Collection Story
Origin
HAY introduced Quilton in 2021 as a brand-new modular sofa from the London design duo Doshi Levien, after a preview that announced a launch in August 2021. HAY's news item says the quilt-like surface lends the product its name. To celebrate the launch HAY visited Doshi Levien in their London studio and in their Barbican apartment.
Design Language
The designers describe Quilton as a "quilted landscape sofa system": a central platform for living, working, socialising and relaxing, offered in a wide assortment of modules with generous dimensions and sculpted forms. HAY's launch text says the raised rounded platform gives the sofa a light, floating quality and calls it solid without appearing heavy. In HAY's interview Jonathan Levien names the starting point as a design that was bold, sculptural and inviting, balanced with elegant sartorial details, and says the soft quilting defines the identity of the design.
Growing the system
HAY later extended Quilton with a 2-seater, corner modules and free-standing modules in different sizes; the upholstery can be mono, duo, or combined with a black contrasting platform. HAY then added Quilton Lift, new family members with solid wooden legs, offered as a two- and three-seater sofa, a daybed and an ottoman. The Lift variant pages name three base finishes, black water-based lacquered oak veneer, water-based lacquered oak veneer and water-based lacquered walnut veneer, and list felt pads as the glider.
Key Pieces
- Quilton 3 Seater, the three-seat sofa
- Quilton Lift 3 Seater, Quilton Lift Daybed and Quilton Lift Ottoman, the Lift pieces on wooden legs
- Quilton 2 Seater, Quilton Lift 2 Seater and the pre-composed combinations, also listed by HAY