By Rebecca Draves

It's always important to get to know your furniture before you buy it, and even more so with luxury furniture. You want to ensure that you're investing in the right piece for you and your home, so it's always a good idea to explore every avenue before making a final decision. This includes current trends, the style that you're looking for, and what materials will be suit your lifestyle. Luckily at Cantoni, we offer a wide selection that caters to every modern preference, plus customization capabilities for many items, so you're sure to find something for you.

Trends in Luxury Furniture

Trends in luxury furniture are more often than not directly tied to the materials that are used. Sleek and sophisticated materials are currently a trend, with most luxury items being made of marble, ceramic, glass, or wood. Minimal shapes and styles are also used, letting the materials and features of the product shine. Shapes and colors vary based on your preference, with rich woods, neutral marbles, and ceramics in abundance, as well as silhouettes with sharp angles or rounded corners.

Here are some of our favorite pieces at Cantoni that showcase the breadth of options in luxury furniture...

Cattelan Italia is well-known for their refined and elegant designs and their Arena Bond Cocktail Table is no exception. Crafted entirely in Italy, this cocktail table is a prime example of how you can enjoy a mix of materials and colors to best suit your home. Smoked glass, brushed bronze lacquered steel, and black embossed steel combine in this innovative design to create a style yet durable option for those who are looking to add drama to their living space.

The Abrey Dining Table from Calligaris showcases how you can mix opposing colors and materials to create something entirely new. This expansive table seats up to 10 people and is perfect for those who wish to combine rich walnut wood and sleek marble ceramic into one design that provides a fresh, yet new-age look.

Malerba has a unique way of taking classic styles and elevating them into trendy, modern designs. The My Story Lounge Chair is your familiar club chair with a refreshing, modern-day flair. Out of all of the brands at Cantoni, Malerba is unique in that they are available exclusively at Cantoni in the United States.

Styles of Luxury Furniture

Luxury furniture can be found in every furniture style. Cantoni's furniture focuses on modern styles, however there are many sub-categories that fall under the term 'modern'. Minimalism, art-deco, and mid-century modern are a few styles that can fall under the overall 'modern' umbrella. Keep reading to gain a little more understanding of what each sub-style is and our top picks for each from our catalog.

Minimalism

Minimalist furniture and accessories focus on functionality and practicality. Flat, smooth surfaces and strong, clean lines create bold statements that emphasize the essential nature of each item.

With minimalist furniture, you won't find any fancy patterns, accents, or flourishes. The overall design is neat and simple and isn't limited to certain colors or materials. You can find minimalist furniture in colors at either end of the spectrum and also in all kinds of materials, such as ceramic, metal, wood, glass, and marble. 

Art Deco

Art Deco furniture is characterized by symmetrical, clean, and rectilinear lines and combines traditional craftsmanship with modern machinery and materials. You can often find geometric detailing and shapes, exotic woods, jewel-toned colors, and bold patterns in Art Deco furniture. 

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century Modern furniture became popular in the mid-20th century, focusing on simple, functional wooden pieces, typically made from teak and featuring lots of curved elements. Overall designs were more straightforward in nature, with simplistic shapes and organic materials. Current mid-century modern designs have evolved to include many different types of wood, including walnut. 

Notable Designers

Gino Carollo

Gino Carollo is an Italian designer who began his activity in the design sector in 1986. In 1999, he opened STUDIO28 GINO CAROLLO, with an objective of establishing a qualified support team for companies in the furniture industry. The design of his products combined with the engineering and realization of models and prototypes revealed themselves over the years as the main tools, which let the studio acquire important results and establish long-term collaborations. You can find Gino Carollo's designs at Cantoni from the brands Bonaldo and Calligaris.

Paolo Cattelan

Born in 1973 in Thiene, Vicenza, Paolo Cattelan is a Commerical Director of Cattelan Italia, alongside his brother, Lorenzo. Paolo's sought-after designs became a staple part of the company's portfolio after he joined the family business in 1995 and he continues to create impressive and distinguishable products that are born from meticulous research and an eye for sophisticated style.

Mauro Lipparini

Mauro Lipparini's singular influence has been recognized and celebrated around the globe. Rooted in the spare forms and clean, powerful lines that are the defining features of Italian minimalism, Lipparini's work is imbued with a spirit of joy, a buoyant sense of pleasure and possibility. Freely employing bold colors, organic textures, and imaginative visual concepts, Lipparini broadens the palette of classic minimalism, bringing the immediacy and strength of the well-respected aesthetic into an exhilarating new era. You can find Mauro Lipparini's designs at Cantoni from the brands Bonaldo and i4Mariani.

Materials Used in Luxury Furniture

Luxury furniture comes in a wide variety of materials, and while it's tempting to purchase a piece solely based on its looks and beneficial features, it's also important to consider the pros and cons of its materials and how it will fit into your lifestyle.

Ceramic

Ceramic is a hard, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant material that is made by shaping and then firing an inorganic, nonmetallic material at a high temperature. Ceramic is very durable, comes in various different colors, and is a great alternative to marble. 

Pros: Scratch-resistant, high-density material (more stain-resistant), chemical-resistant, hygenic, fire-resistant. 

Cons: Less natural appearance, tinner texture compared to marble, less surface depth.

Marble

Marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed by natural changes such as temperature and weather. In interior design, marble displays various unique textures due to mineral infiltration and because of that, brings plenty of artistic ambiance to luxury furniture.

Pros: Never goes out of style, versatile (can fit any style), smooth surface (ideal for most tasks), high-quality but less expensive than other stone furniture such as quartz.

Cons: Requires careful cleaning and maintenance, requires regular sealing to preserve the quality, sensitive to heat and certain substances, maintenance and refinishing can become costly.

