From the sink to the spotlight: sponges as decorative pieces
28/1/2026
Translation: Elicia Payne
Pictures: Pia Seidel
Cleaning? So annoying. This is a universal truth. But what if nice sponges made it a bit more fun?
The solution to making cleaning more fun may be right under our noses – or rather in our hands: sponges. But not just any old ones, ones that are practical and aesthetic. Sound surprising? Fair enough. But there are, in fact, people who are very passionate about sponges.
A sponge story that changes everything
Take Calley Benoit Belli, whose story is told in Dwell magazine by Stephanie Gonot. Calley’s not just a sponge user – she’s a sponge collector, sponge curator and sponge lover. Her obsession began in 2014 when she moved into her own small apartment in New York. Finally alone, without a roommate, she could choose every item in her home herself, right down to the sponges.
But Calley was certain about one thing – the boring standard foam thing with a green top and yellow underside wasn’t an option. She wanted something special. Something fun. A friend brought her a colourful crochet sponge from South Korea, and that was the beginning of a love affair that has stayed with her to this day.
Sponges as a lifestyle
Calley goes as far as calling them art, not cleaning tools. Her husband even gifted her a shelf in the living room for her Scrubby collection when it was her birthday. A friend of mine, a graphic designer, also sees sponges as more than just practical helpers – for her they are small design objects. Various everyday items hang in her kitchen, often still in their original packaging, because she’s fascinated by the design. «These kind of objects deserve more attention,» she says. «They’re part of my furnishings and aesthetic, and if they complement the overall look, that’s perfect. A sponge is there for cleaning, but if it also looks good and works, it’s a win-win. I’ve bought lots of sponges in foreign supermarkets simply because they looked great – and yes, I actually use them.»
A new take on the miracle absorber: luffa design
Another example of the creative use of sponges is the project by Samer Selbak. He’s a designer who reinterprets the natural beauty of the luffa plant. The dried fruit of the luffa, which was once used as a sponge in every Palestinian household, inspires Samer to create innovative designs. He uses the dyed material to create lamps and room dividers, among other things, which captivate you with their transparency and special texture of the luffa. Both objects play with light and shadow and create a unique atmosphere.
Sponges that make cleaning (almost) bearable
All of these examples show how a change of perspective can transform even everyday objects into design pieces. Sponges can be creative and inspiring. Perhaps dishwashinging sponges will soon become more than just a cleaning tool.
Scrub Daddy Scrub Mommy
1 pcs.
Rice Schwamm Stern aus Polyester - Blau
1 pcs.
Scrub Daddy Sponge
4 pcs.
bluu Anti-scratch sponges
2 pcs.
EUR18,87
Genius Genie sponge Clia 3pcs
3 pcs.
Genius Rainbow sponge 2pcs
12 pcs.
Kikkerland Cat
3 pcs.
Starlyf STARYLF Allzweckschwämme, 5er-Set, doppelseitig
5 pcs.
Kikkerland Cactus Scrub Sponge
2 pcs.
Header image: Pia Seidel
Pia Seidel
Senior Editor
Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.chLike a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.
Opinion
This is a subjective opinion of the editorial team. It doesn't necessarily reflect the position of the company.
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