It’s always important to get to know your furniture before you buy it, and even more so with luxury furniture. You want to ensure that you’re investing in the right piece for you and your home, so it’s always a good idea to explore every avenue before making a decision. This includes current trends, the style that you’re looking for, and what materials will best suit your lifestyle. Luckily at Cantoni, we offer a wide selection that caters to every preference, so you’re sure to find something for you. Keep reading to explore the world of luxury furniture and helpful tips on finding the best piece for you.
Trends in Luxury Furniture
Trends in luxury furniture are more often than not directly tied to the materials that are used. Sleek and sophisticated look materials are in right now, with most luxury items being made of marble, ceramic, glass, or wood. Minimal shapes and styles are also used, letting the materials and features of the product shine. Shapes and colors vary based on your preference, with rich woods, neutral marbles, and ceramics in abundance, as well as silhouettes with sharp angles or rounded corners.
Here are some of our favorite products at Cantoni that showcase the breadth of options in luxury furniture…
Cattelan Italia is well-known for its sleek and sophisticated designs, and its Arena Bond Cocktail Table is no exception. Crafted entirely in Italy, this cocktail table is a prime example of how you can enjoy a mix of materials and colors to best suit your home. Smoked glass, brushed bronze lacquered steel, and black embossed steel combine in this innovative design to create a stylish yet durable option for those who are looking to add drama to their living space.
The Abrey Dining Table from Calligaris showcases how you can mix opposing colors and materials to create something entirely new. This expansive table seats up to 10 people and is perfect for those who wish to combine rich walnut wood and sleek marble ceramic into one design that provides a fresh, yet new-age look.
Malerba has a unique way of taking classic styles and elevating them into trendy, modern designs. The My Story Lounge Chair is your familiar club chair with a refreshing modern-day flair. *Malerba is available exclusively at Cantoni within the United States.
Styles of Luxury Furniture
Luxury furniture can be found in every furniture style. Cantoni’s furniture focuses on modern styles, however, there are many sub-categories that fall under the term ‘modern’: minimalism, art-deco, and mid-century modern to name a few. Keep reading to gain a little more understanding of what each sub-style is and what we’d pick from our Cantoni catalog.
MINIMALISM
Definition: Minimalist furniture and accessories focus on functionality and practicality. Flat, smooth surfaces and strong, clean lines create bold statements that emphasize the essential nature of each item.
With minimalist furniture, you won’t find any fancy patterns, accents, or flourishes. The overall design is neat and simple and isn’t limited to certain colors or materials. You can find minimalist furniture in colors at either end of the spectrum, as shown below, and also in all kinds of materials, such as ceramic, metal, wood, glass, and marble.
Our picks…
ART-DECO
Definition: Art deco furniture is characterized by symmetrical, clean, and rectilinear lines and combines traditional craftsmanship with modern machinery and materials. You can often find geometric detailing and shapes, exotic woods, jewel-toned colors, and bold patterns in art deco furniture.
Our picks…
MID-CENTURY MODERN
Definition: Mid-century modern furniture became popular in the mid-20th century, focusing on simple, functional wooden pieces, typically made from teak and featuring lots of curved elements. Overall designs were more straightforward in nature, with simplistic shapes and organic materials. Current-day mid-century modern design has evolved to include many different types of wood, including walnut as seen below in the Nelson King Bed from Cattelan and the “Walnut veneer” of Bonaldo’s Outline Sideboard.
Our picks…
Notable Designers
GINO CAROLLO
Gino Carollo is an Italian designer who started his activity in the design sector in 1986. In 1999, Carollo opens STUDIO28 GINO CAROLLO, with the objective of establishing a qualified support team for the companies in the furniture branch. The design of products connected to the engineering and realization of models and prototypes revealed themselves over the years as the main tools which let the studio acquire important results and establish long-term collaborations. Gino Carollo’s designs can be found at Cantoni for Bonaldo and Calligaris.
