What Makes Italian Furniture So Universally Desired?

They are known throughout the world: Italian furniture. In this article, we would like to give you a small insight into why Italian furniture has become so well-known and why everyone talks about furniture from Italy today.

The moment designers changed everything.

To bring a piece of furniture to market today, it must go through a long process. It all begins with a product designer who conceives a functional and appealing design.

This was not always the case; at the beginning of the 18th century, furniture was only made to order and was usually simply functional. Only wealthy people could afford exceptional furniture with a certain design aesthetic.

Product shown true to original. Room styling created by digital staging.

It was only with industrialisation and mass production in the mid-19th century that people began to consider special designs and their impact on the market. Thus, the profession of designer slowly emerged.

Product shown true to original. Room styling created by digital staging.

Skilled carpenters and cabinetmakers now focused on special design features that were intended to particularly distinguish their products from others. Prototypes were designed, which could then be produced in large quantities. In Germany, master carpenter Michael Thonet did a great deal of pioneering work in furniture production and thereby became world-renowned.

How Italy became world-renowned through its furniture

In Italy, furniture production has a long tradition and was particularly shaped by the Renaissance. The opulent furniture, decorated down to the smallest detail, made Italian furniture world-renowned. All important buildings in Italy are still furnished with this type of furniture to this day. An example of Italian chests of drawers can be seen in the photo.

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Towards the end of the 19th century, designs became more understated again. Nevertheless, Italian furniture never ceased to be a talking point. Renowned designers such as Marco Zanuso, Franco Albini, or Gabriele Mucchi caused a stir from 1950 onwards, creating avant-garde and exceptional furniture and all sorts of functional objects that are still well-known today and are reflected in new designs. Some Italian furniture manufacturers embraced this style and successfully integrated it into their own production.

Product shown true to original. Room styling created by digital staging.

Product shown true to original. Room styling created by digital staging.

How tradition has been preserved over generations

Many furniture manufacturers in Italy have a long family history. Tradition and attention to detail are still paramount for many manufacturers today. The craftsmanship, once perfected by the grandfather in a small carpentry workshop, has grown over the years into factory halls the size of football pitches. However, the craftsmanship and love for each piece of furniture have not diminished. On the contrary, modern machinery has brought about considerable physical relief. This time could now be used to satisfy the high demand and to design even more spectacular and exceptional furniture. An Italian furniture manufacturer like Novamobili is the best example of such a development story.

“The annual visit to the production halls at Novamobili always begins with a tour of the manufacturing facility, where the company's eldest, Mario Battistella, proudly shows us the new achievements and improvements.”

Despite the size of the production facility, all furniture is produced only to customer specifications. Colour, size, and function can thus be adapted to the customers' wishes. Complex processes are handled by high-performance machines. However, intricate work is still carried out by experienced cabinetmakers today and meticulously executed.

“The warmth and love for furniture were immediately apparent in the Italians when they introduced us to their oldest employee, who was visibly proud to have worked for Novamobili for over 35 years.”

The surprising truth: Even in an era of globalisation and the outsourcing of production to China, Italy's major furniture manufacturers still produce domestically!

Livarea is undoubtedly the reflection of new modern furniture from Italy. Our range includes minimalist furniture, without much fuss, clear in design and easy to configure.

The advantages of Italian furniture are clear:

• All furniture is produced individually to customer specifications. No cheap mass production that leaves room for flaws.
• Size and functionality can be customised by the customer.
• The new modern style of furniture is particularly timeless and combines perfectly with existing interior design concepts.
• A wide colour palette leaves nothing to be desired.

Another plus point is the assembly. Almost all furniture from Italy is always pre-assembled and can be set up immediately on site. An advantage that all Livarea customers would no longer want to be without.

As a family business, customer satisfaction is always paramount. True to the motto, the customer is king, even small special requests are gladly fulfilled.

Product shown true to original. Room styling created by digital staging.

As a long-standing partner of major Italian furniture manufacturers, we have gained the experience that a good piece of furniture can only optimally fulfil its purpose in the long term through skilled craftsmanship, continuous development  and thoughtful design.