Interview with The Designer: Bed 04 & Bedside Table 02

Our bedroom family is growing. To mark the arrival of two new additions, we sat down with designer André to talk through the thinking behind them. From clever details to considered proportions, here’s the lowdown on Bed 04 and its perfectly paired partner, Bedside Table 02.

What was the original brief for these designs, and what excited you most about it?

AF: The brief was to design a bedroom set that felt warm, modern and easy to live with. What really excited me was working within real-life constraints like flat-pack delivery and simple assembly for the bed, while still creating something with character.

Bed 04 has a strong mid-century influence. What drew you to that aesthetic for bedroom furniture?

AF: Mid-century design feels naturally calm and well-proportioned, which is perfect for a bedroom. It’s clean without being cold, and it lets the materials do the talking. For Bed 04, it gave me a clear framework to design something timeless.

The rattan headboard is a standout feature. Why was rattan the right material choice for these products?

Rattan instantly softens the bed visually. It adds warmth, texture and a more relaxed feel, which is exactly what you want in a bedroom. It also links nicely to mid-century references but still feels light and contemporary.

Material plays a big role in both pieces. What does the materials you chose bring to the overall design and experience?

AF: The mix of solid wood, veneer and rattan creates a nice contrast between strength and softness. Solid wood gives confidence and durability, veneer helps keep things consistent and accessible, and rattan brings in that natural, slightly imperfect quality that makes each piece feel unique.

When designing Bedside Table 02, how did you think about proportion and scale alongside the Bed 04?

AF: Bedside Table 02 was designed to feel like it naturally belongs next to the bed. The height, proportions and visual weight are all tuned to work together, and details like the rattan drawer front help create a clear link without making it feel too matchy.

Swyft furniture is designed to be easy to assemble. How did that requirement shape the design process?

AF: It shaped everything from the start. The design had to be smart and efficient, not complicated. Breaking the bed into two boxes and simplifying the structure meant it’s much easier to deliver, move and assemble, without losing the design intent.

When designing bedroom furniture, what everyday habits or behaviours do you always consider?

AF: I think about how people move around the bed, reach for things at night and live with the furniture every day. Rounded corners, a recessed mattress and comfortable clearances all come from those small, everyday moments.

What’s your favourite way to style Bed 04 and Bedside Table 02 together?

AF: I like keeping it simple. Neutral bedding, soft fabrics and warm lighting really suit the materials. When the styling is calm, the wood and rattan can stand out naturally.

Looking back, what makes these designs feel distinctly 'Swyft' to you?

AF: They’re designed to look good, but also to work hard in real homes. They’re approachable, well thought through and easy to live with. That mix of good design and practicality feels very Swyft to me.

Bed 04 and Bedside Table 02 will be available from 29/01.