In every field, there are objects that transcend their everyday function to become symbols—legendary pieces capable of inspiring generations of enthusiasts and professionals. In design, this phenomenon is even more evident: some famous design objects, although born to meet practical needs, have achieved “icon” status thanks to revolutionary lines, advanced construction techniques, or simply an unparalleled aesthetic intuition. From lamps that changed interior lighting to chairs pioneering in ergonomics, each creation carries fascinating anecdotes and stories. In this in-depth guide, we will review ten famous objects that have marked the history of furnishings, discovering their peculiarities, origins, and some often-unknown curiosities. If you wish to make your home richer in meaning—or perhaps you are looking for special elements to complement other pieces—here is a selection of design items to own, dedicated to anyone wanting to bring a little history and a lot of style into the house.
INDEX
- Introduction to objects created to change the concept of design
- “Arco” Lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni (1962)
- “Eames Lounge Chair” by Charles and Ray Eames (1956)
- “Wassily” Chair by Marcel Breuer (1925)
- “Juicy Salif” Citrus Squeezer by Philippe Starck (1990)
- Coffee Table by Isamu Noguchi (1947)
- “Panton” Chair by Verner Panton (1960)
- “Anglepoise” Lamp by George Carwardine (1932)
- “Cubo” Radio by Brionvega (1964)
- Bialetti Moka (1933)
- Thonet Chair No. 14 (1859)
- Conclusions: adding a touch of history and innovation to your spaces
1. Introduction to Objects Created to Change the Concept of Design
When we think about organising or enhancing interiors, we often consider chairs, tables, lamps, everyday tools that reflect our taste. Yet there is a substantial difference between ordinary objects and those capable of becoming true design icons: the former respond to a need; the latter transform it, proposing formal or technical solutions never seen before. A famous design object is not mere furniture: it carries the vision of an era and a designer’s experimentation, transcending function to reach an aesthetic poetry.
The ten proposals that follow come from different periods, but all embody something peculiar: innovation in materials, breaking with conventions or simply an unmistakable style. Inserted in a contemporary or even traditional home, they have the power to capture attention and tell a story that intertwines with everyday domestic life. Let’s discover how they were born and why they represent “the most beautiful objects in the world” in design, from which to take inspiration—or that you can purchase, perhaps on a marketplace specialising in high-end second-hand items—to bring a fragment of history and authenticity into your rooms.
2. “Arco” Lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni (1962)
We begin with one of the symbols of modern lighting, conceived by the Castiglioni brothers and produced by Flos. The idea behind “Arco” was simple and revolutionary: move the light from the ceiling to an offset point, allowing one to illuminate, for example, a table without drilling the ceiling. The structure consists of a stainless-steel arch extending from its Carrara-marble base, of notable weight, to stabilise the lamp. This base, with rounded corners and a hole that allows it to be lifted with a simple broom handle, represents a perfect synthesis of aesthetics and usability.
Curiosity: the arch shape was not chosen only for aesthetic reasons. The authors wanted the light source to be sufficiently distant from the base—exactly two metres from the centre of the marble block. Thus, the lamp resembles a pendant lamp but rests on the floor. Despite numerous imitations, the “Arco” remains a design example that, decades later, continues to illuminate homes and lounges with its elegant and unmistakable silhouette.
3. “Eames Lounge Chair” by Charles and Ray Eames (1956)
Recognisable even to those who are not design experts, the Lounge Chair created by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller is an evergreen classic. The idea was to combine the comfort of a baseball glove with refined aesthetics. With its moulded plywood shells, leather cushions and swivel metal base, this armchair offered a mix of luxury and comfort uncommon at the time. It is often paired with a coordinated ottoman for full relaxation.
Curiosity: the upholstery was initially offered only in black leather, but over time Herman Miller and Vitra (which produces in Europe) introduced numerous leather colours and wood finishes. Over the years, the armchair has appeared in countless films and TV series, becoming a dream for many architecture and furniture fans. Its price places it in a high range, but owners emphasise the exceptional ergonomics and iconic value, considering it one of the “must-have design pieces at home” for mid-century modern lovers.
4. “Wassily” Chair by Marcel Breuer (1925)
With geometric lines and innovative use of tubular steel, the “Wassily” is a manifesto of rationalism. Designed by Marcel Breuer while at the Bauhaus, it represents the application of formal simplicity and furniture industrialisation. The curious name comes from Wassily Kandinsky, Breuer’s colleague at the Bauhaus, who loved a prototype of this seat so much that Breuer made one specifically for him. Featuring a chromed tubular-metal frame and canvas or leather seat and back, the chair expresses functional yet dynamic minimalism.
Curiosity: at the time, the idea of using bent tubular steel for furniture was truly avant-garde. Breuer was fascinated by the handlebar of an Adler bicycle, realising that the same technology could transfer to furnishings. Today, the Bauhaus legacy lives on in modern interiors, and the “Wassily” remains extraordinarily current, symbol of a bold step forward in design history.
5. “Juicy Salif” Citrus Squeezer by Philippe Starck (1990)
Not only seats and lamps but also kitchen objects can become icons. A striking example is “Juicy Salif,” the famous squid-shaped citrus squeezer designed by Philippe Starck for Alessi. Made of cast aluminium and characterised by long legs supporting the small upper cone on which to press the lemon, it is more a sculptural artwork than an efficient tool. Indeed, it is said that Starck wished to “sabotage” its practicality, making it awkward to wash and use but highly evocative aesthetically.
Curiosity: legend has it that when Alberto Alessi received Starck’s sketches, he noticed only drawings of squids and no reference to a traditional juicer. The final object, with its long legs and tapered shape, indeed recalls a small squid profile. Despite criticisms of functionality, “Juicy Salif” has become a pop icon, present in many kitchens as a decorative and conversational piece rather than an everyday utensil.
