Material Studies Side Table Lapis Blue Pedestal with a Round Black Glass Top Outdoors Among Tall Grasses

Materials With Integrity

Every Kalon piece begins with the material itself. From selection to method of production, each decision is guided by a commitment to clarity, longevity, and environmental responsibility.

We work primarily with natural materials, embracing their inherent variation, movement, and hue as integral to our designs. Each material is chosen not only for its structural qualities but for its ability to evolve — to gain depth, character, and patina through use. Aging is not a flaw to be controlled; it is a fundamental part of how we design.

Our standards prioritize materials that are renewable, biodegradable, and traceable. We avoid synthetic coatings, composite fillers, and chemical treatments, choosing finishes and processes that allow materials to remain open, breathable, and honest in their expression.

For deeper explorations of these ideas, visit our Journal for essays on the materials and processes behind our work, and our With Age Studies,which document how Kalon pieces change and develop over time.

Below is a list of the materials we use and the principles that guide their selection.

Finishes Several Small Wooden Blocks Scattered on a White Surface Casting Long Shadows
Bough Stool Detail Close up of a Light Wood Chair Showing the Seat Edge and Curved Legs with Visible Grain Patterns Against a Neutral Background

Wood
Wood is one of the most renewable and expressive natural materials we work with. All of our lumber is sustainably harvested from forests local to our workshops, ensuring traceability, reduced transport impact, and responsible stewardship of regional ecosystems.

We place minimal restrictions on grain structure and natural variation. This approach reduces waste within the timber industry and honors the full spectrum of the material — its density, figure, color, and the subtle movement that occurs over time. As wood ages, its tone deepens and its surface develops a natural patina, reflecting the life of the piece and the environment in which it’s used.

Maple Raw Finish Light Wood Block with Visible Grain on a White Textured Background Close up

Maple

Raw

Light, creamy color. Pitch fleck and mineral streaks add a reddish-brown hue. Color deepens with age. Honey-gold patina. Sanded to a smooth finish. No oil.
Maple Kalon Bare Finish Light Wooden Panel Resting on a White Textured Background Showing Subtle Wood Grain Lines

Maple

Kalon Bare Finish

White with some reddish-brown highlights. Fine, uniform texture
Ash Raw Finish Pale Wooden Block with Visible Grain on a White Textured Background

Ash

Raw

Light, pale-beige to light-brown hue. Deep pitted grain structure. Amber patina. Sanded to a smooth finish. No oil.
Ash Kalon Bare Finish Light Wooden Block with Visible Grain Against a White Textured Background Centered in the Image Top of the Block Cut off Slightly

Ash

Kalon Bare Finish

Light colored, smooth-grained hardwood, beige brown hues, golden patina
Ash Natural Oilwax Finish Close up of a Light Wood Block with Horizontal Grain on a White Textured Surface

Ash

Natural Oil/Wax Finish

Light colored, smooth-grained hardwood, beige brown hues, golden patina
Sugar Pine Kalon Bare Finish Pale Wooden Block with Distinct Vertical Grain Placed on a White Textured Surface

Sugar Pine

Kalon Bare Finish

Pale yellow to nearly white, buff or light brown streaks, occasional knots
White Oak Kalon Bare Finish Rectangular Light Oak Wooden Block Against a White Textured Background

White Oak

Kalon Bare Finish

Light to medium brown, rich caramel patina
White Oak Natural Oilwax Finish Close up of a Rectangular Light Brown Wooden Plank with Visible Grain on a White Background Occupying the Bottom Center of the Image

White Oak

Natural Oil/Wax Finish

Light to medium brown, rich caramel patina
Material Samples 30 a Light Brown Wooden Plank with Visible Grain Laid on a White Textured Surface

Douglas Fir

Kalon Bare Finish

Light brown with hints of red and yellow. Classic straight, uniform grain. Strong, resilient softwood with a subtle patina.
Black Walnut Natural Oilwax Finish Dark Brown Wooden Panel Centered on a White Background

Black Walnut

Natural Oil/Wax Finish

Rich chocolatey hues, blond highlights. Lighter patina, lighten with notes of honey.
Flax Oil Open Jar of Orange Liquid on a White Surface with a Long Shadow Nearby

Finishes
Finishing alters not only the appearance of a material but the way it responds to its environment. We use natural, “live” finishes that preserve breathability, protect the surface, and allow materials to age on their own terms. These finishes enhance tone and grain without forming a synthetic barrier, supporting the honest expression of the material and its gradual development of character over time.

