Clei: Italian family shapes high end space-saving furniture

A half-century ago, the Colombo family took the ugly wall bed and remade it into something stylish, easy-to-use, and a lot more than just a moving bed. In the 1970s, they added a table to the pull-down bed, then a sofa, and eventually began to remake all furniture in the home.
Today Clei creates morphing bunk beds, pop-up desks, slide-out tables, "bookish" open-out kitchens, and even entire walls that open up to create pop-out, fully-furnished rooms.
We stopped for a visit with the family at their offices and showroom in the Brianza region of Northern Italy, where "every corner" is a furniture company, according to architect and designer Pierluigi Colombo, who took us for a tour.
Clei: www.clei.it/ind...
pierluigicolom...
On *faircompanies: faircompanies....

[@philiq18]

Very cool. Props to the family for keeping their grandfather's company consistently innovating for 100 years.

[@user-sq1gk3fr4i]

Impressive. One cannot beat Italian or Scandinavian design Great video - Thanks.

[@Wsukemama]

In 1970 I lived in southern Italy in a smaller villa with my parents and 4 siblings. My bedroom was actually the bottom portion of the China cabinet that folded down into my bed at night. When I rolled over I could hear the glassware jiggle and was always afraid I would break all the dishes that came with the rental. Those older images brought back some sweet memories.

[@denisewilson4789]

Sounds like my childhood. There was 5 kids 2 adults & a dog in a small space(i don't remember the size) 1 kid slept in tub, 1 kid under kitchen table, 1 kid in closest and other 2 kids on sofa or floor. I always picked the closest because i had a door and it felt like a room

[@Windkisssed]

I loved the old video clips! How special to be a part of a family business that goes back so far and he’s been committed to ever since!

[@alwaysthelight]

It's great to see the inventor and innovator of multi-space furniture designs.

[@Justwantahover]

They should contract him for the space station.

[@patriciaburke2401]

I bet they could design amazing homes for van or RV dwellers. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story!🎄

[@JWW922]

Great idea! Clei?

[@sandymarshfoot-travelingho2328]

Exactly ! What I was Thinking.

[@chris-ly4bq]

First thing i thought of to when watching video,thx for sharing

[@benjaminhogan7304]

Piece of Furniture: Exists* Italian guy: "Put a bed in it!"

[@JJ-hp2oe]

finally someone mentioned this

[@queendionne659]

His father is a genius visionary

[@BrassLock]

Finally, I've seen the *_Original Transformers._* Thank You!

[@paulahavens2764]

fantastic for the tiny home movement.

[@denisefreimuth2773]

My thoughts as well! It's perfect!

[@NovaLena22]

Genius!! As someone who lives in New York City, where affordable spaces are getting smaller and smaller, I truly appreciate this kind of design. It makes it possible for people to live comfortably but still have all of the function of a bigger space. Brilliant design!

[@katietatey]

OMG the bookshelf that pivots into a bed, I need this!!! Very cool stuff!

[@ChazEvansdale]

I love designs like these. I'd love to see the creators make a tiny house out of these designs, and see what other designs they'd come up with for the space. I really like the first kitchen set-up that you showed.

[@kirstendirksen]

Pierluigi (my interviewee in the video) designed a micro unit for the Making Room exhibit at the National Building Museum in DC. It's up until January 6th: www.nbm.org/exhibition/housing/

[@ChazEvansdale]

@@kirstendirksen So cool. Thanks for sharing. Now if only my teleportation machine worked, I'd go see it before it closes.

[@ChazEvansdale]

@@kirstendirksen Update - They have a virtual tour of the exhibit, so I'm 'there' now. YES! Thanks again for the link! I'm so happy right now!

[@Virpukka]

They did one studio apartment in Soho I think. If I remember right it was fair faircompanies that has posted video from it in you tube. That is how I found this company first time.

[@debbieboring3422]

Thanks for introducing us to the man who came up with these innovative products. Showing us ways to fit beauty and function into a small space.

[@FurnitureFan]

I didn't catch his name. A modest man.