6. Coffee Table by Isamu Noguchi (1947)
Among unconventional tables, the one conceived by Isamu Noguchi and produced by Herman Miller is among the most famous. The base is formed by two interlocking curved-wood elements creating a stable, sculptural structure. Above sits a glass top with an organic shape, almost like a drop or stone polished by water. The combination conveys a balance of voids and solids with great lightness, typical of the fusion between Western design and Eastern inspiration.
Curiosity: Noguchi, a Japanese-American sculptor and designer, experimented with floating forms inspired by nature. This coffee table appears in many films and interior magazines, symbol of a delicate and poetic mid-century modern. Its extreme linearity makes it suitable for various contexts, from minimal living rooms to vintage settings, and highlights it as one of the creative tables most loved by design enthusiasts.
7. “Panton” Chair by Verner Panton (1960)
Although it is a chair and not a table or chandelier, the Panton Chair deserves a place of honour when listing famous design objects. It is a single piece of injection-moulded plastic, characterised by an S-shaped profile without separate legs. Why mention it among special items to have at home? Because it is often paired with modern tables or used as a sculptural chair in a corner, alongside a dramatic lamp or transparent side table.
Curiosity: manufacturing it in a single mould and the cantilever form were pioneering. Verner Panton studied long to stabilise it, and only with the industrial advances of the 1960s could he produce it in series. Today, Vitra reissues it in various colours, retaining its pop and playful strength and demonstrating how a “strange object” can fit into everyday life.
8. “Anglepoise” Lamp by George Carwardine (1932)
Another lamp again? Yes, because the Anglepoise is a perfect example of how a functional object—a fully adjustable task lamp—can become iconic. Designed by English engineer George Carwardine, it is based on a system of springs and levers that allow the light head to be oriented in almost any direction and stay in the desired position. The design appears slender and mechanical, with unmistakable aesthetics, celebrated as the “ideal desk lamp.”
Curiosity: the Anglepoise was initially intended for industrial use, then adopted domestically. It has been cited in numerous films, books and even in a Pixar short that paid homage to it as inspiration. It is often purchased as a “must-have” lamp, even just to enrich a study with a piece of history, paired with a distinctive table or within a designer context.
9. “Cubo” Radio by Brionvega (1964)
Although not furniture, Brionvega’s “Cubo” radio shows how specially designed objects can change perceptions of space and the concept of appliances. Designed by Zanuso and Sapper, this radio appears as an elegant cube that opens into two parts, revealing the control console. Produced in bright colours, it is an ode to pop culture and the 1960s revolution.
Curiosity: the Cubo radio was a coveted gift in Italian families seeking distinction. Even today, it is available as a re-edition, conveying the same vintage spirit. It doesn’t take up much space and can sit on an important table or a shelf, enriching the environment with a retro-pop note. Introducing such an appliance into the living room adds a touch of history and a “quirky” aspect in contrast with today’s digital technology.
10. Bialetti Moka (1933)
We conclude with a famous everyday object present in Italian homes (and beyond). The Bialetti Moka, designed by Alfonso Bialetti, is the octagonal aluminium coffee pot that since 1933 has revolutionised coffee preparation, bringing it from the bar to the domestic kitchen. Though not furniture or decorative in the strict sense, it is considered an icon of Italian industrial design for its unique shape and functional effectiveness. Cited as one of the most iconic design examples, the Moka represents the ability of a modest object to become a symbol of an entire culture.
Curiosity: the little moustached man, brand symbol, appears on packaging and refers to Renato Bialetti, the founder’s son, who took the Moka to global success. Despite espresso machines and capsules, some remain faithful to the Moka for its intense aroma and the pleasure of the morning ritual. With its distinctive geometry and Bakelite handles, the Bialetti coffee maker continues to appear in kitchens and museum displays, proof of timeless design and perfectly executed function.
11. Risks of Overdoing It: Finding Balance Between Unique Objects and Context
It is wonderful to surround yourself with many designer creations, but remember that a space’s harmony also depends on moderation. If too many iconic, particular objects accumulate, you risk creating an overloaded effect. Each piece deserves its vital space, proper lighting and freedom to express itself without competing with other equally striking objects. For example, if the living room already has a table of unusual design, a showy lamp and a vintage vase, adding a large abstract painting could confuse the eye.
Better to choose one or two focal points and build a neutral environment around them that highlights forms and materials. This balance also applies to colours: if the Panton Chair is a bright orange, it is wise to keep the rest of the décor in more sober palettes, allowing it to stand out elegantly. The rule “less is more” protects against a chaotic museum effect.
12. Conclusions: Adding a Touch of History and Innovation to Your Spaces
We have reviewed ten examples of iconic objects ranging from lamps to armchairs, from unusual coffee tables to domestic utensils. Each contains history, anecdotes and daring formal solutions, earning a place in history as “design icons.” Having one of these pieces at home is an opportunity to enrich daily life with visual culture, originality and a narrative that goes beyond functionality. Whether you seek a sculptural lamp, an unconventional table or an accessory such as the Moka, the important thing is to appreciate its value and integrate it coherently.
If you wish to acquire one of these items without facing new-product costs, there are marketplaces specialising in high-end used design, such as Deesup, where you might find real rarities at more affordable prices. In the end, decorating interiors with “famous design objects” offers not only an aesthetic benefit but a cultural journey: every time you use or admire that icon, you will remember its story, the brilliant idea that generated it and the emotion of owning something unique and eternal. The choice is yours as to which “masterpiece” to introduce within your walls to make your home truly personal and unrepeatable.