Ash Raw Finish Pale Wooden Block with Visible Grain on a White Textured Background

Raw Finish

Ash

Sanded to a silken, smooth finish, no oil finish applied
Ash Kalon Bare Finish Light Wooden Block with Visible Grain Against a White Textured Background Centered in the Image Top of the Block Cut off Slightly

Kalon Bare Finish

Ash

For our lighter woods, we use Kalon Bare Finish, a premium, organic plant-based oil/wax finish, painstakingly developed to preserve the delicate, luminous beauty of raw wood. This hand-rubbed finish is water repellent and allows the wood to remain lighter for longer as the wood develops its natural patina through age and use.
American White Oak Bare a Vertical Wood Plank with Visible Grain Placed on a White Textured Background

Kalon Bare Finish

White Oak

For our lighter woods, we use Kalon Bare Finish, a premium, organic plant-based oil/wax finish, painstakingly developed to preserve the delicate, luminous beauty of raw wood. This hand-rubbed finish is water repellent and allows the wood to remain lighter for longer as the wood develops its natural patina through age and use.
American White Oak Natural Vertical Wooden Plank with Oak Grain on a White Textured Background Centered Toward the Bottom of the Image

Natural Oil/Wax Finish

White Oak

Our standard wood finish is a premium, organic plant-based oil/wax finish that brings out rich, honeyed tones in wood. It contains a sophisticated combination of natural resins and waxes that together penetrate the wood to create a durable, water repellent, water-mark resistant finish, enhancing and maintaining wood’s beauty and breathability.

Stone
Stone carries time in its surface. Each slab is singular — its veining, color, and movement shaped by geological processes that cannot be replicated or controlled. These natural variations are integral to the design. In our work, stone is paired with pared-back, structural forms, where the contrast between precise geometry and the unpredictability of the material creates a tension that allows each piece to hold both clarity and complexity.

Kalon stone iron red Close up of Red Marble with White Veining Across the Surface Showing Natural Stone Texture

Iron Red

Polished

Earthy red marble with cream calcite veining
Kalon stone mineral gold Beige Marble Texture with Subtle Orange Veining and Cloudy Patterns

Mineral Gold

Polished

Warm, golden-beige marble with softer contrast
Kalon stone mineral blue Close up of Clear Ice with Brown Plant Stems Embedded Creating Dark Crisscross Lines Across the Surface

Mineral Blue

Polished

Blue-grey quartzite with dramatic rust and gold veining
Brass Row of Brass and Bronze Cylindrical Pegs and Curved Bars Arranged on a White Surface with Soft ShadowsBrass

Metals
Elegant, sturdy, tactile, and luminous, metal introduces a quiet clarity to our work — practical in function, poetic in presence. We select metals for their durability and inherent beauty, particularly their ability to age and transform over time. Rather than sealing the surface, we use a natural wax finish that allows each metal to develop a rich, living patina

Machined Brass Live Wax Finish Brass Hardware Pieces a Gold Cylindrical Tube and a Round Circular Cap on a White Textured Background

Brass

Machined, Wax Finish

Our live wax allows our metals to develop a beautiful patina over time
Machined Brass with Live Wax Finish Three Gold Ribbed Metal Cylinders Arranged Vertically on a White Surface Resembling Small Decorative Beads or Rings

Brass

Machined, Wax Finish

Our live wax allows our metals to develop a beautiful patina over time
Blackened Steel Two Black Dumbbells on a White Textured Surface Seen Along the Bottom Edge

