Sancal bases quilted Obi sofa on Japanese kimonos
Dezeen promotion: Japanese kimono dresses informed the design of this bed-like sofa by Spanish brand Sancal, which features quilted fabric covers ideal for afternoon napping.
![Obi sofa by Sancal](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/11/obi-sofa-sancal-quilted-furniture_dezeen_2364_col_1-852x437.jpg)
The Obi sofa is named after the sash that cinches kimono dresses in at the wearer's waist.
![Obi sofa by Sancal](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/11/obi-sofa-sancal-quilted-furniture_dezeen_2364_col_2-852x429.jpg)
Sancal designer Rafa García based the sofa design on this, aiming to create a seat that embraced its user. Set low to the ground, the chair features a broad seat that is hugged by its backrest.
![Obi sofa by Sancal](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/11/obi-sofa-sancal-quilted-furniture_dezeen_2364_col_5-852x586.jpg)
"I like to find inspiration in photography and found some pictures of Japanese women dressed in kimonos – clothes that seem to hug you," said García.
"I wanted to design a sofa in this style, where you could feel comfortable, embraced."
![Obi sofa by Sancal](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/11/obi-sofa-sancal-quilted-furniture_dezeen_2364_col_3-852x676.jpg)
With Spanish siestas in mind, García wanted the chair to be comfortable enough for napping and chose a thick, quilted fabric to cover it.
The quilting technique can be applied to a variety of materials, making the sofas versatile for different interiors.
![Obi sofa by Sancal](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/11/obi-sofa-sancal-quilted-furniture_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x479.jpg)
"The sofa is quilted because when you take a fabric and quilt it the characteristics of the same fabric change a lot, you make it richer, give it greater body and presence," said the designer.
The feet of the sofa are available in two versions – wood, as a nod to the traditional clogs worn with a kimono, and a more contemporary acrylic.
![Obi sofa by Sancal](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/11/obi-sofa-sancal-quilted-furniture_dezeen_2364_col_8-852x656.jpg)
The modules making up the sofa can also be configured to fit into a range of domestic settings.
The Obi sofa is part of the brand's 2016 collection, launched earlier this year at Milan design week. It also includes a larger version of the Tonella lounge chair by Note Design Studio.