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Koala: From ‘mattress in a box’ to bonafide furniture brand

By Amy Collins-Walker •

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When Koala hit the Australian furniture scene in 2015, it made waves due to its unique ‘mattress in a box’ offering. Coupled with the brand’s fabulous 120-night trial policy, commitment to solid eco-friendly practices and reasonable prices, Koala has gone on to become one of our most successful furniture start-ups. Today we catch up with the brand’s Vice President of product and design, James Whitta, to hear all about the brand’s ethos and expansion.

Koala mattress
The mattress that put the brand on the map

“Koala’s philosophy is all about creating products that suit the laidback Aussie lifestyle while also doing wonders for the planet. Sustainability is at the core of Koala’s identity; we always ensure we are taking care of the planet and its people every step of the way. We also want our customers to find buying furniture from us a breeze, by ensuring all our products are easy to buy, try and return,” says James.

Koala Highback armchair
Koala Highback armchair

After launching with one mattress style in 2015, and experiencing great success, Koala added a variety of others to the mix, designed to service every type of sleeper. The line-up soon became Australia’s most awarded mattress range and it encouraged Koala to look at other ways to permeate our homes. Consequently, in 2018, Koala launched the Lounging Sofa and continued to add furniture lines.

The Koala Lounging Sofa
The Koala Lounging sofa

“While sleep will always be a core part of Koala, it was a natural progression for us to explore how we could continue to develop products that Aussies will become die-hard fans of,” says James in explaining the current Koala range which includes beds, bed linen, pillows, desks, chairs, tables, storage options and sofas. Continuing the award-winning success of the brand’s mattresses, the Koala Cushy sofa bed was voted Product of the Year in 2022 (in the sofa bed category), and the WFH Desk won a Good Design Award in 2021.

Koala Cushy sofa bed
The Koala Cushy sofa bed
The award winning WFH Desk alongside other Koala items

Simple, stylish designs aside, the brand’s risk-free 120-night trial period is surely a solid consumer drawcard. “If customers aren’t in love with their new purchase, you can simply let us know, ship it back and receive a full refund. This applies across our entire range, not just our famous mattresses,” says James who explains that returned goods are given a second life through one of 68 charity partners.

James Whitta
Koala vice president of product and design, James Whitta
Koala dining chair
Koala Curved Back dining chair

Koala’s commitment to sustainability is no doubt another enticement for consumers with the brand committed to designing furniture that is well-loved and kept for years. “It’s part of our bid to take a stance against the fast furniture industry. All of Koala’s products are designed with their life cycles in mind, to ensure they are as recyclable as possible and that they don’t end up in landfill at the end of their days,” says James.

In addition, Koala sources timber from environmentally and socially managed forests through its work with the Forest Stewardship Council. “Our customers can feel great knowing they’ve chosen a product that takes care of forests, and the people and animals who call them home.”

Koala coffee table
Koala Round Coaster coffee table

And while the brand currently boasts 230 employees and has expanded into Japan and South Korea, there’s plenty of exciting news to come yet. In response to consumer demand, Koala is about to enter another sphere of the furniture market. “We had overwhelming demand from our customers to launch these new products, so we can’t wait to share the good news. All will be revealed in June but for now, it’s a secret!”

Shop Koala

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May 25, 2022

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Swipe for before ▶️▶️▶️ This kitchen Swipe for before ▶️▶️▶️ 

This kitchen is small but mighty and very very pretty! Swipe through for the finer details of this reno by Casa & Co Interior Design. It sure went from boring beige 90s to stylish and full of detail and storage!

What do you think?

Read all about it on the blog now via link in bio/stories.

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A Melbourne husband and wife duo have launched the A Melbourne husband and wife duo have launched the world's first fully customisable cot, offering countless options to personalise your baby's space and change it as the mood takes you!

@bold_baby_co cots are made from sustainably sourced European beechwood, and are finally available after four years of meticulous design and safety testing.

Tag a pregnant friend who'd love these!

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This small backyard makeover is NEXT LEVEL. @jone This small backyard makeover is NEXT LEVEL.

@jonesandco_ founder Jennifer Jones wanted an Italian vibe for her North Bondi semi and wow did @landart_home_garden_beyond deliver her vision. And then some!

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Size is NOT everything!

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Swipe for the rear of this gorgeous Woollahra home Swipe for the rear of this gorgeous Woollahra home. Heaven!

It's a finalist in the Houses Awards 2025. Head to the blog via link in bio/stories to see more of the shortlist. There's some absolute BEAUTIES.

Project by @tobiaspartners 📸 @justinalexanderphoto

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Edit: the winner is Kathy Petersen of VIC. To cel Edit: the winner is Kathy Petersen of VIC.

To celebrate @sataraliving's beautiful and biggest ever new collection we're giving away a $500 voucher! Comment 'satara' for the link to the easy entry form and more info on this everyday luxury range!

This giveaway is in no way associated with or endorsed by Meta.

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I always LOVE a new IKEA STOCKHOLM (widely known a I always LOVE a new IKEA STOCKHOLM (widely known as the IKEA best of) collection and 2025 is in Australian stores NOW.

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Don't hang around as these pieces always sell out fast.

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Building new isn't the only way to get a climate f Building new isn't the only way to get a climate friendly home. CSIRO research indicates that over half of the houses Australians will live in by 2050 already exist today. And those homes — from our 1950s weatherboards to mid-century gems — offer one of the most exciting opportunities to slash emissions, cut energy bills, and reimagine home design for a low-carbon future.

Welcome to the rise of retrofit culture: a movement that’s proving you don’t need to knock down to level up.

We're having this discussion on the blog today and sharing examples of two older homes given new, more sustainable, leases on life.

Head over via link in bio and stories.

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A year in, this reluctant soccer mum has realised A year in, this reluctant soccer mum has realised 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em'!

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Amy Collins-Walker

About Amy Collins-Walker

Amy is our regular feature writer, an experienced journalist and interior stylist living in Perth, Western Australia. Find out more about her styling work at http://www.amycollinswalker.com/

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