Modern living room featuring 3d-printed joints in minimalist and functional furniture design.

3D-Printed Joints Revolutionize Customizable Furniture with Minimalism and Function

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-09-07

Japanese designer Nobutsuna Honami, working under the name Inahono Furniture, is redefining furniture assembly with Chois. Forget the frustration of traditional flat-pack instructions and oversized boxes. Chois presents a simpler concept: a set of 3D-printed joints. These joints let you construct a three-legged furniture piece using simple wooden dowels from any hardware store, transforming into a versatile side table, valet stand, or rack tailored to your specific needs.

Close-up of a white chair with sleek, modern lines in a neutral room.

The Concept of 3d-printed Joints in Furniture Design

This minimalist approach turns conventional furniture manufacturing on its head. While traditional companies deliver bulky kits or finished pieces, Chois offers only the engineered joints, leaving everything else—such as wood type and dimensions—up to you. What you purchase isn’t a predetermined item, but the adaptable framework for creating your ideal furniture piece.

Minimalist desk with 3D-printed legs and a wooden surface in a bright room.

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Elegant dining table set with wine glasses and simple, contemporary chairs.

The financial and environmental benefits are significant. With universal, low-cost dowels readily available everywhere, the pricing comes down to a few printed joints and inexpensive materials. Eliminating shipping of large, wasteful packaging aligns with sustainable practices. Replace a leg or change its height with ease—no need to discard entire pieces.

Flexible shelving unit featuring 3d-printed connectors and light wooden panels.

The genius of Chois is how it involves you as a collaborator rather than a mere buyer. Unlike other modular setups demanding advanced skills or tools, these joints require just basic cutting to size. The connectors manage the angles and stability, simplifying the process for those less experienced than a keen IKEA assembler.

Apartment corner showcasing modular furniture with customizable assembly options.

Chois also exemplifies a promising trend in small-scale manufacturing. While 3D printing often aims to create complex objects entirely, the true innovation here lies in crafting only the precise parts like the joints, relying on basic materials for the rest. A dowel is universally accessible; the clever joint elevates its potential, requiring only the printer’s precision.

White and gray sectional sofa arranged in a minimalist living area.

While scalability might be limited to design enthusiasts or those with 3D printing access, Chois is a compelling blueprint for personalized furniture. It’s about making the smallest, most critical component and letting easy-to-find elements complete the job. Furniture should adapt to your space—not the other way around.

Custom shelves with adjustable brackets and 3d-printed connectors for unique storage.

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Stylish side table with a geometric 3d-printed base and a glass top.
Modern workspace setup with a desk lamp and ergonomic seating.
Scandinavian-inspired bedroom with a simple bedframe and a minimalist dresser.
Innovative coffee table with a unique 3d-printed support structure.
Open-concept living space showcasing modular seating and natural light.

Source: yankodesign.com

Frequently asked questions

How does Chois change furniture assembly?

Chois simplifies furniture assembly by using a set of 3D-printed joints that work with simple wooden dowels. This allows you to create versatile pieces without traditional flat-pack instructions or oversized boxes.

What are the environmental benefits of using Chois?

By eliminating the need for large packaging and using low-cost, readily available materials like dowels, Chois aligns with sustainable practices. It also allows for easy replacements of furniture parts, reducing waste.

How does Chois involve the user in the furniture-making process?

Chois engages users as collaborators rather than mere buyers, as it requires basic cutting to size and assembling with engineered joints. This approach simplifies the process and empowers users to create personalized furniture.