The series includes 4-leg, wire, and 5-star base options in multiple height configurations, making it ideal for learning environments, cafeterias, libraries, and professional spaces. With an expanded polyshell palette of 13 colors, a range of 20 frame paint options, and customization for the 5-star base and arm cap colors, Etch offers limitless combinations to match any design vision. Whether making bold statements or embracing subtle pairings, users can personalize Etch to suit any space or mood. With Etch, HON can streamline educators’ specification process by presenting a cohesive family of seating solutions—providing a go-to choice that marries aesthetic and performance.

Design Challenge

The primary challenge in designing Etch was creating a multi-purpose seating that balanced aesthetic appeal, ergonomic comfort, and functional versatility. Designer Nils Koehn sought to develop a soft, human-inspired shape that felt inviting while maintaining a lightweight, modern profile. To achieve this, HON engineered its first ever perforated shell. Featuring a dynamic and distinguishable pattern that brings a fresh, contemporary flair, the shell had to provide structural strength, subtle flex for comfort, and breathability without compromising on visual impact. Another challenge was ensuring the chair could adapt to a wide range of environments and uses. It had to support stackability, multiple base options, and easy mobility while remaining visually cohesive and comfortable for users. Koehn addressed these constraints by carefully considering material selection, its form, and thoughtful design details, giving rise to an adaptable seating solution that caters to today’s dynamic learning environments.

Sustainability

HON is committed to crafting durable products that are built to withstand high-traffic environments like classrooms, cafeterias, and common spaces. Etch is highly-durable and reduces the need for frequent furniture replacement subsequently minimizing waste over time. The Etch chair’s range of mobility and adaptability helps schools avoid overall product consumption by eliminating the need to purchase multiple types of chairs. Furthermore, HON is dedicated to minimizing the company’s carbon footprint and product waste. All HON products are manufactured in the United States, reducing the company’s transportation emissions and overall carbon footprint. The company has been recognized for their sustainability efforts by BIFMA, with Etch and other HON products having a Level 2 Certification. This is exemplified through Etch’s packaging, which utilizes recyclable packaging options rather than single-use styrofoam.