Glass

A popular choice and easily the most versatile option when it comes to luxury furniture, glass is a material that looks stunning in every room of the home. Glass provides an opportunity to design with light and color that may not be available in other types of furniture.

Pros: Looks great with any furniture, ability to enhance other materials, gives the illusion of space, easy to clean and maintain.

Cons: Shows fingerprints/dirt more easily, easier to break/crack, heavy.

Wood

Wood furniture has been a popular choice for centuries due to its natural beauty, durability, and versatility. In luxury furniture, the wood used is often of a rare or exotic find or has been carefully handcrafted by expert artisans.

Pros: Natural beauty, durable, versatile with shapes and styles, most luxury options are sustainably sourced, easy to repair.

Cons: Prone to scratches/dents, susceptible to moisture and humidity, requires maintenance.

Leather

Leather furniture is timeless and in a modern home, a luxury leather sofa, sectional, or armchair can take your space to the next level. It's stylish and sophisticated and offers certain pros that fabric furniture can't offer.

Pros: Translates well into different rooms or with different styles, reliable and durable, easy to maintain, safer choice if you have children or pets.

Cons: Often comes with a higher price tag, it can discolor over time, fewer colors and texture options than fabric.

Fabric

Fabric or upholstered furniture is a great way to make any room more welcoming and provides the user with an almost unlimited amount of color and texture options to truly create a piece that is custom-tailored to match your space.

Pros: Appearance will improve over time, comfort, greater range of options, easier to reupholster.

Cons: Greater wear and tear, certain materials are harder to clean, certain materials may have a higher flammability.

Investing in Luxury Furniture

Investing in luxury furniture can provide a number of benefits, such as enhancing the aesthetics of your space to providing you with a long-term investment opportunity. Keep reading to see why we think that the benefits of luxury furniture outweigh the costs.

Quality. Luxury furniture is often crafted from high-quality materials and is designed with superior craftsmanship, which means it can last for many years and retain its value over time.

Style & Design. Luxury furniture is often designed by renowned designers and crafted to be aesthetically pleasing, which can enhance the overall look and feel of your space.

Comfort. Many luxury furniture pieces are designed with both style and comfort in mind, providing an unforgettable experience for those who use them.

Prestige. Owning luxury furniture can provide a sense of prestige and status, especially if the pieces are designed by well-known designers or crafted from rare and exotic materials.

Investment. Luxury furniture can appreciate over time, especially if the pieces are rare, limited edition, or sought-after by collectors.

Durability. Luxury furniture is often made from durable materials that can withstand wear and tear over time, making it a smart investment for those who want furniture that will last.

Decorating with Luxury Furniture

Incorporating luxury furniture into your home decor can be a great way to elevate the overall style and aesthetic of your home. Here are some helpful tips on how to successfully decorate with luxury furniture.

Start with a focal point. Choose one or two luxury furniture pieces that will serve as the focal point of your room and build the rest of your decor around them. This could be a statement sofa, a designer cocktail table, or a stunning chandelier.

Mix and match. Don't be afraidd to mix and match different pieces together to create a unique look. For example, you could pair a modern designer chair such as Gamma's Margot Chair in honey leather with a vintage-inspired sofa like Malerba's People 5 PC Sectional, or mix different types of materials, such as marble and brass.

Consider your color scheme. When choosing luxury furniture pieces, consider your existing color scheme and choose pieces that will complement or enhance it. You could also use your new pieces to add pops of color to an otherwise neutral space.

Pay attention to scale. Make sure that your luxuryfurniture pieces are appropriately scaled to the size of your room. Too many large pieces in a small space can make it feel cluttered, while too many small pieces in a large space can feel sparse.

Don't forget about functionality. While luxury furniture can be beautiful, it should also be functional and practical for your lifestyle. Choose pieces that will be comfortable to sit or sleep on, and that will provide storage or other practical benefits if needed.

Add finishing touches. Once you have your new pieces in place, add finishing touches like decorative pillows, throws, or artwork to tie your whole look together.

Caring for Your Luxury Furniture

Luxury furniture is an investment that it's important to take proper care of it to ensure its longevity and maintain its condition. Here are some best practices for maintaining your new luxury piece:

Clean regularly. Dust and dirt can accumulate on furniture, so it's important to clean them regularly. Use a soft, dry cloth to dust and wipe down surfaces, and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the furniture. Check out our previous blog post on how to care for specific materials.

Avoid direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can fade and damage furniture, so it's important to place them away from windows if possible or use window treatments to protect them from the sun's rays.

Use coasters and placemats. To prevent scratches or damage to surfaces, use coasters and placemats for drinks and food. This is especially important for delicate materials like wood or marble.

Rotate cushions and pillows. If your luxury furniture has cushions and pillows, rotate them regularly to revent uneven wear and tear.

Follow manufacturer instructions. Different furniture pieces may have different care instructions, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for care and maintenance.

Address spills and stains immediately. If you spill something on your furniture, address it immediately. Blot the area with a clean cloth to absorb as much of the liquid as possible and avoid rubbing or scrubbing, which could spread the stain or damage the fabric.

Consider professional cleaning. For particularly delicate or expensive luxury furniture pieces, consider hiring and professional cleaning service or ensure that it is cleaned and maintained properly.

Luxury furniture is not a one-size-fits-all category and there are many aspects that one needs to consider before investing time and money. It's always important to consider the price in relation to the product's functionality, comfort level, or necessity within the home. And when purchasing a luxury furniture item, think about your current furniture aesthetic – would wood or ceramic look better with what your currently have or are you lookingfor an option that is highly durable? These factors will help you find a product that fits in with the trendy items of today's luxury furniture.