ATUNDA Turns Textile Waste into Chic Furniture and Décor in 2026

ATUNDA, a Lagos‑based art and design studio, is leading a fresh wave of creativity by turning textile waste into furniture and décor that speak to both style and sustainability. The studio’s latest collection of textile waste furniture showcases how discarded fabrics from Nigeria’s bustling garment industry can be reborn as functional pieces for homes across Africa.

From Waste to Wonder: The Birth of ATUNDA’s Vision

Founded in early 2024, ATUNDA emerged from a simple observation: Lagos’s fashion districts generate tons of fabric scraps daily, yet very little is recycled. Co‑founder and creative director Chinyere Okafor recalls walking past piles of colourful cotton, silk and polyester remnants and wondering, “What if we could give these fabrics a second life?” By 2025, the studio had secured partnerships with several local textile factories and begun experimenting with techniques that fuse traditional weaving with modern carpentry.

The result is a line of furniture that feels both familiar and avant‑garde. A sofa upholstered with mismatched Ankara prints, a pendant lamp draped in hand‑dyed batik, and a set of side tables wrapped in repurposed lace – each piece tells a story of resourcefulness and cultural pride.

Why Textile Waste Furniture Matters for Africa

Across the continent, the textile sector is a major employer but also a source of environmental strain. According to the African Development Bank, the industry contributes significantly to water usage and landfill waste. By converting textile waste into furniture, ATUNDA addresses two challenges at once: reducing landfill pressure and creating locally made, affordable décor that resonates with African aesthetics.

Beyond the ecological impact, the venture supports the circular economy narrative championed by governments in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. The studio’s model demonstrates how small‑scale innovators can complement larger policy goals, offering a replicable blueprint for other creative hubs in Accra, Nairobi or Johannesburg.

Design Process: From Fabric Scraps to Finished Pieces

ATUNDA’s workflow begins with sourcing. The studio collaborates with garment manufacturers in the Apapa and Oshodi industrial zones, collecting off‑cuts that would otherwise be incinerated or dumped. Each batch is sorted by colour, texture and durability, allowing designers to plan collections that maintain visual harmony while celebrating the eclectic nature of the materials.

Next comes the treatment phase. Fabrics are cleaned, sterilised and, where needed, dyed to achieve a cohesive palette. The studio employs a blend of hand‑looming, digital printing and natural dyeing techniques, ensuring that each piece retains a tactile quality that mass‑produced furniture often lacks.

Finally, the upholstery is applied to frames crafted from reclaimed wood or locally sourced bamboo. The joinery uses traditional mortise‑and‑tenon methods, reinforced with modern adhesives that are low‑VOC, keeping the entire process environmentally friendly.

Market Reception: From Lagos Showrooms to Pan‑African Showcases

Since launching its first collection in mid‑2025, ATUNDA has attracted attention from interior designers, boutique hotels and eco‑conscious consumers. The studio’s flagship showroom in Victoria Island reports a steady flow of visitors, many of whom are drawn by the narrative behind each item.

In 2026, ATUNDA expanded its reach by participating in the Africa Design Expo in Johannesburg and the Lagos Design Week. Both events highlighted the studio’s ability to merge sustainability with marketable design, earning the “Green Innovation” award at the former.

Online sales have also surged, with the studio’s e‑commerce platform offering nationwide delivery and a “custom‑mix” option that lets customers choose specific fabric scraps for a personalised piece. This level of engagement has positioned ATUNDA as a pioneer in the African upcycling market.

Economic Impact: Jobs, Skills and New Revenue Streams

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, ATUNDA’s operations generate tangible economic benefits. The studio employs a team of 25 artisans, many of whom are former textile workers retrained in furniture making. This upskilling not only preserves traditional craftsmanship but also creates new income pathways in a sector that has faced automation pressures.

Moreover, the studio’s partnership model provides a modest revenue stream for partner factories, which receive a fee for each kilogram of fabric supplied. This incentivises waste collection and encourages other manufacturers to adopt similar practices.

Local suppliers of reclaimed wood, bamboo and eco‑friendly adhesives also see increased demand, illustrating how a single innovative concept can ripple through multiple supply chains.

Challenges and Future Plans

While the momentum is positive, ATUNDA faces hurdles typical of emerging green enterprises. Scaling production without compromising craftsmanship remains a delicate balance. The studio is exploring semi‑automated cutting machines that respect the artisanal ethos while improving efficiency.

Financing is another consideration. Although the studio secured a modest grant from the Nigerian Climate Innovation Fund in 2025, future growth will likely depend on impact investors and possibly a crowd‑funding round aimed at African diaspora supporters.

Looking ahead to 2027, ATUNDA plans to launch a “Community Upcycle Hub” in Abuja, where local youths can learn to transform textile waste into market‑ready products. The hub will also serve as a collection point for fabric scraps from smaller tailoring shops across the Federal Capital Territory.

How Consumers Can Support the Movement

For Nigerians and Africans who want to make greener choices at home, ATUNDA offers a clear entry point. Purchasing a piece of textile waste furniture not only adds a unique accent to a living space but also contributes to a larger circular economy.

Consumers can also participate by donating their own fabric leftovers to ATUNDA’s collection bins, which are now placed in select malls and community centres in Lagos, Accra and Nairobi. By turning personal waste into design assets, individuals become co‑creators in the sustainability story.

FAQ

• What types of fabrics does ATUNDA use? The studio works with cotton, silk, polyester, lace and traditional African prints, all sourced from local garment factories.
• Are the furniture pieces durable? Yes. Frames are built from reclaimed hardwood or bamboo, and the upholstery is treated with low‑VOC finishes to ensure longevity.
• Can I customise a design? ATUNDA offers a “custom‑mix” service where customers select specific fabric scraps for a bespoke piece.
• Where can I buy ATUNDA products? Items are available at the Victoria Island showroom, online via the studio’s website, and through selected boutique retailers in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.
• Is ATUNDA’s process environmentally certified? The studio follows the Nigerian Green Manufacturing Guidelines and is pursuing ISO 14001 certification.

ATUNDA’s journey illustrates how creativity, local collaboration and a commitment to sustainability can transform waste into wonder. As more African designers embrace upcycling, the continent’s homes may soon be filled with furniture that tells a story of resilience, culture and green innovation.

Related Reading

• Rising credit costs threaten Nigeria’s manufacturing recovery