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Explore designitalia refined italian mid century furniture collection
mid century design frequently asked questions
Take a deep dive into the captivating details and historical significance of the Italian Mid Century era. Designitalia carefully curated collection offers numerous options to find the perfect piece for your home. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these furniture items are often made of wood, metal, glass, and brass. Choose from our extensive selection of Italian vintage designer furniture and antiques.
Enhance your living room with a captivating addition from our assortment of Italian mid-century modern furniture. Explore a variety of options from the 20th-century period by the most renowned makers such as Cassina, B&B Italia, Stilnovo, and Venini. These manufacturers have crafted exquisite examples of Italian mid-century modern furniture and decor accessories that are widely regarded as some of the most beautiful pieces in existence.
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What are some of the major 20th Century Furniture Italian Designers?
Where do I start if I want to use Mid Century furniture in my home?
is MID CENTURY DESIGN GOING OUT OF STYLE? it is not.
The question of whether Mid Century design is going out of style seems paradoxical. Mid Century design, by its very nature, transcends trends and styles. Its enduring appeal is evident in the multitude of re-editions and unfortunate proliferation of replicas flooding the market today.
Drawing on our experience of selling modern Italian furniture for two decades and attending Milan Design Week year after year, we can confidently assert that modern design has witnessed few significant changes in the past 20 years. While research and technology have led to remarkable advancements in materials and sustainability, the essence of design has remained relatively constant.
To understand the origin of Mid Century design, we must delve into a transformative period of history. During the economic boom, furniture production underwent a radical shift from local, manual craftsmanship to mass industrialization. As people sought new beginnings and eagerly embraced novelty, manufacturers faced the challenge of meeting the demands of a rapidly growing consumer base. While rooted in an aesthetic that was slowly fading, these manufacturers recognized the opportunity and invested in machinery and ideas. The technical aspect was relatively straightforward, but creativity posed a greater challenge.
With no furniture development software and limited budgets, the creators relied on a simple idea sketched on a piece of paper, presented to a carpenter whose family often worked in the same company. This marked the inception of their vision. Some designers dared to believe in their ideas and invested countless hours in prototyping. The only guiding principles were affordability and mass-production feasibility. Rather than being dictated by the market, these designers educated the market itself, imparting the essence of design. This approach stands in stark contrast to the prevailing paradigm today.
It is precisely due to these circumstances that the furniture produced during that era possesses a unique and timeless quality. Each piece enhances a space, imparting a remarkable sense of history and knowledge. Some are even regarded as art pieces, and owning one is akin to possessing a small fragment of history, evoking a sense of joy and satisfaction.
This is why we continue to acquire and offer Italian Mid Century design to our clients. Our selection comprises rare and timeless pieces from the most prominent Italian designers of the 20th century. By embracing these pieces, we invest in the legacy of Italian design, creating an enduring connection to the past while celebrating the remarkable craftsmanship that continues to captivate and inspire us today.
Moreover, it is worth noting that in today's market, certain mid-century furniture pieces command exceptionally high prices at auctions. This is primarily due to their recognition as true works of art and significant testaments to a distinct period in our history. These exceptional furniture creations not only exhibit outstanding craftsmanship but also encapsulate the essence and aesthetic sensibilities of their era.
The demand for such mid-century furniture treasures stems from their ability to transcend mere functionality and establish themselves as iconic symbols of design excellence. Collectors and enthusiasts alike eagerly seek these pieces as they represent a tangible connection to a specific moment in time, capturing the spirit and innovation of mid-century design. You might be owing a piece which will do very good at an auction in the near future.
How much is your Italian Mid Century Furniture?
The pricing of Italian mid-century modern furniture can vary significantly in the market. While you may come across seemingly low prices, it is crucial to carefully assess the condition of the item. These pieces are often several decades old, ranging from 40 to 70 years, and while they may appear well-preserved, it is rare to find them in excellent condition. Structural deterioration can be present despite a visually appealing exterior.
At Designitalia, we prioritize the restoration of these items, particularly sofas, and chairs, to revive their beautiful form and preserve their essence. Our restoration process ensures the authenticity of the pieces while extending their lifespan for many more years of use. However, restoration does come with a cost. As we entrust professional restorers in Italy and employ the finest materials, our prices may be higher compared to those found in the general market. Rest assured, though, that our products are guaranteed to be exceptional, presenting an outstanding appearance rather than simply an aged look.
