A few weeks ago the anxiety section of The New York Times Opionator featured a great essay by the philosophizing cartoonist Tim Kreider lamenting the “crazy busy” epidemic sweeping our overwrought, overworked, and overwhelmed nation. He posits that the “busy trap” is self imposed, claiming that our G-d out iLifes have led us to collectively believe that the opposite of busy is nothing short of terrifying. He goes on to remind us that “idleness is not just a vacation, an indulgence or a vice; it is as indispensable to the brain as vitamin D is to the body, and deprived of it we suffer a mental affliction as disfiguring as rickets.”
Our favorite Czech novelist (and perennial contender for the Nobel Prize in Literature!) Milan Kundera pretty much summed it up by saying that “ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy.” To promote a lazier life, we’ve rounded up some of the best designs in the world that combat the anguish of a double booked existence. From a transformable burrito shaped lounger that lets you be all kinds of lazy to a sleeping bag chair you never have to leave, click through to check out our favorite designs to help you live a more languid life.
BLANDITO by Oradaria Design
Image credit: Luca Nelli via behance
This transformable burrito meets giant floor pillow offers endless options for embracing lethargy.
Cushion Couch by Christiane Hoegner
Image credit: LoFi Studio
Lounge all day and all night on this couch cum giant pile of comfy cushions. It comes in classic white pillow or there’s also a colorful quilted option for more bohemian loafers.
The Bed by Linda Topic with Antonin Bachet
Image credit: Linda Topic
The designer describes her bed made out of six eiderdowns as “an invitation to idleness.” What’s that cliché Hollywood catchphrase? Living the dream.
Floating Bed by Daniele Lago
Image credit: Lago
This levitating bed takes the word lotuseater to another level entirely.
I’m So Lazy Carpet Bench Chair by Yuki Abe
Image credit: Design Made
This portable area for sitting and relaxing let’s you take your haven away from the turmoil of busyness with you wherever you go. Inspire your co-workers and set it up on your lunch hour.
Hanabi Sofa by Yuki Abe
Image credit: Aki Abe via Chair Blog
We’ve died and gone to sofa spud heaven.
Couch Sleeper by Anne Lorenz
Image credit: STILSUCHT
Don’t move a bone and do everything on/ in your couch. Eat, read and sleep all day every day from the comfort of your very own flannel-lined sleeping bag slash chaise longue.
Remote-controlled Rotor House by Luigi Colani
Image credit: ARTBOOM
A rotating, remote-controlled space-saving house. Too lazy to walk to the bathroom? With one simple click of a button, it comes to you!
Cocoon by LES M for Superette
Image credit: Eric Chenal via design milk
The Belgian design super duo, LES M, tells us that their Cocoon is “a perfect balance between creativity, functionality and humor. Snuggle up with Cocoon and watch TV or read, take a nap, whatever.”
I Heart Being Idle T-shirt by ilovemyshirt
Image credit: ilovemyshirt
Wear your new mantra on your sleeve, er um, combed cotton Made in the USA American Apparel t-shirt.