[@pierluigicolombo6765]

Italo Colombo, CLEI founder together with his brother Enzo Colombo in 1963

[@samewish]

@epocs 5:13

[@KoalityofLife]

Thats some amazing engineering. Crazy what you can do in a small space. :)

[@eevd350z]

I'm just thinking how many ninjas would buy these clever inventions. So many hidden areas to assassinate lol

[@cheapandchic89]

I just ordered my first Clei Giro' table and bookcase for my apartment in Rome. Absolutely thrilled to have something from this genius company in my home. They're true innovators, and their furniture is gorgeous as well as useful. Grazie Clei!

[@TWROC96]

This furniture is beautiful because of both its form and its function. I would much rather have a cozy, comfortable apartment or cottage filled with this wonderful fluid furniture than some grandiose space that is filled with furniture that will seldom get used.

[@SandraNelson063]

So one room is living room, bed room, office, kitchen, dining room. As well as guest bedroom. This is an idea that is so practical. There are so many people trying to cram themselves into ever shrinking space in cities. These ideas will solve the space crunch. Now, about the price range...

[@johnjohnson5907]

Sandra Nelson Oh yea price. Oh well may as well buy that bigger home

[@GraceCanadaful]

@@johnjohnson5907 - not if you want to live in New York😃

[@Seastorm-nh8cv]

In the tiny house market especially!

[@paulpoltzt9900]

I have only seen the first three minutes and am already absolutely blown away by the ingenuity of these designs!

[@Jahu-qs2us]

"Now, this may LOOK like a plant pot but its actually also a bed! Also look at this cutlery drawer. BOOM! Also a bed."

[@fredhoy6697]

Outstanding. Too many ideas to process at one time however so I'm definitely saving this one. What I like best about a lot of them that I've seen is that you include your kids in the adventure. They'll love you forever for all of the new experiences.

[@katherinekan2435]

His father and grandfather were ingenius and true innovators in furniture design and such forward thinkers!!!

[@WuLe993]

Man how I envy their kids, they see so much cool stuff.

[@gabilavender3363]

I am thoroughly fascinated and entertained after watching this.

[@susanmathis1682]

We know a family with 12 children. They neeeeeeed these products. Praying they get into the homes of families who need them. Beautifully designed!!!

[@bfbvouabeorbvoaervure963]

Susan Mathis Or maybe... just maybe... stop having kids...

[@dannettekey8375]

I love this kind of furniture! So so creative.

[@davidmathay7117]

Given the tiny house/tiny living craze going on right now, this would definitely play right into it. What you could do with this in less than 500sq-ft would make that space more than liveable.

[@Phantomedic]

Wait until you see the prices!?!............the tiny house movement was founded on one principle, affordability. These products are great, but it might cost you as much as your build.

[@KerrieRedgate]

Wonderful to see the origins of these designs! Fabulous that it has remained a family business. Terrific showroom. I wish I had one of those desk/beds. Though, the Japanese have been using this concept for centuries. Traditionally, the futon and all the bedding is folded up during the day and placed on a shelves inside a sliding-door wall cupboard, clearing the room for other activities like dining. Recognising space as a premium commodity has been an attribute of the Japanese people for as long as anyone knows.

[@saltnpepperwsugar]

I have their bed ALTEA 120 and it works great since 2011. Keep up the good work CLEI ;)

[@secondact7151]

There are so many ideas there. Way out of my budget, but DIY is always as possibility. If I were to make the kitchen, I would put the fridge, sink, and some dishes in an additions to the outside. That way the mini,mini kitchen that is most used is always available. The rest of the kitchen would be folded out for actual cooking. Breakfast, tea, hand washing and drinks would always be available.

[@FurnitureFan]

Exactly what I was thinking - keep some access, for healthy snacks.

[@cyphi1]

Im so fascinated with this transforming furniture.

[@amymoxley1165]

Thank you for this. I would like it 100 times if I could. My father was an innovator too! He was ahead of his time in passive solar, tiny living , and many other ideas that I'm seeing now on youtube and thinking, "Wow, my dad really was a genius!" (I'm 52, and he's 72.)

