There are so many things that influence how we move through the world. That is especially true for the world of design. Have you ever wondered how furniture design and architecture have influenced each other through the years? A recent article in the New York Times tackled the topic, “How do we define furniture?”
Six experts, from an architect to interior designer, an artist, an actress, a museum curator and an interior director, all gathered to ponder the question and offer their favorite examples from the last 100 years. They developed list of the 25 most defining pieces of furniture.
So, what came first, changes in architecture or groundbreaking furniture design?
That is a question that might take more experts to unpack. The interesting thing is how changes in architecture and furniture design came to mirror each other.
The 1950s: Dawn of Modernism
After World War II, optimism for a better world sparked the mid-century modern movement in both architecture and furniture design. Architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Charles and Ray Eames broke some rules, blurring the lines between the exterior and interior design.
They emphasized open spaces and integration with nature.
Wright’s designs demonstrated his belief that the interior of a building was integral to the overall design. During his career, he designed over a thousand buildings, including their interiors and accompanying furniture. His furniture mirrored his building designs with clean lines, organic shapes, and a focus on functionality. The Eames lounge chair not only complemented the minimalist architecture of the time but also emphasized comfort and simplicity. For more on this topic, you might want to read a recently published book, Retro Revival: Living with Mid-Century Design by Andrew Weaving (Simon & Schuster, 2024).
The 1960s and 1970s: Bold and Futuristic
A number of influences were thrown into the creative pot during the 1960s and 1970s. Everything from music, art, fashion, world conflict, drugs and landing on the moon impacted architecture and design.
According to Archipanic.com, the moon landing influenced designer Joe Colombo, whose iconic modular Multichair line was inspired by space ships, as was Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni’s “lunar” Allunaggio bench.
The 60s and 70s also brought bold colors and psychedelic patterns. A surge in pop art and postmodernism challenged traditional forms and saw the acceptance of new materials like plastic and synthetic fabrics. The Sacco chair, the original beanbag chair, was designed in 1968, through a collaboration between three designers, Piero Gatti, Cesare Paolini and Franco Teodoro, for Zanotta.
As with the beanbag chair, furniture pieces like the Ball Chair, by Eero Aarnio, and modular sofas became staples in homes. This was clearly a break from conventional forms. In architecture, consider the use of unconventional shapes and vibrant colors used by architect Antti Lovag for his Palais Bulles (Bubble Palace). The playful, unconventional furniture shapes were both a product and a catalyst of the free-form, experimental architectural styles of the 60s and 70s.
The 1980s and 1990s: Return to Glamour and Historical Echoes
When taken to its limits, the free-form, wildly colorful furniture designs sparked a yearning in some quarters for a return to glamour and luxury. The 1980s saw a revival of the influences of Art Deco and Victorian accents in both furniture and architecture. Darker wood, detailed carvings and richer fabrics were featured prominently in homes, signaling a shift towards opulence.
Not to be outdone, the 1990s brought together a mix of influences, with the rise of minimalism and a renewed interest in sustainable designs. Architects like Frank Gehry, with his deconstructivist approach, influenced furniture design to favor abstract forms and sustainable materials. Think of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, in Los Angeles, the Guggenheim’s satellite in Bilbao, Spain and the Dancing House in Prague, to name only three. Gehry’s unbridled, playful approach was sometimes criticized for “prioritizing computer-generated form over function.”
As the decades went on, furniture leaned towards comfort and eco-consciousness, aligning with the architectural movement that embraced greener, more sustainable buildings.
The 2000s to Today: Smart Homes and Eco-Friendly Designs
Technology took a more influential role at the turn of the millennium, on the design of both furniture and architecture. With the rise of smart phones came smart homes. Technology motivated designers to make changes to furniture design. Their challenge? To integrate technology literally into their furniture designs.
Designers rose to the challenge, coming up with things like beds with built-in TVs or sofas with charging ports. Out of necessity, architecture has increasingly focused on energy efficiency and sustainability. Concerns about climate change and diminishing natural resources have influenced furniture trends that emphasize natural, renewable materials and minimal environmental impact.
Today, the lines between outdoor and indoor spaces are increasingly blurred.
Designers are creating furniture able to seamlessly transition between the outdoors and indoors. Biophilic design is becoming a broader architectural trend to bring us closer to nature. This is reflected in designs that include larger windows, sliding glass doors, and open-plan designs that merge indoor and outdoor living. Furniture that is versatile, durable and stylish must complement these architectural trends, emphasizing functionality without sacrificing style.
Mutual Influence Shared by Furniture and Architecture
As we look at the trends over the decades, it’s clear that furniture design and architecture deeply influence each other. Architectural trends often dictate the scale, form and functionality of furniture. Not surprisingly, innovative furniture designs often inspire architectural changes. This is true, particularly in the use of space and integration of new materials and technologies.
As we move forward, it will be interesting to see where the relationship between furniture design and architectural styles will take us, with each driving innovation in the other, reflecting and shaping how we live and interact with our environments.