Blackened Steel

Machined

Inspired by traditional Japanese metalworking and ironware techniques, particularly tetsubin cast iron kettles and the labor-intensive wara-ibushi patina technique.
Material Samples 48 Brushed Silver Rectangular Metal Card with Rounded Corners Lying on a Light Textured Surface

Brushed Aluminum

Material Samples 45 Close up of a Dark Red Rectangular Card with Rounded Corners on a White Textured Surface

Aluminum

Oxblood

Material Samples 46 Vertical Blue Rounded Rectangle Against a White Textured Wall Surface Occupying the Center of the Image

Aluminum

Lapis

Material Samples 47 Beige Rectangular Wall Switch Cover Mounted on a White Textured Wall

Aluminum

Lime White

Belgian LinenBelgian Linen

Textiles
We work primarily with natural fiber textiles — linen, organic cotton, and wool — selected for their purity, traceability, and minimal processing. These materials are sourced with care from farmer to mill and contain no flame retardants or harmful chemical additives. For added durability in select upholstery applications, we allow for a small amount of synthetic content, never more than ten percent.

For outdoor pieces, we use high-performance synthetic textiles designed for exterior conditions. Natural fibers cannot withstand prolonged exposure to moisture and sunlight, and these fabrics offer the longevity and stability required for outdoor use.

Cognac Leather Brown Leather Swatch with Natural Grain on a White Background Irregular Bottom Edge Visible

Cognac Leather

Vegetable-tanned, Aniline Leather

Medium honey-brown
Honey Leather Brown Leather Swatch with Visible Grain Texture on a White Background Showing a Curved Top Edge and Natural Creases As a Sample

Honey

Pure Aniline Leather

Materials 1007 edit Close up of a Brown Suede Fabric Swatch with a Diagonal Crease on a White Background

100% Velvet Mohair

Silvery-Fawn hue. Plush durable & resilient velvet. Resistant to moisture, stretching and creasing and is inherently flame resistant
Materials 991 edit Close up of a Dark Olive Wool Fabric Swatch with a Fuzzy Texture on a White Background

100% Velvet Mohair

Deep emerald green. Plush durable & resilient velvet. Resistant to moisture, stretching and creasing and is inherently flame resistant
Umber  mohair Brown Suedefelt Fabric Swatch Lying on a White Surface Showing Soft Fuzzy Texture and Slightly Curved Edges

Umber

Velvet Mohair

Rich, caramel-tan hue. Plush durable & resilient velvet. Resistant to moisture, stretching and creasing and is inherently flame resistant
Sage  stonewashed Linen Brown Textured Fabric Swatch with a Zigzag Edge on a White Background

Sage

Stonewashed Belgian Linen

Warm khaki-green with a soft, brushed texture
Nopal  stonewashed Linen Olive brown Textured Fabric Swatch on a White Background

Nopal

Stonewashed Belgian Linen

Mossy, army-green with a soft, brushed texture
Oatmeal  cotton linen Blend Beige Textured Fabric Swatch on White Background with Folded Corner Showing Weave Pattern

Oatmeal

Cotton Linen Blend

Soft, white with gray undertones
Apricot  belgian Linen Rectangular Swatch of Terracotta Woven Fabric on a White Background Showing a Textured Grid Weave and Frayed Edges at the Corners

Apricot

100% Belgian Linen

Warm yellowish-orange hue
Egg  cotton linen Blend Mustard yellow Fabric Swatch with Visible Weave on a White Background

Egg

Cotton Linen Blend

Golden, egg-yolk yellow
Yves  cotton linen Blend Close up of a Royal Blue Fabric Swatch with a Rough Weave Laid on a White Surface

Yves

Cotton Linen Blend

A deep, ultramarine blue
Toostripe Ochre   Wool Blend Striped Woven Fabric Swatch with Orange and Olive Bands on a White Background

