Ten functional and elegant products and furniture designs made from metal (2024)

Dezeen Showroom: we've selected 10 products and furniture designs made from stainless steel, aluminium and chrome-finished metal listed on Dezeen Showroom.

Originally confined to industrial buildings, restaurant kitchens and street furniture, metallic furniture and accessories entered the mainstream of interior design in the 1950s in line with the rise of mid-century modern design.

By the late 20th century, metal had become a popular choice of material for furniture in domestic interiors thanks to its timeless appearance, durability and how it can be easily cleaned.

Metal can be finished in a range of ways including brushing, hammering and polishing that resulting in matt, dappled and highly reflective surfaces.

The pieces in this selection include a chair made up of stainless steel balls by Shepherd Studio, a tiered table made from hand-finished stainless steel by Furn Object and crimped aluminium door handles by Derlot.

Read on to see our top picks of metallic products, lighting and furniture designs listed on Dezeen Showroom:

Ten functional and elegant products and furniture designs made from metal (1)

Kink door handles by Martin Mogilski for Derlot

Designer Martin Mogilski worked with Australian brand Derlot on a range of door handles and drawer pulls that have crimped corners formed by a sheet metal press.

Kink door handles are made from aluminium and come in green, red, black and white as well as a metallic brushed finish that recalls the product's materiality.

Find out more about Kink ›

Ten functional and elegant products and furniture designs made from metal (2)

Aluminium Week-End outdoor furniture by Petite Friture

French design brand Petite Friture has added a chair with a silvery finish to its preexisting range of Week-End outdoor furniture.

Aluminium Week-End shares the original range's stackable design and lightweight aluminium makeup, however leaves it with a utilitarian finish that is true to the material.

Find out more about Aluminium Week-End ›

Ten functional and elegant products and furniture designs made from metal (3)

Sfera bowl by Alexander Lotersztain for Derlot

Derlot's Sfera bowl was created by designer Alexander Lotersztain with a slanted profile that presents its contents at an angle.

The bowl can be used for both food presentation and household items such as keys and comes in white, gold or silver.

Find out more about Sfera ›

Ten functional and elegant products and furniture designs made from metal (4)

Scandinavian studio Note designed a versatile trolley for furniture company that can be used in both domestic and hospitality environments.

The functional Alima trolley has one perforated and one barred shelf for storage and sits on castors. Finishes include chrome with oak or walnut wood segments that balance the industrial with the natural.

Find out more about Alima ›

Ten functional and elegant products and furniture designs made from metal (5)

Liquid Table by Furn Object

Ukrainian furniture brandFurn Object designed an elegant table made entirely from stainless steel that includes three circular tabletops supported by three uprights connected by horizontal bars.

Liquid Table's tabletops have a mottled, three-dimensional finish that recalls the rippling surface of water in contrast to the smooth orbs that create its feet.

Find out more about Liquid ›

Ten functional and elegant products and furniture designs made from metal (6)

Citron lamp by Tongqi Lu Design

Shanghai-based studioTongqi Lu Design created a mood light that mimics the shape of a lemon sitting on a plate.

The aptly named Citron lamp comprises a wax-cast light with a textural surface sat on a metal dish that contrasts the light's organic form and bounces light around the space.

Find out more about Citron ›

Ten functional and elegant products and furniture designs made from metal (7)

Arrondi tap collection by Conran and Partners for VADO

British brandVADO worked withConran and Partners on a series of bulbous faucets and taps with a hand-polished chrome finish.

Arrondi tap collection contains faucets with both separate and integrated levers and controls that come in both cross-head and straight handles that share the same gleaming finish.

Find out more about Arrondi ›

Ten functional and elegant products and furniture designs made from metal (8)

Small Living Kitchens – islands by Falper

Kitchen and bathroom design brand Falper created a series of kitchen islands specifically designed for small spaces that integrate multiple functions into one self-contained item.

The islands in the Small Living Kitchens collection comes in three finish options including stainless steel, which recalls the hygiene and functionalism of restaurant kitchens.

Find out more about Small Living Kitchens – islands ›

Ten functional and elegant products and furniture designs made from metal (9)

Tila chair by Shepherd Studio

Furniture company Shepherd Studio has created a chair made up of 210 hand-finished stainless steel spheres.

Tila chair has a rounded, balloon-like frame and the gaps between the orbs that make up and back and seat have subtle gaps between them, allowing light to pass through and reflect at the same time.