[@carolynsmith9172]

The Cass Family Services in Detroit, Michigan is building an entire neighborhood of Tiny Houses. These innovations plus sustainable solar, grey water systems and community Gardens could end homelessness and food insecurity.

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Carolyn Smith That’s nice, but homelessness can’t be fixed by providing homes... many people are homeless for reasons that can’t be fixed.

[@IvanIvanov-vo4rf]

ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE! With homelessness, with hunger and with all the crap that is happening on our ball, only a change in the political system - IDEOLOGY will do away with!

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Ivan Ivanov many of the homeless population can’t live by the rules of others, some can’t live in enclosed spaces, and some have to constantly move around... if you think providing a plywood box for those people will do anything than you are foolish. That of course means nothing for many others who have simply suffered setbacks and need some help to get back into society, but to think it is society’s fault that the others are outside is foolish and proves you know nothing of the problems facing those who at every turn choose to live “out of doors.”

[@sylviajones4907]

@@Rick_Sanchez_C137_ "Misinformed" is a more generous term than "foolish." People will keep their ears open for longer periods of time that way, and may even become "INformed."

[@pokirolls5660]

@@Rick_Sanchez_C137_ ...it can be fix .

[@moonettewolfsong9960]

Thank you everyone for showing us the history and how things came to be! Really like all the old clips along with the modern day footage. :)

[@lindabarrett6471]

This is exactly what VanLife needs! The desk with the bed behind. Plus a guest up? Amazing!!

[@josephwinkler4863]

Not only are these videos extremely interesting and fun to watch but I absolutely adore the camera girl

[@sihlenatashamasombuka3942]

I just want to cry, it is so beautiful

[@gearbox3773]

Hello a lot of comments look like from USA. In Italy we have very old town and also small apartment. A medium size for a family of four is around 80 sqm. We can't waste space.

[@smallfootprint2961]

I love all this stuff. I can see this working well for a sewing space that also needs to function as a guest space. Thanks, Kirsten, and yet another great find. Thanks for going to the source. Love to hear how it all developed... Amazing that you cut in those views of how they started. Your story telling is getting better and better. I'm always interested in the history of these ideas.

[@YagoFernades]

I've met this channel with the Graham Hill NYC apartment. I follow this channel now for almost 4 years now. And i'm always inspired to live like that. I'm now moving to my own tiny apartment, although not by choice, and i'm definately going to DIY alot of this. Also it always amazes me how they can hide the mechanisms so naturally, my solutions are always kind of ugly!

[@susana5052]

I have a Japanese cousin that was going to university for furniture design. NOW I know why! Great post!👍

[@random-kc8gx]

Using verticle space efficiently. Very practical for different tight living spaces in busy metropolitan cities.

[@Usernamenottaken2k]

I had a Clei bed in my first appartment. Pricey but cost less than the extra m2 in Oslo you'd need for a bedroom. Solid engineering and the best madrass I ever had.

[@shelleynobleart]

Absolutely sensational. A small custom built home could be made incredibly versatile with these gorgeously designed products.

[@donpearson2076]

Love this company; wish I could afford some of these designs would be great for me and my 5 kids im a single dad with only 3 bedrooms. These are stylish and so practical. Love it!

[@kimw8054]

I love this concept. If I could my entire home would be entirely this transforming furniture. I love it!!! Thank you Kirsten for bringing this and all of your searches to us. Merry Christmas to you and your family!! Edit: I didn't mean to negate your husband's role in this venture. I know he is there with you filming everything and interviewing, too. I have an uncle in Sterling Heights Michigan who looks EXACTLY like your husband. His name is George. One more thing: your children are gorgeous!! Your oldest has the looks of a model. Do they like traveling and meeting new people? Or are they bored with furniture and houses? Sorry if I seem nosey. I've been watching you for a couple years now and I love each and every one. Have a great day

[@vikz5786]

The design and engineering philosophy is old. The application of it to new tech and materials creates a new generation of magic. A great business model.

