Header: Andriy Bezuglov
For over a decade, the design world has known +kouple for its lighting. Since establishing the brand in 2014, founder and creative director Dan Vakhrameyev has faced the same question in interview after interview: “Why only lighting fixtures?” The answer was never about a lack of ideas. Visual concepts for other objects came to him frequently and naturally. After years of focusing on illumination, the brand has finally decided to explore those other ideas. In October 2025, during the Design Nation Berlin exhibition, +kouple revealed a new side of its character with the release of its very first furniture piece, the Taitō Pouf.
Balancing the square and the cylinder
The guiding principle behind this new release is a non-standard approach to form. The goal was to keep things simple while ensuring the object had a distinct personality. Vakhrameyev wanted to build a structure that looked solid and reliable, with a design that anyone could understand immediately. The result is a merge of two fundamental geometric shapes: a square and a cylinder.
The name of the product explains the visual logic perfectly. Taitō is a Japanese word that translates to “equivalent.” It captures the concept of balancing volumes against one another. The square base transitions into a cylindrical top, creating a shape that feels stable yet soft.
Material details and fabric options
The Taitō Pouf comes in two distinct sizes that are designed to work together. The Taitō Small stands taller at 480 mm with a width and depth of 400 mm. It is priced at 440€. The Taitō Big is lower to the ground at 400 mm high but offers a much wider seat at 770 mm, priced at 880€. When placed in the same room, one supports the other, allowing them to contribute equally to the layout of the space.
Beneath the upholstery, the poufs are built with a sturdy plywood frame and high-density fiberboard. For the exterior, +kouple offers a wide range of textile choices. The in-stock collection features fabrics from Jungla and Fenice in a variety of colors, including Coral, Blue, Green, Yellow, Beige, Grey, and Black. For designers with specific needs, the brand can also manufacture the poufs using fabrics from other brands upon request.
The release of the Taitō Pouf marks a significant shift for +kouple. By stepping away from lighting and into furniture, the brand has shown that its design language translates well to new categories. The Taitō offers a clear, geometric solution for seating that prioritizes balance and strong, simple forms. It is a promising start for the brand’s expansion into the broader world of interior design.
