Dezeen promotion: A TV stand that doubles as a plant pot and another that incorporates a decorative display shelf are among the designs shortlisted in Dezeen and Samsung's QLED TV stand design competition.
Fifteen designs have been shortlisted in the competition, which called for innovative stand concepts for Samsung's QLED TV. They also include a design featuring a counter-weighted pulley system, one inspired by the "hygge" craze and one that doubles as a surfboard stand.
Others that made the shortlist range from simple wooden designs and ceiling-mounted systems intended for minimal homes, to coloured glass stands designed to match more luxurious interiors.
"Samsung is always talking about design," Samsung told Dezeen. "Our designs are not about the products only, but about lifestyle and design. That's why we're working with Dezeen."
The QLED TV is available with either a flat or curved screen, and can be used with a variety of interchangeable stands. Competition applicants were asked to develop stand designs with a particular lifestyle in mind.
The contest attracted over 1,200 entries, from 83 different countries.
"We were surprised that there were more participants than expected, and from many countries," said Samsung. "The geographical diversity was really good."
Five finalists will be selected from the shortlist and announced on 30 August. Each shortlisted designer has won at least €1,000, with finalists set to receive €3,000, and the winner due to receive €8,000.
Find out about the shortlisted designs:
RøR by Fulden Dehneli
Ankara, Turkey
Fulden Dehneli wants people to engage with their TV more, with this stand that incorporates a circular shelf and a frame to hang things from. The Scandinavian-inspired design is made from powder-coated metal tubes, along with a weighted element.
PlantLife by Martina Krastev
Athens, Greece
Martina Krastev is keen to to "de-technologise" the TV and destress its owners, by creating a stand that doubles as a plant holder. The design comprises a handwoven rattan basket filled with plants and flowers, raised up on slender steel legs.
Personality by Blond
London, United Kingdom
London design studio Blond has envisioned a modular TV stand made up of three parts that slot together. Customers can mix and match these elements in order to find a stand that suits the interior of their home.
AY!EH! (At Your Eye Height) by D2
Berlin, Germany
Rather than creating a freestanding design, D2 has mounted Samsung's QLED TV onto two wires that are connected to a counter-weighted pulley system. This allows the height of the TV to be adjusted for a variety of activities, from yoga sessions to party games.
Growth by Santiago Bautista
Madrid, Spain
Santiago Bautista has created a simple wooden stand that references the roots of plants. Two different lengths of wooden legs can be attached to a steel connector, allowing the stand to be placed on either a floor or tabletop.
Fly by Blisse Zetsche
Munich, Germany
Blisse Zetsche's Fly stand makes a feature of the TV's cable, which is wrapped around a canonical glass base and available in many colours. The stand also features a downward-facing light that illuminates the floor below the TV, when it is both on or off.
Shift by Juozas Brundza
Vilnius, Lithuania
Juozas Brundza's Shift was designed to allow the TV to switch from table-mounted to freestanding quickly and easily. The branch-like legs are made from aluminium and hide the cables inside.
Catch the Wave by Anthony Chieh
Los Angeles, USA
Anthony Chieh's design is made for surfers and ocean enthusiasts. The stand, which is crafted mainly from polished mahogany, combines a TV mount and surfboard stand in one design.
V Up by Petar Ćosić
Belgrade, Serbia
Petar Ćosić has incorporated speakers into the four legs of his stand design. These could be used with the TV, but could also be connected to other devices via Bluetooth.
Optical Suspension by Marcelo Dantas
Lisbon, Portugal
Designed for a minimalist home, Marcelo Dantas' stand allows the QLED TV to be suspended from the ceiling. The stand is constructed from two stainless steel tridents – one attached to the ceiling and the other the TV – and Samsung's new translucent optical cable.
Flamingo by Manuel Fernandez Rubio
Seville, Spain
Another adjustable stand that allows the TV be wall-mounted or freestanding is Manuel Fernandez Rubio's design. It is named Flamingo after its thin L-shaped legs, which would be available in a range of materials.
Ppalli Ppalli Palitos by Xose Manuel Figueroa
Mexico City, Mexico
Xose Manuel Figueroa looked to simple, line-drawn children's drawings when designing his TV stand. The stand is constructed from three overlapping wooden sticks, or "palitos" in Spanish.
Sail by S+A Studio
Singapore, Singapore
S+A Studio designed its stand to embrace the current craze for "hygge" – the Danish expression referring to cosiness. The base of the stand is a stack of shallow trays, in a range of materials that can hold all kinds of everyday items.
Stratos by Sonny Lim
Erlangen, Germany
Sonny Lim wanted to make the TV look like it is suspended in mid-air, with the cable hanging down and coiling below it. The stand would be made from single, cold-forged stainless steel tube extrusion, which would create a cantilever structure.
Butterfly by Rene Walk
Melbourne, Australia
Rene Walk's Butterfly stand is constructed from four identical, tinted glass panels with curved edges that slot into a central aluminium extrusion. The design is targeted at affluent consumers who aim to "impress their guests".