[@carolynhiscock9457]

Absolutely beautiful and amazing !

[@alexisnadal1486]

Clei is the one of the furniture companies that I am obsessed about. :) Besides the functionality of their products and its super “Italiano” aesthetics, it’s safety features that sold me. Most of their products have to be braced into the wall and their products have safety ratchets that prevent your furniture becomes a weapon during an earthquake... I am from earthquake prone area and this safety function can be most important in place like Italy. :)

[@carpenterfamily6198]

14:45 two stroke motor scooter - now that’s Italy ! I love the family & their furniture creations. ❤️😀👍

[@independentthinker9113]

Wow. I love the clever furniture designs!!

[@lydiarowe491]

Brilliant concepts for places with no spaces... Trend setting with a mind set that has no barriers.. Such a gift to be giving to those who live in a micro environ... Many thanks for this introduction... Love your productions..⭐

[@allegrosotto2126]

This is the creativity we need to take us forward, wonderful!

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Wow amazing furniture for tiny homes and small apartments very very creative yay Italians.

[@MedianaDhea]

omg love to see such a lovely bond between father n son in this video

[@TheRausing1]

I want a house completely full of this stuff... every shelf, every tv box, every cupboard, secretly a bed. Just secret beds everywhere.

[@oceane2998]

one of bf when i was a teenager used to have an RV with all those types of furniture. double bed and table hidden on one wall, foldable shower space, kitchen as a desk too... and hammock in the van for lazy days. somehow this video brings happy memories of our roadtrips in this van !

[@riseevolution]

I think this people is genious! I want to have a minimal house with this furniture

[@coratheexplorer1824]

Omg these are all amazing, if I win the lottery I want all of these to install in my house.

[@rogerdodger5415]

I don’t know how in the world they find all these interesting things!😎👍

[@dphotos007]

Very smart interior furniture space designs.

[@doseoflifeuk]

Kirtsten you are doing a great job by showing who the creator behind space-adapting furnitures are. Glad to also see your family being part of the family.

[@ClaudyArfaras]

So nice to see the entire family together... Ms. Dirksen, your children are adorable and added to the story... Very interesting segment and quite educational too... Thank you.

[@constanzza777]

The problem is that this fourniture is quite expensive at present. Unafordable to me. More furniture companies make it, less expensive it will become in the future. Great job!

[@K1Pfand]

No it's pretty ignorant to say it's not worth the money. Furniture should be worshiped more. They are liturally things that almost last for ever in comparison to like "cheap" and not thought out furniture

[@andreaandrea6716]

@@K1Pfand Ummm... I don't think anyone said that the furniture was not worth what it costs, there are simply those of us who do not have the money to buy expensive furniture. (Nuance).

[@georgensal]

welll...he said they were the Ferraies of this system....Murphy beds are not expensive, and in some places you can have them second hand at a reasonable price, even with folding tables attached, etc

[@ruraledition]

Everything these days is offered at a reasonable price point based on the value of components, materials and design input hours. The manufacturer can not make a product if there is no profit margin for him. Of course if you are crafty, such as myself and my partner who use these concepts to come up with our own transformable furniture for temporary accommodation, then you may perhaps afford transformable furniture. However, if you intend living in the one location for many years, or if you have a student apartment you need to rent out, then it is best to consider manufactured products made from high durability surfaces. Since components and transformable mechanism compose the bulk of the cost of transformable furniture anyway. Refer Hafale components and enquire about their prices. Then you'll appreciate a ready made manufactured product. When you make your own transformable furniture, the finish and aesthetics are greatly compromised as well. Unfortunately a better standard of living costs more.

[@thecollector5243]

There also videos on KZbin on how to build stuff like murphy beds yourself. Depending on how good you are with tools, it's not that difficult to take parts from a normal wooden bed, screw it to a wall, built a cupboard around it, and put a bench underneath.

[@romancandlefight1144]

Most excited by the big garden/trough beside the window at 8:18

[@juliannebooth3474]

Fabulous thank you. Beautiful design with function and elegance.

