Sculptural furniture and lighting (which can bring so much beauty and fun into our homes) has definitely hit the mainstream this year. I’m excited to see that sculptural forms in interiors for 2021 isn’t all about big, showy, statement pieces. Nor do they need to take centre stage in acres of space. (After all, most of us don’t live in homes the size of an art gallery).
So it’s good to see that the new wave of contemporary sculptural furniture and lighting works its subtle, uplifting magic in very understated ways in every size and shape of interior space.
Done well, sculptural forms inject a multi-layered, aesthetic richness into your home by transforming everyday, functional items into works of art. Designers take inspiration from everywhere and anywhere – from the art world to jewellery design, from gritty industrial landscapes to the delicate forms of nature.
Sometimes the joy comes from unexpected shapes that delight the eye and stimulate the mind, other times it’s from an arresting juxtaposition of object and material. No surprise that my favourite, though, is when form and colour come together to simple, striking effect.
For sure, some of the pieces I’ve found work best with enough space around them to allow their unique lines, curves and planes to be seen to best advantage. But most of my sculptural furniture and lighting picks below work perfectly well in average-sized rooms. Simply surround them with sympathetic decor and allow their magical forms to sing.
Sculptural furniture and lighting for the contemporary home
Heena Side Table by the House Doctor
Rillo Side Table, shown above in Camel, and the Rillo Podium, below, in Charcoal and Camel, by Broste Copenhagen. I’ve fallen for these beauties – very hard.
Named after Mother Earth, the organic form of the Gea Floor Lamp, designed by Arturo Alvarez, is hand-moulded from stainless steel mesh that follows the lamp’s soft and sinuous curves. Available at Heal’s.
Angui Bench by AYTM. Shown here in black leather, this neat bench comes in a lovely range of frame choices and cotton velvet upholstery colours including Rose, Bordeaux, Forest and Anthracite/Gold.
The bold colours and shapes of these Metal Side Tables by Graham & Green will make a sculptural statement in even the smallest space.
Oslo 3 Seater Sofa by Muuto at Amara – a fusion of delicate curves, gentle angles and tapered details make this gorgeous contemporary sofa stand out from the crowd.
The elegant and striking Silhouette Marble Pedestal Dining Table by West Elm at John Lewis & Partners features an antique brass pedestal topped with sleek, variegated marble from India.
How extraordinary is the Melt Floor Lamp Chandelier by Tom Dixon? A cloud of seven ‘molten’ forms have a mirror finish that becomes transluscent when illuminated. Also available as wall and ceilings lights.
Multi Hooped Console Table, Rockett St George
Afteroom Dining Chair from Menu – graphic minimalism teamed with just a hint of playfulness make this simple chair an absolute joy.
I could look at the curvaceous Ro Easy Chair all day. Designed by Jaime Hayón for Danish furniture manufacturers Fritz Hansen, the swooping lines and cutaway silhouette of the Ro are influenced by Arne Jacobsen’s iconic Egg and Swan chairs.
Noguchi Coffee Table, Heal’s. Designed in 1944, the Noguchi Table is an icon of sculptural furniture design. The base is sculpted from two identical pieces of wood – shown above in Black Ash it also comes in Walnut.
Pam Side Table, Broste Copenhagen. The base features a fan-like construction made from recycled cardboard that closes with a magnet whilst the sleek metal tabletop stabilises and reinforces the structure.
The timeless Ombre Table Lamp designed by Antoine Rouzeau for Northern is inspired by the shape of a tree leaf. Available in this muted pinky beige shown above, or classic black.
Shuffle Side Table &Tradition. Inspired by childhood wooden stacking toys, this sculptural side table, above and below, has been on my furniture wish-list since I can remember! Mix and match the elements to indulge your own creative side.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this round up of sculptural furniture and lighting for the contemporary home and found some inspiration here for your own living space. Did anything in particular catch your eye?
Images: Brands or retailers as credited above
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