PAOLO CATTELAN
Born in 1973 in Thiene, Vicenza, Paolo Cattelan is a Commercial Director of Cattelan Italia, alongside his brother, Lorenzo. Paolo’s sought-after designs became a staple part of the company’s portfolio after he joined the family business in 1995 and he continues to create impressive and distinguishable products that are born from meticulous research and an eye for sophisticated style.
MAURO LIPPARINI
Mauro Lipparini’s singular influence has been recognized and celebrated around the globe. Rooted in the spare forms and clean, powerful lines that are the defining features of Italian minimalism, Lipparini’s work is imbued with a spirit of joy, a buoyant sense of pleasure and possibility. Freely employing bold colors, organic textures, and imaginative visual concepts, Lipparini broadens the palette of classic minimalism, bringing the immediacy and strength of the well-respected aesthetic into an exhilarating new era. Mauro Lipparini’s designs can be found at Cantoni for Bonaldo, i4Mariani, and Natuzzi Italia.
Materials Used in Luxury Furniture
Luxury furniture comes in a wide variety of materials, and while it’s tempting to purchase a piece solely based on its looks and beneficial features, it’s also important to consider the pros and cons of its materials and how it will fit into your lifestyle.
Ceramic
Ceramic is a hard, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant material that is made by shaping and then firing an inorganic, nonmetallic material at a high temperature. Ceramic is very durable, comes in various different colors, and is a great alternative to marble.
PROS
• Scratch-resistant
• High-density material (more stain-resistant)
• Chemical-resistant
• Hygenic
• Fire-resistant
CONS
• Less natural appearance
• Thinner texture compared to marble
• Less surface depth
MARBLE
Marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed by natural changes such as temperature and weather. In interior design, marble displays various unique textures due to mineral infiltration and because of that, brings plenty of artistic ambiance to luxury furniture.
PROS
• Never goes out of style
• Versatile, can fit any style
• Smooth surface, ideal for most tasks
• High-quality but less expensive than other stone furniture, such as quartz
CONS
• Requires careful cleaning and maintenance
• Requires regular sealing to preserve the quality
• Sensitive to heat and certain substances
• Maintenance and refinishing can become costly
GLASS
A popular choice and easily the most versatile option when it comes to luxury furniture, glass is a material that looks stunning in every room of the home. Glass provides an opportunity to design with light and color that may not be available in other types of furniture.
PROS
• Looks great with any furniture
• Ability to enhance other materials
• Gives the illusion of space
• Easy to clean and maintain
CONS
• Shows fingerprints/dirt more easily
• Easier to break/crack
• Heavy
WOOD
Wood furniture has been a popular choice for centuries due to its natural beauty, durability, and versatility. In luxury furniture, the wood used is often of a rare or exotic kind or has been carefully handcrafted by expert artisans.
PROS
• Natural beauty
• Durable
• Versatility with shapes & styles
• Most luxury options are sustainably sourced
• Easy to repair
CONS
• Prone to scratches/dents
• Susceptible to moisture & humidity
• Requires maintenance
LEATHER
Leather furniture is timeless and in a modern home, a luxury leather sofa, sectional, or armchair can take your space to the next level. It’s stylish, and sophisticated and offers certain pros that fabric furniture can’t offer.
PROS
• Translates well into different rooms or with different styles
• Reliable and durable
• Easy to maintain
• Safer choice if you have children or pets
CONS
• Often comes with a higher price tag
• It can discolor over time
• Fewer color and texture options than fabric
FABRIC
Fabric or upholstered furniture is a great way to make any room more welcoming and provides the user with an almost unlimited amount of color and texture options to truly create a piece that is custom-tailored to match your space.
PROS
• Appearance will improve over time
• Comfort
•Greater range of options
• Easier to reupholster
CONS
• Greater wear and tear
• Certain materials are harder to clean
• Certain materials may have a higher flammability
Investing in Luxury Furniture
Investing in luxury furniture can provide a number of benefits, such as enhancing the aesthetics of your space to providing you with a long-term investment opportunity. Keep reading to see why we think that the benefits of luxury furniture should outweigh the cost.