Additionally, it is important to note that while our prices may sometimes appear higher due to the restoration process, there are instances where they are on par with other offerings in the market. By factoring in the cost of restoration, we strive to offer competitive pricing that includes the added value of bringing the furniture back to its original splendor. Rest assured, we aim to provide quality and value without being prohibitively expensive.
Furthermore, it's important to mention that the restoration required is typically minimal and sometimes unnecessary when it comes to Mid Century wooden pieces. Wear on the wood is not only expected but also adds to the authenticity and charm of the item. It is common for wooden pieces and those with wooden and metal components to exhibit signs of wear consistent with their age and previous use. This wear and patina are part of the character and value of a Mid Century piece. Therefore, when purchasing vintage items, it is entirely normal and expected to embrace these unique characteristics that contribute to the allure and value of the piece especially for tables, coffee tables and storage furniture surfaces which are generally heavily used.
Restoration phase of a vintage Soriana Lounge Chair
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR ITALIAN 20TH CENTURY DESIGNERS?
The period between the 1940s and the 1980s holds immense historical and social significance for Italy. During this time, the country experienced a transformative phase that greatly impacted its economy and played a pivotal role in the evolution of the design industry. As a result, numerous influential designers emerged from this era, making it impossible to mention them all. However, below, you will find information about some of the prominent figures who left a lasting impact.
Gio Ponti | Mario Bellini | Afra and Tobia Scarpa | Gae Aulenti | Lella and Massimo Vignelli | Paolo Buffa | Osvaldo Borsani | Marco Zanuso | Ettore Sottsass | Franco Albini
Where do I start if I want to buy Italian Mid Century Furniture?
When it comes to purchasing Italian Mid Century furniture, if you're a beginner looking to enhance your home with luxurious pieces, it's advisable, to begin with your living room and specifically focus on your sofa. By starting with the largest and most prominent item in your living room, you can build the rest of the décor around it in terms of size, style, and color scheme.
Investing in a high-quality sofa should be your first priority, and at Designitalia, our collection features Italian mid-century sofas sourced from renowned 20th-century designers. This allows you to acquire an authentic and historically significant piece that adds a touch of heritage to your home. Once you have your sofa, you can proceed to decorate your living room by carefully selecting additional elements that complement and enhance its presence. Consider incorporating one or two lounge chairs, a stylish coffee table, a functional library or storage piece, as well as captivating artwork and decorative accessories. By curating your living room around the sofa, you can create a cohesive and visually pleasing space that exudes the elegance and charm of Italian mid-century design.
If you happen to inherit a mid-century piece and wish to preserve it, it is recommended to begin by exploring its style and aesthetic. Take the time to understand its unique characteristics and identify complementary pieces that align well with its design. In the event that finding suitable matches proves challenging, you have the option of turning to online resources or seeking assistance from experts in the field.
Online platforms can provide valuable insights and inspiration regarding mid-century styles and how to integrate your inherited piece into a cohesive interior design. Additionally, reaching out to knowledgeable professionals can be beneficial. They can help identify the piece, assess its condition, and determine its potential market value should you decide to sell it.
WHERE is your mid century furniture gallery YOU LOCATED?
Our Italian Mid Century Gallery can be found in the vibrant and up-and-coming neighborhood of Jersey City, NJ, which is part of the New York Area. Don't worry, it's just a 20-minute drive from downtown Manhattan via the Holland Tunnel.
Planning to use public transportation? No problem! You can easily reach us from Manhattan by taking the Path Subway. With a metro card in hand, you can hop on the subway at various stops in Manhattan like 33rd Street, 23rd Street, 14th Street, 9th Street, or Christopher Street. Take the subway directly to the Grove Street station, and from there, it's just a quick 7-10 minutes Uber drive to our gallery.
If you're having any trouble organizing your trip, feel free to give us a call. We'll be more than happy to assist you because we want to ensure you have the opportunity to see and enjoy our delightful collection of Italian Mid Century furniture!