Film and Furniture — The 5 best movie furniture designs of all time

Let’s find out together some famous and stylish furniture designs that were featured in movies and TV series.

We all love a good movie. While the actors and directors get the most of glory, we often forget the subtle elements of set design which actually help shape the atmosphere of our favorite movies. A well-chosen sofa or chair can tell us more about a character’s personality than many pages of script and long dialogues. To celebrate the importance of good design, we’ve created a list of furniture pieces that were featured in some of the most celebrated and amazing movies.

BARCELLONA Chair by Knoll

1) BARCELONA Chair by Knoll

Barcelona chair was invented in 1928 by Mies van der Rohe and it was presented at Barcelona’s Expo just one year later. This model is one of the most recognized objects of the last century and an icon of the modern design. The simple elegance and graceful profile of this model has made it a widely celebrated modern lounge chair that perfectly reflects its creator’s philosophy “less is more”. Barcelona chair is produced by Knoll and represents a perfect marriage of modern minimalist design and exceptional craftsmanship. It’s often used to convey a futuristic environment.

“Casino Royal” (2006)

This golden child of design furniture has seen its fair share of screen time over the last century. The chair has become a star performer in many films. The Barcelona chair has made its appearance in “American Psycho” (2000) in the main character’s living room, at the service of James Bond in “Casino Royale” (2006), in the home of Batman in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”, in the famous vampire saga “Twilight” (2008), in “Tron: Legacy” (2010), “500 Days of Summer” (2009), “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” (2011) and in the thriller series “Homeland”.

OX Chair by Erik Jørgensen

2) OX Chair by Erik Jørgensen

Ox Chair was created by the world-renowned Danish furniture designer Hans Wegner in 1960. Hans Wegner was nicknamed “The master of the chair” because it was his great passion for the design of chairs that actually made him a legendary figure in the Danish modernism movement and a world-famous furniture designer. Hans Wegner created more than 500 chairs, many of which went into mass production.

Despite its significant age, Ox chair does not cease to amuse. It still feels as fresh and stylish as it did more than half a century ago. Eventually the production of this model stopped only two years after its birth because the chair was too advanced and extravagant for that period. For almost three decades the chair remained forgotten before winning enough attention and becoming commercially available. Ox chair was brought back to life in 1989 by Erik Jørgensen furniture company who applied new and innovative technologies, remaining true to the original in terms of elegance and handcraft. Undoubtedly, this model is Wegner’s boldest and the most sculptural piece of work which perfectly demonstrates his innovative approach to design that was both artistic and extravagant. Ox chair was Wegner’s own favorite chair at home because of its incredible comfort and simplicity.

“Austen Powers”

This amazing chair can also be considered the essence of masculinity due to its minimalism and practicality. That is why Ox chair was chosen for the character of Doctor Evil in “Austin Powers” movie. Created as a tribute to the Bond’s films and other spy movies, “Austin Powers” set displayed an incredible number of outrageous statement pieces, but Ox chair undoubtedly was the most tasteful example of design furniture in this film.

TULIP Chair by Knoll

3) TULIP Chair by Knoll

Tulip chair is rightfully considered one of the greatest icons of design created by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1957. The chair is characterized by the instantly recognizable cup-shaped frame which is emphasized by the reduction of its support to a single stem. Tulip chair was an experimental use of material for its period. Saarinen manipulated plastic like never before creating the smooth and unique lines of modernism that we usually associate with 1960s design furniture. The Tulip chairs marks the culmination of Saarinen efforts to design a piece of furniture created from a single material, which could express his design concept “one piece, one material.” This chair looked so modern and futuristic that it was used for the set of the legendary series “Star Trek” (1966–1969). The original series actually featured a great array of futuristic 60’s designs including this famous swivel chair.

THE LOUNGE CHAIR by Vitra

4) THE LOUNGE CHAIR by Vitra

The Lounge Chair was designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956 and by now it has already become a design statement and a true symbol of minimalist modern style. This iconic chair began with Eames desire to create an “updated version of the old English club chair”. The development of this model actually took Charles Eames several years. The designer wanted to satisfy the desire for a proportioned chair that could harmoniously combine ultimate comfort with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. Thanks to its elegance, simplicity and comfort, the Lounge Chair became one of the most famous designs by Charles and Ray Eames and has attained the status of a classic piece of furniture in the history of modern design.

“Hope Springs” (2012)

Charles and Ray Eames furniture was featured in multiple movies and series. When film set decorators want to convey a character’s good taste and style, they often opt for some Eames creation. This husband and wife creative team is among the most influential designers of the 20th century. The Lounge Chair, the most famous and desirable furniture piece created by Eames, has been featured in various films and series: “Sunday in New York” (1963), “Closer” (2004), “Iron Man” (2008), the Korean movie “The Housemaid” (2010), “The Ghost Writer” (2010), “Tron: Legacy” (2010), “Hope Springs” (2012).

BOCCA Sofa by Gufram

5) BOCCA Sofa by Gufram

Bocca sofa was designed by Studio 65 for Gufram Italy in 1972. Getting their inspiration from the portrait of Mae West (a famous American actress and sex symbol during the 1930s) created by Salvador Dalì, Studio 65 architects designed a masterpiece that was destined to become a real object of cult.

Bocca sofa is one of the most sought after, loved and imitated pieces of home furniture. It is included in the permanent collection of New York’s MoMa, Paris’ Louvre, Milan’s Permanent Design Collection and Denver’s Museum of Modern Art. Besides, this iconic sofa may be found all around the world in numerous hotels, restaurants and galleries. Besides, this eye-catching and extravagant sofa was featured in “Austin Powers” movie.