Toostripe Ochre

Wool Blend

Alexander Girard
Macclesfield Walnut  100 Linen Brown Fabric Swatch with Cream and Blue Floral Pattern and Leaves

Macclesfield Walnut

100% Linen

Rose Cumming Archive
Macclesfield Blue  100 Linen Teal blue Fabric Swatch with Beige Floral Pattern and Visible Woven Texture

Macclesfield Blue

100% Linen

Rose Cumming Archive
Material Samples 49 Piece of Beige Fabric with a Cream Brown and Purple Floral Print on a Light Background

Macclesfield Green

100% Linen

Rose Cumming Archive
Flora Chocolate  Egyptian Cotton Percale Brown Fabric Swatch with a White Floral Pattern Laid on a White Surface

Flora Chocolate

Egyptian cotton percale

Warner Textile Archive
Material Samples 32 a Blue gray Fabric Swatch with Large White Floral Patterns Laid on a White Background

Flora Slate

Egyptian cotton percale

Warner Textile Archive
Material Samples 31 Green and White Checkered Fabric Swatch with Frayed Edges on a White Background

Chequerboard

Sonoma Check  100 Linen Blue and Beige Gingham Fabric Swatch on White Background Showing a Checkered Pattern

Sonoma Check

100% Linen

Navy, White Check
Material Samples 44 Beige Woven Fabric Swatch on a White Background Showing a Tight Plain Weave and Frayed Edges at the Corners

Clay (Outdoor)

Greenguard Certified 100% Trevira

Soft, lovely hand-feel. PFAS-free, environmentally-focused finish, which is water-repellent and fast-drying. It also provides resistance against chlorine, seawater, artificial weathering and is flame-retardant.
Material Samples 43 Close up of a Burgundy Fabric Swatch with a Coarse Woven Texture on a Light Background

Carmine (Outdoor)

Greenguard Certified 100% Trevira

Rich, deep red with violet undertones. Soft, lovely hand-feel. PFAS-free, environmentally-focused finish, which is water-repellent and fast-drying. It also provides resistance against chlorine, seawater, artificial weathering and is flame-retardant.
Material Samples 42 Close up of a Dark Textured Fabric Strap with a Curved Edge on a Light Background

Forest

Greenguard Certified 94% Wool blend

A deep, shadowy green. Woven from bouclé yarns with a gentle, satin finish, and an inviting texture.
Material Samples 40 Close up of a Dark Blue Denim Fabric Swatch with a Frayed Edge on a White Background

Ink

Greenguard Certified 94% Wool blend

A midnight blue. Woven from bouclé yarns with a gentle, satin finish, and an inviting texture.
Material Samples 41 Close up of a Dark Burgundy Fabric Strap Against a White Textured Background Showing Tight Weave and Stitched Edges

Plum

Greenguard Certified 94% Wool blend

A decadent, dark purple. Woven from bouclé yarns with a gentle, satin finish, and an inviting texture.
Material Samples 39 Close up of a Cream colored Woven Fabric Ribbon on a White Background

Salt

Greenguard Certified 94% Wool blend

A softly shaded white. Woven from bouclé yarns with a gentle, satin finish, and an inviting texture.
Material Samples 36 Navy Blue Corduroy Fabric Swatch with Vertical Ridges on a White Background Photographed Close Up

Ink

Greenguard Certified cotton-blend (90% cotton, 10% synthetic)

A rich midnight blue. Plush, large-scale ribbed corduroy.
Material Samples 38 Gray Ribbed Fabric Swatch Laid on a White Surface Close up Texture Detail

Smoke

Greenguard Certified cotton-blend (90% cotton, 10% synthetic)

A warm, silverly grey. Plush, large-scale ribbed corduroy.
Material Samples 37 Beige Striped Towel Laid on a White Surface Close up of Fabric Texture on the Edge of the Cloth

Paper

Greenguard Certified cotton-blend (90% cotton, 10% synthetic)

A shaded, pearl white. Plush, large-scale ribbed corduroy.
Material Samples 33 Beige Textured Carpet Swatch Laid Diagonally on a White Background