[@veramentegina]

holy cow!! love this stuff. genius..and beautiful.

[@swicheroo1]

I'm fascinated by this. My friend's kid has this in her bedroom. They have a huge house, expensive house...but the kid's room follows this concept.

[@thebrownguy79]

Amazing! So many of their products you’ve shown in previous videos and to see the guy and his father that created and drawn up these pieces of furniture are so captivating!

[@kayceegreer4418]

The man is a GENIUS ! ! !

[@ParadoxdesignsOrg]

Very smart design. With houses getting smaller this is the future.

[@VarongTangkitphithakphon]

Totally in love with all these innovation! I was not really into big space. I live in a big family house with 4 bedroom living room but I only use my bedroom and kitchen most of the time as I like cooking. I like the idea on the first kitchen but it was too small. My life is bedroom and kitchen , living area is optional for me. Would love to have these concept if I'm going to have my own house. and also think of how it would be much easier to clean the floor!

[@georgebushwack]

I can imagine the demand for these concepts will continue to grow along with astronomical square foot prices in international cities

[@aviajarehema7393]

Great video series! I recommend these!

[@mgesibabere4743]

People are so genius.

[@linkyla7741]

I'm so fall in love in the concept to fold everything but make things simple !

[@JoelSilvaraci20-09-BH]

I love this furniture factory, congratulations on brilliant ideas, to reuse the space. this video in particular seeing the creator of all the creations.

[@Arbie812]

Wow that is incredible!

[@MarysMakesandMends]

I love this. My biggest pet peeve with dual purpose furniture is that it always seems like such a hassle to switch between the two. This guy makes everything so seamless and easy to make the change literally in seconds and without fumbling around. Love it!

[@pariahsgrit]

This is probably one of my favorites you've done.

[@motivationforbreakfast]

One of my favorite companies 😍

[@victoriamiskolczy6336]

Brilliant concepts and design! I love the practicality and the aesthetic.

[@CoastalKite]

Very cool to see the history behind this. I’ve seen the other videos on this furniture and knew it couldn’t be an American company so it’s neat to see the origins.

[@YuriSamson]

Thanks for bringing the kids along, that's priceless :)

[@suzi7715]

WOW!!! It's so cool to see the family who actually designs and manufactures so much of the mulit-functional furniture I've seen in so many of your tiny house videos!!! I especially love that generations of the family have been doing this for a long time!!! Great video!!!

[@georgensal]

Wonderful job! great place to visit,,,

[@Speedinginprogress]

You bring us the best stuff.

[@rebeccatreeseed410]

Always fun to see these. I have 120 sf, but went another route. I like the fold out table at the end.

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Rebecca Treeseed I’m building a small cabin in S.E. Alaska; and want to eventually do a Skoolie reno for travel in north and South America; where do you have your tiny?

[@Jamminn555]

Such a cool company and what a cool video!! Thank you so much for posting!

[@captsam54]

This could be used in the RV industry Today..!!

[@anaspictures1633]

I am happy to see the inventor ....

[@LovingAtlanta]

👍I love it. Thanks. 💞

[@hinteriors389]

Thank you for making the video.

[@angerock49]

This is EXACTLY the kind of topic I'd wanted to watch a video about all day and of course your video pops up in my notifications! THANK YOU for the work you do :D

[@alexbaer4572]

This is just brilliant.

[@juliannaaka-babayega8941]

Your father...and you, hell of a guy!!! This was awesome! Thank you. The vintage footage was really great.

[@edgarbleikur1929]

Fantastic documentary

[@josephsgroi4474]

I am fascinated by this channel and I’m somewhat obsessed with tiny houses. The thing that concerned me about the tiny house is that almost all of them appear to trying to create a miniaturized version of a house. The combination of what I see here and the tiny house seems to be the perfect solution.

[@KennethCampbell]

Yet another fantastic docu, Kirsten! I wish I could spend a whole day touring the Colombo family studio; it looks stunning!

[@aurematic]

Extremely brilliant!