Metal frames aren't looking like they'll lose popularity any time soon. There are a million and one different ways to design and form a metal frame to make your furniture feel fresh and contemporary. Geometric cage frames and exposed structural elements are a top contender for our favourite metal styles of the year.
Anything from a stool to a sofa can be updated with a metal frame giving a weightless aesthetic to both classic and modern styles of furniture. An exposed tubular frame in matte black or sleek silver give luxury designs an alternative look when paired with plush fabrics, opulent marbles or resort-style rattan.
Metal trends forming our design decisions so far...
Minimal elegance with a black cage style backrest - the WW chair
2018 was all about brass and metallic hues but this year we've noticed that matte black is back on the scene. Any hotel lounge or co working office space becomes a zone of zen with black metal contrasting against clean upholstery or opulent marble.
A quirky outdoor chair, the Tube looks sleek in all black
Black bracing back contrasts against the Avenue's velvet upholstery
Very popular this year and everywhere from your local restaurant to your hotel getaway, sled legs create a sleek contemporary look. Meanwhile, circular metal bases are a quirky alternative, perfect for stools and tables.
Contemporary sled legs on the Gala collectionThe Atollo low stool makes a simple circular feature of its frame
These features brace and elongate the frames of furniture. A popular choice across all venues, the exposed metal trend brings the focus back to the frame - the starting point of any great chair.
A classic focal frame embracing the back of the Jazz armchair
A vision in orange, the Coco 2 lounge chair embraces the exposed frame trend
Does the frame match the upholstery? Tonal dressing was huge in fashion last year and the interior design world was not left behind. Dual tone chairs with a metal frame, be it tubular or cage, and upholstery in matching colours are a firm favourite of ours this year with loads of designs featuring matching frames and upholstery showing up at the design fairs already.
Encapsulating monotonal design, the Frankie lounge chair
Black on black, the Coco collection exudes monotone chic
A geometric look has been a unique addition to the metal trend. Crisscrossing cage metal wire styles have been used as a functional design feature to create chair backs, stool seats and table bases in this year’s new furniture designs. Stemming from the fine metal frame we saw so much in 2018, this trend takes fine metal and makes it more complex to suit a growing market of designs with an edge. The Rumba collection, suitable for both outdoor and indoor environments, makes super chic use of the geometric look.
New this spring the Rumba is a great outdoor sofa
A geometric fibreglass base forms the Rumba collection's signature look
The Tonella armchair features a distinctive cage base
Metal frames continue to raise the bar in 2019. Classic collections get a modern metal makeover, while new designs push the boundaries of furniture manufacturing.
New metal features are structuring how we view our favourite designs; from a wave of black painted metal to focal frames, elongating and bracing the backs of chairs and stools and geometric cage like designs making edgy design choices more possible. The metal frame trend is increasingly evolving...
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