Eight items made from metal that combine utility and refinement
Dezeen Showroom: steel and aluminium are among the metals used in the design of these eight furnishings and products that are listed on Dezeen Showroom.
Metal furniture entered the mainstream of interior design in the middle of the 20th century, before which it was broadly confined to use for creating garden furniture and commercial kitchens, as well as various industrial applications.
By the year 2000, metal furniture and accessories were a mainstay in interiors, thanks to their shiny futuristic and industrial aesthetics, as well as their durability and ease of cleaning.
Metal can be rendered in a variety of ways, including galvanisation – where steel is covered in a zinc coating – and powder-coating, which allows the metal to take on a block colour.
Read on to discover a selection of metallic products for living spaces, bathrooms, dining areas and gardens, including seating, lighting, accessories and storage.
French furniture brand Tiptoe has created a shelving system supported by a steel frame that can be reconfigured to serve a range of purposes.
The Unit storage system's metal components come in black or off-white and its shelves and storage elements come in contrasting wooden finishes.
Living Objects stool by Vormen
Belgian design studio Vormen used steel in the design of this four-legged stackable stool named Living Objects.
It is available in three colourways or a galvanised finish, and can be used inside or outside.
Find out more about Living Objects ›
Vineyard collection by Ramón Esteve for Vondom
Aluminium was used for the frames and legs of each piece in this outdoor furniture series designed by Spanish brand Vondom in collaboration with architect Ramón Esteve.
The metal elements present in the Vineyard collection create an industrial feel, which is softened and contrasted by seats, tabletops, backs and armrests all made from teak wood.
Find out more about Vineyard ›
Peel lighting series by Sissel Warringa for Frandsen
Danish brand Frandsen used curled-up sheets of steel to create the body and shade of each lamp in its Peel lighting series.
The range contains table, wall and pendant fixtures all characterised by their silver-grey, metallic compositions, which marry elegance and function.
Cesto chair by Pablo Regaño for Artu
Metal is a versatile choice for outdoor furniture due to its durability and weather resistance – Spanish designer Pablo Regaño used it to create a playful seat for Polish furniture company Artu.
The Cesto chair is made up of metal bars and slats, which combine to form a four-legged chair with a basket-like seat that cradles the user.
Origata collection by Nao Tamura for Porro
Italian furniture brand Porro teamed up with New York-based Japanese designer Nao Tamura to create a console table and bench made from bent sheets of aluminium.
The Origata collection is informed by the way kimonos are made – an efficient process that create very minimal amounts of wasted material.
Slivers of aluminium curl around warm, glowing lightbulbs in this modular statement light created by German brand Moss.
The Dune light is named after the undulating forms of sand dunes and creates shadows and reflections thanks to its satin-finished aluminium fins, which are either anodised or polished.
Dots towel rail by Ludovica Serafini and Roberto Palomba for Tubes
Design brand Tubes used partially recycled CNC-cut aluminium to create its distinctive Dots towel rail.
The circular fittings contain a heating element that are safe for installation in bathrooms and wetrooms and are designed to warms towels and bathrobes.
Dezeen Showroom
Dezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email [email protected].
Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.