100% pure virgin wool bouclé

Soft, white with beige undertones
Material Samples 34 Beige Textured Fabric Swatch with a Folded Corner on a Light Surface

100% pure virgin wool bouclé

Grey with beige undertones
Beige Steelcut Trio 225 Close up of a Brown Fabric Swatch with a Small Blue and Red Diamond Weave on White Background

Beige Steelcut Trio 225

Wool Blend

Weave of red, yellow and blue. Hardwearing with a three-dimensional surface
White Steelcut Trio 105 a Beige and White Diamond weave Fabric Swatch with Frayed Edges on a White Background Showing a Textured Textile Sample

White Steelcut Trio 105

Wool Blend

Weave of white and grey. Hardwearing with a three-dimensional surface
Navy Steelcut Trio 883 Close up of a Dark Blue Woven Fabric Swatch with Teal Edging Against a White Background

Navy Steelcut Trio 883

Wool Blend

Weave of deep and electric blue. Hardwearing with a three-dimensional surface
Grey Steelcut Trio 113 Close up of a Gray and Black Dotted Fabric Swatch with a Frayed Bottom Edge on a White Surface

Grey Steelcut Trio 113

Wool Blend

Weave of grey and light blue. Hardwearing with a three-dimensional surface
Pink Steelcut Trio 515 Pink and white Woven Fabric Swatch with Yellow Edging Folded Against a White Background

Pink Steelcut Trio 515

Wool Blend

Weave of red, yellow and white. Hardwearing with a three-dimensional surface
Materials 951 edit Left a Rough White Pumice Stone Center Fluffy White Feathers Right a Pale Bar of Soap on a White Surface

Upholstery Fill, Cushioning & Mattresses
Our upholstery fills and mattresses use only pure, certified natural materials. Each component is carefully sourced and verified for organic content at every stage of production, from farmer and crop to factory. These materials are naturally breathable, hypoallergenic, and resistant to bacteria and mold. They provide inherent fire resistance without chemical flame retardants and are entirely free of additives, synthetic foams, and toxins.

Organic Cotton Ticking Cream Quilted Fabric Swatch with Four Square Padded Panels on a White Background

Organic Cotton Ticking

GOTS-Certified

Breathable, durable, hypoallergenic, allows for natural temperature regulation and cooling
Organic Raw Cotton Fiber Close up of a Large Fluffy Off white Rock wool Insulation Piece on a White Background

Organic Raw Cotton Fiber

GOTS-Certified

Absorbent, breathable, hypoallergenic, non-toxic, wicking
Natural Premium Rustic Wool Rectangular Beige Felt Sheet with a Soft Fuzzy Texture on a White Background Close up View

Natural Premium Rustic Wool

GOTS-Certified

Naturally fire-retardant & antimicrobial, resilient, durable and moisture-wicking, superior to all other fibers in its ability to handle body moisture in both warm and cool environments
Organic Cotton Lining Beige Fabric Scarf Draped in a Loose Loop on a White Textured Background

Organic Cotton Lining

GOTS-Certified

Breathable, hypoallergenic, allows for natural temperature regulation and cooling
Organic Palm Coir Close up of a Textured Brown Coir Doormat Against a Pale Background with Tangled Fibers

Organic Palm Coir

ECO Institute Certified

Naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to bacteria, dust mites, and mold, naturally cooling — coconut fiber from recycled coconut husks
Organic Natural Latex Close up of a White Kitchen Sponge with Uniform Circular Holes Across Its Surface

Organic Natural Latex

Hand-molded, GOLS-Certified

Naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to bacteria, dust mites, and mold, naturally cooling — Derived from organic rubber trees
Down Feather Fill Soft Cluster of White Feathers Resting on a White Background Airy and Delicate

Down Feather Fill

Goose

Breathable, long-lasting and resilient, excellent loft and insulation, lowest carbon footprint of any fill, lasts a lifetime with proper care