Find out more about Tila ›

Ten functional and elegant products and furniture designs made from metal (10)

Reflect kitchen by Jean Nouvel for Reform

ArchitectJean Nouvel collaborated withCopenhagen-based kitchen brandReform on the design of self-contained kitchens featuring drawer fronts with ridges that bounce light around the room.

All-metal Reflect kitchen come in two finishes including one characterised by untreated metal with stainless steel countertops.

Find out more about Reflect ›

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Ten functional and elegant products and furniture designs made from metal (2024)

FAQs

What metal is used in furniture design? ›

The primary metals used in furniture manufacturing include steel, aluminum, iron, and brass.

What are the characteristics of metal furniture? ›

The characteristics that determine metal furniture quality are the weight of the furniture, the way the metal is joined, sturdiness of the furniture piece, reupholster potential, vent holes, and the use of floor protectors. Furniture Weight.

What is metal furniture made of? ›

Usually metal furniture is made from either steel or aluminum. Steel furniture is typically more expensive when it is used as furniture, with the price varying according to the type of metal and thickness.

What is the strongest metal for furniture? ›

Steel is the strongest and least expensive of common furniture materials (see material science chart) and an alloy (mixture) of iron, carbon and small quantities of other elements.

What are the metal things on furniture called? ›

Metal upholstery studs were originally used on furniture as a functional way of holding fabric in place, but also became a way to give decorative detail. Furniture from the 1700s saw a rise in this trend, and most antique upholstered furniture from this period features studwork.

What are the benefits of metal furniture? ›

Advantages of Metal Furniture
  • Durability and Longevity: One of the most significant advantages of metal furniture is its exceptional durability. ...
  • Modern Aesthetics: Metal furniture exudes a sleek and contemporary appeal. ...
  • Lightweight and Portable: Metal furniture is notably lightweight compared to its wooden counterparts.
Oct 27, 2023

What do you call someone who makes metal furniture? ›

A blacksmith is a metalsmith who creates objects primarily from wrought iron or steel, but sometimes from other metals, by forging the metal, using tools to hammer, bend, and cut (cf. tinsmith).

What are the disadvantages of metal furniture? ›

Weight: One common issue with metal furniture is its tendency to be heavy, which can make it challenging to move or rearrange. This heaviness may pose difficulties during transportation or when trying to adjust furniture layouts, especially for individuals with limited strength or mobility.

What is the best finish for metal furniture? ›

Gun Metal Finish

Gun metal finishes provide excellent corrosion resistance, making it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture and other metal objects that are exposed to the elements.

What is metal in interior design? ›

Metals such as copper, steel, and aluminium are popular choices for furniture pieces. Metal laminates can add unique colours, textures and light reflections to a space where solid sheet metals wouldn't be suitable due to weight, flexibility or durability.

What is high-quality furniture made of? ›

Species such as oak, mahogany, cherry, teak, and walnut are popular choices among those seeking high-quality furniture pieces. Softwoods like pine and cedar are also often used in furniture construction, but they are not as strong and durable as hardwoods.

What is the best furniture brand in the world? ›

Top 10 Furniture Manufacturers
  • IKEA - Furniture Retail Company. ...
  • Steelcase - US company. ...
  • Williams-Sonoma. ...
  • Rooms To Go. ...
  • Herman Miller. ...
  • TJX - U.S. based Company. ...
  • Okamura - Japanese Company. ...
  • 9 to 5 Seating.
Jun 20, 2024

What do you call a person who designs furniture? ›

A furniture designer is a specialized industrial design professional who is responsible for planning, testing and creating furniture. They often use wood, metal and other materials to design furnishings such as chairs, tables, bed frames and sofas.

What kind of steel is used in furniture making? ›

Stainless steel, a type of alloy steel known for its corrosion resistance, is widely used in various industries. One of the popular and most useful applications of stainless steel is its use in furniture. Stainless steel furniture is gaining popularity because of its durability, hygiene, and stylish appearance.

What is the best metal for interior design? ›

Metals such as copper, steel, and aluminium are popular choices for furniture pieces. Metal laminates can add unique colours, textures and light reflections to a space where solid sheet metals wouldn't be suitable due to weight, flexibility or durability. 2.

Which metal is used for decorating work? ›

Aluminum is an excellent metal for decorative work because it's lightweight and easy to work with. Yet, aluminum is deceptively strong, as well as resistant to corrosion and other environmental damage. This makes it a great material for cutting and decorating and can be put to excellent use both indoors and out.

What is the main material used in making furniture? ›

Several types of material are used to produce furniture. The most commonly used materials include particleboard, MDF, plywood, veneer sheets, furniture board, and lumber.

References

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