What Is Space Age Style Furniture?

Space Age style furniture refers to a distinctive design movement that emerged in the late 1950s and flourished throughout the 1960s and 1970s, inspired by the excitement and optimism surrounding space exploration. 

This style is characterised by futuristic forms, innovative materials, and a playful, imaginative spirit that reflects humanity's fascination with the cosmos and technological advancement.

The Italian job

Italian Space Age furnishings had its influential figures, which are still sought after in the 21st century, as the Space Age Style sees a major revival.

Joe Colombo is renowned for his modular furniture and visionary lighting concepts, Goffredo Reggiani is well known for his sculptural Space Age lamps.
Gino Sarfatti has been a pioneer in lighting. He is celebrated for experimenting with new materials and technologies.

Image 1 - Trifoglio Floor Lamp by Sergio Asti for Bilumen, 1970s

Finally, Fratelli Guzzini produced playful home accessories and lighting using plastics and Lucite.
Vico Magistretti has been the creator of the Gaudi chairs for Artemide, exemplifying the era’s preference for playful, flowing forms.
Fuelled by the era’s fascination with space travel, science fiction, and rapid technological advancement, designers crafted innovative pieces that captured a futuristic spirit and a forward-looking aesthetic.

What you can find in our Showroom

While reissued Space Age pieces are becoming more common in stores around the globe, at Lumini collections you’ll find only original period-correct items.

The collection we currently have is extremely vast and includes some unique pieces. 

Above all, an extremely rare prototype pair of  armchairs designed by Piero Gatti and Franco Teodoro.

Image 2 - Piero Gatti & Franco Teodoro Set of Two Black Fiberglass Armchairs

We keep in store pieces from: Marzio Cecchi, Gae Aulenti, Carlo Nason, Adriano Piazzesi, Fabio lenci, Vittorio Introini, Sergio Asti, Vico Magistretti, Tito Agnoli, Rodolfo Bonetto and many other masters of the space age.

Image 3 - inside our showroom with some rare space age pieces.

Defining Features of Space Age pieces

Materials:

This style prominently features modern materials such as chrome, stainless steel, aluminum, lacquered metals, and plastics like Lucite and Perspex. Smoked or clear glass was also common. These choices created a glossy, sometimes translucent appearance reminiscent of spacecraft and advanced machinery.

Forms:

Designs often embraced geometric, organic, and sculptural shapes. Bold contours, flowing curves, and modular configurations were typical, reflecting the optimistic outlook of the time and drawing heavily from modernist design ideals.

Colors:

Bright, energetic tones—including orange, red, white, and beige—were frequently combined with metallic accents to create a visually striking contrast.

Functionality:

Space Age pieces often prioritised flexibility and mobility, incorporating features like swivels, casters, and modular elements to suit evolving lifestyle needs.

Image 4 - Angelo Mangiarotti for Artemide: Lesbo and Saffo table lamps, Murano glass 1960.

Key Features of Space Age Furniture

• Futuristic Shapes: Rounded forms, curves, and organic silhouettes dominate, often evoking spacecraft, planets, or science fiction motifs.
  
  

• Innovative Materials: Designers embraced new materials of the era, such as molded plastics, fiberglass, acrylic, aluminum, and chrome, moving away from traditional wood.
  
  

• Bold Colours: Bright, primary colours—especially reds, oranges, whites, and metallics—are common, adding to the playful and optimistic vibe.
  
  

• Floating and Modular Designs: Pieces often appear to “float” or are modular, with pedestal bases, cantilevered forms, and stackable elements.
  
  

• Space-Inspired Lighting: Sputnik chandeliers and dome lamps, with their starburst or planetary forms, are signature lighting elements.

The comeback of space age furnitures

Space Age furniture is experiencing a major comeback in 2025, fuelled by a combination of nostalgia, renewed interest in space exploration, and a desire for interiors that blend comfort with innovation. 

The style’s playful, optimistic spirit resonates in an era where technology is central to everyday life, and its retro-futuristic look is embraced by celebrities, designers, and influencers alike.

Recent pop culture references, such as Marvel films and high-profile interior design projects, have further propelled the trend. 

Our Collections

Our website is constantly updated with new arrivals. For the latest news, consider following us on Facebook and Instagram.

We have a large selection of unique pieces, restored by artisans to live in your home for many more generations to come.

Visit the Byron Bay showroom and experience a truly beautiful and unique space filled with pieces we love and have personally selected, we look forward to sharing our knowledge and experience with you.

Private viewings can be arranged any day of week so please call the showroom to make an appointment.