We present the final 10 items in our 30 iconic furniture picks of the 21st century. See here and here for the first 20.
CABOCHE LIGHTS
Designed by Patricia Urquiola and Eliana Gerotto for Foscarini, the Caboche is a series of lamps with
a band of sparkling chromed metal and glass spheres. Copied extensively since their launch, these lights are now a common sight in many homes.
Foscarini Caboche lamps, from $755, Xtra.
BANKER LAMP
Nostalgia never goes out of style! These lamps were named for the Shanghainese bankers who would crunch numbers by them late into the night during
the 1930s. Nearly
a century later,
the lamp retains
its appeal, while boasting updates to its base and stem.
Banker desk lamp, $328, Scene Shang.
BREAK STOOL
We can’t be
happier that a locally designed stool has become
a household name around the world. Through that simple slice in the plywood, prominent local designer Nathan Yong discovered a way to get the material to bend in two directions at once, creating an ergonomically curved seat that is more comfortable.
Break stool, $480, Grafunkt.
BEOPLAY A9 SPEAKER
Bang & Olufsen broke the mould when it launched this wireless speaker, which looks like a mix between a piece of furniture and a black hole. Remove the fabric cover and you will even find component parts arranged in a neat Fibonacci pattern.
Beoplay A9 speaker, $3,530, Bang & Olufsen.
BINIC
TABLE LAMP
There is a sense
of playfulness in
this compact table lamp designed by French designer Ionna Vautrin, who was inspired by
the silhouette of a lighthouse. Judging by its popularity, this nautical accent is a clear winner.
Foscarini Binic table lamp, $305, Xtra.
SAM SON CHAIR
This unusual chair looks like it could’ve been moulded from Play-Doh. German designer Konstantin Grcic created this plastic piece with a tube-like back and armrest in 2015 for Italian furniture brand Magis. It
is iconic simply because it is
unlike any other chair around.
Magis Sam Son chair, $895, Xtra.
PALISSADE FURNITURE
This simple 13-piece collection of outdoor furniture by Hay would blend right
in with your lush backyard. Developed over two years by French brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, the line demonstrates that hardy furniture can come in visually stunning forms.
Hay Palissade furniture, price unavailable, Grafunkt.
IKEBANA VASE
We’re not kidding when we say this vase designed by Jaime Hayon in 2016 is a game changer. The holes in the solid brass insert hold your blooms prettily in place, regardless of your floral arrangement skills.
Fritz Hansen Ikebana vase (in two sizes), from $145, W.Atelier.
AXOR STARCK V MIXER
Design legend Philippe Starck’s idea for a tap is a vortex of water spinning within a clear glass body.
Axor Starck V mixer, price on application, Hansgrohe.
PIENI UNIKKO FABRIC
This floral print cotton fabric is
as famous as its brand (Marimekko), maybe because it’s so cheerful looking, and can be used on almost any surface or upholstery.
Pieni Unikko fabric, $90/metre, Marimekko.