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7 metal designs for the home that showcase the beauty of etching
These homeware and furniture pieces showcase the possibilities of this ancient craft that’s having a design moment
Carving intricate marks onto metal is nothing new. In fact, people have been manipulating metallic surfaces for centuries, from decorating armour and weapons to creating prints and illustrations. Using handheld sharp tools is still popular in furniture and homeware design, but technologies such as laser-etching and sandblasting with a machine give designers more room for experimentation and the ability to incise lines and patterns at speed. Whatever the process, today’s designs all share an edgy, avant-garde spirit that makes this ancient technique suited for contemporary homes.
‘Cure 09’ shelf, Sundo Yoon
South Korean designer Sundo Yoon crafts minimalist furniture pieces from various types of metal. His ‘Cure’ series features pieces covered in a cross hatched ‘scratch’ pattern. This irregular shaped shelf would serve as both a hanging work of art, as well as a functional space to hold books and decorative objects. Approx £450 @sundoyoon
‘Y’ table, Evam Studio
The ‘Y’ table by Evam Studio (a collaboration between designers Caroline Kable and Aditya Jaimini) features a sleek outer metal surface while the interior of the piece is clad in an intricately embossed pattern. This bespoke piece is available in blackened brass, satin brass, and satin germain silver. Approx £1,700, evam.co
‘Lascaux’ chair, Florence Provencher
Designer Florence Provencher’s ‘Lascaux’ collection was made using acid etching, a chemical process achieved by covering an etched piece of stainless steel in a protective layer then immersing it in acid. The ‘Lascaux’ chair is a contemporary take on the classic chaise and will no doubt be at the top of the wish list of committed minimalists everywhere. Approx £5,380, bruisesgallery.com
‘Craving’ cabinet, Sidequest
Sidequest is an experimental cohort of artists and designers working together to produce one-of-a-kind furniture, textiles and installations. This aluminium cabinet is part of the ‘Cravings’ series, the group’s first collection. Furniture designer Niels Raoul Boone created the piece while the intricate etching is the work of artist Victor Verhelst. Approx £12,550, sidequest.design
‘Graffiti’ tray, Christofle
Storied French silverware house Christofle is renowned for producing beautiful heirloom pieces. Now, they’ve given the classic vide poche a playful update courtesy of a collaboration with design agency La Tête au Cube. This fun graffiti etched tray is the perfect place to store keys, coins and other small essentials. £230, christofle.com
'Lion’ egg cup, Shrimps
Hannah Weiland’s buzzy fashion label Shrimps has partnered with retailer Olivia Bonas to produce a homewares collection as whimsical as the label’s coveted garments. This aluminium egg cup with its jaunty engraved lion and is guaranteed to bring a touch of cheer to the earliest of starts. £12.50, oliverbonas.com
Vase in ‘Wide’, Slancha
Multidisciplinary designer Si Hyun Park regularly works with metal, manipulating its sleekness to create delicate objects. She finds inspiration in nature and this glass and steel vase perfectly expresses her practise which sits at the intersection of design, craft and art. £290, slancha.com
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