Quality. Luxury furniture is often crafted from high-quality materials and is designed with superior craftsmanship, which means it can last for many years and retain its value over time.
Style & Design. Luxury furniture is often designed by renowned designers and crafted to be aesthetically pleasing, which can enhance the overall look and feel of your space.
Comfort. Many luxury furniture pieces are designed with both style and comfort in mind, providing a luxurious and comfortable experience for those who use them.
Prestige. Owning luxury furniture can provide a sense of prestige and status, especially if the pieces are designed by well-known designers or crafted from rare and exotic materials.
Investment. Luxury furniture can appreciate over time, especially if the pieces are rare, limited edition, or sought-after by collectors.
Durability. Luxury furniture is often made from durable materials that can withstand wear and tear over time, making it a smart investment for those who want furniture that will last.
Decorating with Luxury Furniture
Incorporating luxury furniture into your home decor can be a great way to elevate the overall style and aesthetic of your home. Here are some helpful tips on how to successfully decorate with luxury furniture.
Start with a focal point. Choose one or two luxury furniture pieces that will serve as the focal point of your room and build the rest of your decor around them. This could be a statement sofa, a designer cocktail table, or a stunning chandelier.
Mix and match. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different luxury furniture pieces together to create a unique look. For example, you could pair a modern designer chair such as Gamma’s Margot Chair in honey leather with a vintage-inspired sofa like Malerba’s People 5 PC Sectional, or mix different types of materials, such as marble and brass.
Consider your color scheme. When choosing luxury furniture pieces, consider your existing color scheme and choose pieces that will complement or enhance it. You could also use luxury furniture to add pops of color to an otherwise neutral space.
Pay attention to scale. Make sure that your luxury furniture pieces are appropriately scaled to the size of your room. Too many large pieces in a small space can make it feel cluttered, while too many small pieces in a large space can feel sparse.
Don’t forget about functionality. While luxury furniture can be beautiful, it should also be functional and practical for your lifestyle. Choose pieces that will be comfortable to sit or sleep on, and that will provide storage or other practical benefits if needed.
Add finishing touches. Once you have your luxury furniture pieces in place, add finishing touches like decorative pillows, throws, or artwork to tie the whole look together.
Caring for Your Luxury Furniture
Luxury furniture is an investment and it’s important to take proper care of it to ensure its longevity and maintain its condition. Here are some best practices for maintaining your new luxury piece:
Clean regularly. Dust and dirt can accumulate on luxury furniture, so it’s important to clean it regularly. Use a soft, dry cloth to dust and wipe down surfaces, and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the furniture. Check out our previous blog post on how to care for specific materials.
Avoid direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can fade and damage luxury furniture, so it’s important to place it away from windows if possible or use window treatments to protect it from the sun’s rays.
Use coasters and placemats. To prevent scratches or damage to surfaces, use coasters and placemats for drinks and food. This is especially important for delicate materials like wood or marble.
Rotate cushions and pillows. If your luxury furniture has cushions or pillows, rotate them regularly to prevent uneven wear and tear.
Follow manufacturer instructions. Different luxury furniture pieces may have different care instructions, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance.
Address spills and stains immediately. If you spill something on your luxury furniture, address it immediately. Blot the area with a clean cloth to absorb as much of the liquid as possible and avoid rubbing or scrubbing, which could spread the stain or damage the fabric.
Consider professional cleaning. For particularly delicate or expensive luxury furniture pieces, consider hiring and professional cleaning service or ensure that it is cleaned and maintained properly.
Conclusion
Luxury furniture is not a one-size-fits-all category and there are many aspects that one needs to consider before investing time and money. It’s always important to consider the price in relation to the product’s functionality, comfort level, or necessity within the home. And when purchasing a luxury furniture item, think about your current furniture aesthetic – would wood or ceramic look better with what you currently have or are you looking for an option that is highly durable? These factors will help you find a product that fits in with the trendy items of today’s luxury furniture.
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To learn more about Cantoni, contact us at info-email@cantoni.com or call 325.244.2689 to connect to your nearest Cantoni store.