Cool, shiny aluminium is the design trend to invest in now
From lighting designers in Norway to UK-based accessories designers, aluminium is the fashionable metal of choice
This material has always been a favourite among designers given its lightweight, malleable and corrosion-resistant qualities. Today, though, the design industry’s commitment to reducing waste as part of the race to net-zero has made the metallic element even more attractive – it can be infinitely recycled without affecting its quality.
Plus, unlike its weightier cousin stainless steel, it is much cheaper to manufacture, meaning fashionable brands can offer stylish aluminium products at more accessible price points. Below, we highlight a selection of the latest aluminium finds...
‘Gio LN15’ chandelier, &Tradition
Named after Gio Ponti, whose ‘Murano’ chandelier has an equally striking shape, the ‘Gio LN15’ by Luca Nichetto is a conical, quietly playful pendant. The lamp shades are sculpted from spun aluminium discs, which have been painted in green, deep blue and ecru hues. £3,375, andtradition.com
‘Axis’ task lamp, The Conran Shop
The ‘Axis’ task lamp is great if you need a light for studying or reading, as you can easily rotate the arm on its axis to direct the light beam. It is made of recycled aluminium and comes in four statement colours – cobalt blue gets our vote. £180, theconranshop.com
‘10:05’ lounge chair, Lunnheim
Four aluminium sheets come together to form the foundations of this architectural chair by young Oslo-based designer Tobias Berg. Its sharp, clean lines of the aluminium are softened by Kvadrat’s jazzy zebra upholstery. Approx £3,465, lunnheim.com
Round dish, Matan Fadida
Aluminium’s malleable quality is celebrated in this dish by Matan Fadida, which looks like a pebble (and is just as satisfying to hold in your palm). Sand-cast in London, it measures 7.5 centimetres, making it ideal for storing jewellery, coins or other smaller gems. £80, adorno.design
‘Channel’ incense holder, David Searcy
The ‘Channel’ incense holder is made from an aluminium channel – a U-shaped piece of metal commonly used in window fittings, rails and sliding doors. To create the accessory, London-based designer David Searcy bent the base of the holder at one end and drilled a hole into it where you can insert a perfumed incense stick of your choosing. £49, aram.co.uk
‘Beam’ table lamp, Muuto
One of our favourite table lamp releases of the year for its tubular form and sleek aesthetic is the aptly named ‘Beam’ by Canadian designer Tom Chung. A highlight feature is that it emits light from both ends. £715, muuto.com
‘Alu’ side table, Will Choui
You might know Will Choui for his industrial orange aluminium furniture collection ‘1979’, which made waves on social media when it was released in 2023. The designer has revisited the material for ‘Alu’, a sophisticated, brutalist side table. Approx £510 each, willchoui.com
‘PP-1’ turntable, Waiting For Ideas
Paris-based studio Waiting For Ideas has released a record player carved from a solid bock of aluminium. The weighty device has been CNC-milled before being sandblasted to give it a textural matte finish. Matching speakers are also available, if you’d like to create the full listening experience. Approx £5,045, waiting-for-ideas.com
‘The Bookshelf’, Lesorr
This bookcase is the standout piece from industrial designer David Raymond’s ‘Rounded Edges’ family of furniture, which is made from anodised aluminium. Place it flush against the wall or, for extra brownie points, position in the centre of a room and show off your books and objet. Approx £6,440, lesorr.ca
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