Ciao, design aficionados! I finally found my dream credenza and it got me thinking about iconic furniture and great design. I’m not into the trends and that is why great design reigns supreme in my book as it is always in style. I know, I know, I just got myself new furniture and here I am lusting after “la dolce vita” in our living spaces.
What is Mid Century Italian Design?
Mid-century Italian design, born in the post-war era, is a celebration of form, function, and a departure from traditional ornamentation. It effortlessly blends clean lines with organic shapes, creating a harmonious balance between function and art. While American MCM design was built for the suburban middle class, Italian design was made for the upper class. American design was focused on mass production using new materials like plastic, foam and fiberglass, while Italian designers remained focused on craftsmanship and continued to use natural materials like ceramics, glass, wood and marble.
Key Elements of Mid Century Italian Design
Timeless Elegance in Furniture:
Seek out pieces with slender, tapered legs and minimalistic yet striking silhouettes. Think about iconic designs by masters like Gio Ponti or Carlo Mollino. A statement sofa or a sleek sideboard can be the focal point of your Mid-century Italian-inspired room.
Luxurious Materials:
As noted above, mid-century Italian designers had a penchant for luxurious materials. Look for furniture crafted from rich woods like walnut or rosewood. Brass and marble accents can add that extra layer of sophistication. These materials always retain their value which is why I call them out in this Thrift Kit.
Iconic Lighting Fixtures:
Italian design is known for iconic lighting pieces. The likes of Arteluce or Arredoluce created fixtures that are not just sources of light but also sculptural works of art. I also love Murano lighting produced in this period as well.
Mid Century Italian design is NOT cheap! It’s very expensive because of the luxe materials and timeless style. If you’re looking to add pieces on a budget, look for Murano ashtrays, vases or catchalls in modern shapes.
My curated finds:
- Vintage MCM Mid Century Modern Vintage Italian Dining Chairs, $1600
- Mid-Century Italian Sideboard, 1960s, $3600
- Vintage Mid-Century Modern Verde Alpi Italian Marble Bookends (Set Of 2), $175
- Italian rosewood sideboard from the early 1970s IMA Mobili Venezia, $7800
- Bookends Italian Marble Mid-Century, Italy, $250
- Mid-Century Italian Waterfall Chandelier, $3500
- Vintage MCM Italian 711 Daybed by Tito Agnoli for Cinova, $6800
- Mid-Century Italian Wall Mirror, $3600
- Mid Century Murano Vetri Italian 15″ Tall Blue Blown Glass Mushroom Lamp, $600
Brands to Know
Cassina: Cassina pieces seamlessly merge craftsmanship with contemporary design, embodying the essence of Mid-century Italian aesthetic. Think clean lines, impeccable detailing, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Must-Have Piece: I’m certain the LC2 and LC3 series by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand are recognizable by many people. It is often copied, but the real deal epitomizes the perfect balance of form and function, capturing the spirit of the era.
Artemide: has been lighting up spaces with innovative designs since its inception. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of lighting aesthetics is evident in their sculptural and functional creations.
Must-Have Piece: The Nesso Table Lamp by Giancarlo Mattioli. Its mushroom-like silhouette and ambient glow make it an emblem of Mid-century Italian lighting design. I absolutely love the orange colorway in this lamp as it adds that pop of color which is essential in every home.
Flos: Flos is a beacon of innovation, seamlessly blending art and design in their lighting solutions. Their pieces are a testament to the timeless beauty that can be achieved through simplicity.
Must-Have Piece: The Arco Floor Lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni. Another iconic piece that is often copied because of its sweeping arc and minimalist design.
Molteni&C: Molteni&C furniture designs, often characterized by clean lines and the use of exquisite materials, embody a timeless elegance and understated luxury.
Must-Have Piece: The D.154.2 Armchair by Gio Ponti. This chair is a masterclass in refined simplicity, showcasing Ponti’s genius for creating pieces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Zanotta: Zanotta is a trailblazer, known for pushing the boundaries of design with a touch of playfulness. Their pieces often combine avant-garde concepts with functional elements.
Must-Have Piece: The Sacco Bean Bag by Piero Gatti, Cesare Paolini, and Franco Teodoro. This unconventional piece, born in the ’60s, is an embodiment of free-spirited design that still captivates today.
I regularly spot Mid century Italian gems on Facebook Marketplace, vintage shops and estate sales. You know my tips for shopping at all of these spots, but the most important tip is to practice patience as finding the right piece can take some time. It took me 3 years to find the right burlwood credenza for the dining room.