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photo credits Louis Ghost on stage by Aksinja Bellone for KartellMuseo.
Plexiglass, also known as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), was introduced in the 1930s and quickly embraced with enthusiasm by the most avant-garde designers of the time. Its transparency, combined with its strength and ease of fabrication, made it a perfect material for exploring new forms and concepts in the field of desig
In the 1960s and 1970s, the golden age of contemporary design, plexiglass found its greatest expression. Designers of the time sought materials that could give rise to iconic pieces that challenged convention and reflected the future-oriented spirit of the times. Plexiglass fit perfectly into this context, becoming a symbol of innovation and modernity.
Among the many design icons that have made use of Plexiglas, some creations that have become true symbols of the era stand out.
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Philippe Starck's "Louis Ghost" chair: Probably one of the best known examples of the use of plexiglass in contemporary design, this chair represents a modern reinterpretation of the classic Louis XV chair. The transparency of the plexiglass gives the chair an ethereal, almost invisible appearance while maintaining a strong aesthetic presence. It is a piece that combines tradition and innovation, making it a perfect element for both classic and modern interiors. We see it here in the article's photo, in celebration of this chair's 20th anniversary.
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Joe Colombo's "Acrilica" Lamp: Designed in 1962, this lamp is a pioneering example of the use of plexiglass to create innovative lighting effects. The transparency of the material allows light to spread evenly, creating an elegant and futuristic atmosphere. The "Acrilica" is considered an icon of Italian design and a perfect example of the spatial and minimalist aesthetic of the 1960s.
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Tokujin Yoshioka's "Invisible Table": Made entirely of plexiglass, this coffee table seems to disappear into the space in which it is placed. Its simplicity and transparency make it an extremely versatile piece, suitable for minimalist settings as well as for spaces rich in detail, where its discreet presence does not interfere with other pieces of furniture.
While plexiglass has often been associated with contemporary designs, its transparency and lightness also make it a perfect complement to vintage furnishings. Inserting plexiglass elements into an antique furniture context can create a fascinating and harmonious contrast, creating a dialogue between different eras.
For example, a plexiglass coffee table can lighten a living room furnished with solid wood furniture, or a transparent chair can add a modern touch to a dining room with a classic-style table. The versatility of plexiglass allows you to play with transparencies while enhancing vintage furniture, without weighing down the room.
Plexiglass is a material that has stood the test of time, keeping its appeal intact. Twentieth-century design icons using it are testaments to how innovation can marry with aesthetics, creating timeless pieces. Integrating plexiglass elements into vintage furniture is not only possible, but can also result in surprising combinations, where history and modernity coexist harmoniously. For those who want to enrich their spaces with pieces that tell a story, plexiglass is a bold and refined choice: discover our selection of plexiglass items for your home.
