A great mix of excitement and calm: furniture with iridescent surfaces
Well-staged furniture and lamps in rainbow colours are like an injection of dopamine and perfect for creating a varied home. Maybe that's why they're making a big splash now.
Lamps and furniture with iridescent surfaces didn't catch my eye everywhere at Milan Design Week 2023. But I did come across them at exhibitions such as "Clay Court Club" or the Nilufar Gallery, which were curated by design greats who set the tone and stayed in the mind because they shone with their qualities.
The word "iridescent" describes colourful, shimmering surfaces. For example, furniture that has been given a rainbow-coloured finish. This can be made from different materials, including glass, metal, plastic or even resin. It has similar properties to a mirror and can be brightly coloured or matt, depending on the finish.
In furniture design, the hype surrounding iridescent coatings has often burst like a bubble of chewing gum. The decorative trend adds more colour to everything while remaining understated, making it easy to integrate into our homes. The best example of this is the "Jacket in the Rainbow" wardrobe from the Japanese brand Time & Style, which I saw in Milan. It added a splash of colour to the discreetly furnished room. And the material contrasted beautifully with the simple shape of the wooden frame.
Source: Pia Seidel
Source: Pia Seidel
The table "Ace" by architect and designer Cristina Celestino was also like a highlighter, adding a sparkle to the somewhat monotonous room. Against all the cappuccino tones, it conveyed a positive, luminous mood.
Source: Pia Seidel
Draga & Aurel from Como, Italy, also presented a lamp collection called "Bon Bon" with vibrant colours and reflective surfaces at the Nilufar gallery during Milan Design Week. It is no coincidence that these are reminiscent of the works of American artist Jeff Koons. For the collection, the duo drew inspiration from the 1970s and the optical illusions of Op Art. They wanted to make the room look light-hearted.
Source: Pia Seidel
Source: Pia Seidel
Advantages and disadvantages of the shiny pieces
Well-dosed, colourful bon bon lamps and other shiny furniture suit many modern living styles. However, they are also perfect for a break in style and can liven up a conservatively furnished room in an instant. Another advantage is that iridescent surfaces fit into most colour schemes because they are sure to pick up at least one colour tone thanks to their rainbow palette.
The best thing about them, however, is that their luminous surface appears to be constantly changing colour. Depending on the viewing angle, the colour changes and something else is reflected in it. This almost fluid appearance and the unique reflection of light are rich in variety. This is why the glossy furniture is perfect for creating an accent in a room. Just one piece in the room is enough to make it memorable.
Source: Pia Seidel
Iridescent surfaces behave in a similar way to mirrors: if something spills, liquids roll off, but lint and fingerprints seem to magically attract them. So be aware that you will have to clean this furniture more often than others and be careful when choosing a cleaning agent so that it doesn't leave any residue. Another disadvantage is that scratches are difficult to repair and varnish. However, if you don't mind the odd blemish, there's nothing to stop you from enjoying this micro trend.
Cover photo: Pia Seidel
Like a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.