Having recently stocked our second product designed by Renato Zevi, we thought we’d do a little feature on the lesser-known Italian designer, known for his use of chrome and glass.
Who is Renato Zevi?
Renato Zevi is an Italian furniture designer, best known for his work in the mid-to-late 20th century. He was a prominent figure during a period when Italian design was embracing modernism and high-end materials. A clear movement towards the postmodern design era.
He gained recognition for his elegant, contemporary designs that often blend modernist aesthetics with luxurious materials, reflecting the glamour and sophistication associated with Italian design during the 1970s and 1980s. His designs are similar to other designers like Milo Baughman and Willy Rizzo, who also favoured luxurious, minimalist designs.
Renato Zevi's stylish chrome furniture pieces were often sold by French retailer Roche Bobois. We also wouldn’t be surprised if they were imported for UK sale by the likes of Barker & Stonehouse or Heals in the 1970s and 1980s too.
What kinds of pieces did he design?
Zevi is best known for his tables - particularly coffee tables like ours - that often feature metal frames with glass tops. His use of metal and glass gives his designs a feeling of lightness and transparency, while the polished chrome or brass adds a reflective, high-gloss finish. His pieces always feel high end as a result. Zevi’s shelving systems, often made with chrome or brass, are also highly sought after by stylists and collectors.
What are the hallmarks of a stylish Renato Zevi chrome furniture design?
Zevi’s designs are deeply influenced by modernist principles, with a focus on clean lines, simplicity, and functionality. You can clearly see influence from the Bauhaus movement, and the designs of (the much more famous) Marcel Breuer.
What makes designs like his so popular?
His pieces often have a minimalist yet luxurious appeal, becoming well known for his use of polished chrome and brass. I think this gives them a timeless look and appeal which makes them still feel relevant in the most modern of interiors today and explains why his designs are still sought after today.
With the coffee table we (currently) have in stock, you can see how well this would suit most interior styles. This is a particularly fun example, with the bold interlocking pipes design combined with the chunkiness of the metalwork to create a playful design. It kind of gives me Pompidou vibes if you know what I mean?!..
Combined with a wider appreciation of mid century furniture in general, this has made pieces by prominent designers like Zevi even more desirable today. Like all chrome and glass furniture, they’re easily styled with pretty much any interior style, are cheaper to buy (and better made/designed) than their new equivalents, and hold their value well.
Where can I buy Renato Zevi style furniture?
At urbn nest we regularly stock chrome and glass furniture, including dining tables, tables and chairs.
Tap here to see our current selection.
If this Renato Zevi coffee table has sold when you’re reading this, you can tap here to be added to our stock sourcing database. When we get something similar in stock, you’ll be the first to know!
I want to style vintage chrome furniture but I don’t know how!
We always get love for our designer chrome pieces on our socials so we know you love the designs.
However we often hear that chrome pieces can be trickier to style, with fears that they “wouldn’t work”.
It’s true that it can take more confidence, especially if you’re used to the warmness of wood. However, chrome can actually compliment wooden pieces really well, especially if you have too many competing wooden surfaces. And it looks really good with sleek, modern interiors too.
So watch this space - we’re planning to do an article on how to style chrome furniture successfully!
urbn nest specialises in vintage & mid century style furniture & decor. You can find our current stocklist at urbnnest.com.
If you’ve got some chrome furniture like this and have made it look right at home, please get in touch here - we’d love to feature your photo and tips in our upcoming feature!
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