Aluminium for the Furniture Industry
In 1958, Charles & Ray Eames designed a chair that is widely recognised as an iconic classic. Their chosen materials for the Eames Chair were aluminium and leather. We explore the reasons behind this decision and the wider use of aluminium in the furniture industry.
Aluminium & the Eames Chair
The Eames Chair has a sculptural style that instantly communicates quality. Yet, this wasn’t a case of style over substance. Comfort, durability and portability were all given equal consideration in the design. Charles and Ray wanted to create seating that could easily move between home, office and garden, to fulfil multiple purposes.
To achieve the design criteria, this chair demanded a material that was straightforward to form, yet would hold its shape and retain a quality finish. In addition, they needed a strong and durable material which was sufficiently weather-resistant for outdoor use. Finally, the material had to be lightweight, so that it was easy to move around. Aluminium proved to be the perfect solution.
The design had a highly desirable modern look and retailed in renowned furniture shops across the globe. What’s more surprising is that this design classic retains a contemporary feel 77 years later! The scratch-resistant, shiny aluminium finish plays a part in this long-standing appeal.
Why is Aluminium Used in the Furniture Industry?
The following benefits make it clear to understand why aluminium is deemed suitable for the manufacture of furniture:
Versatility – If you are looking for a versatile material, an extensive range of shapes can be fabricated from sheet, cast or extruded aluminium.
Wear & Tear – Everyday use is no match for this scratch and weather-resistant material. It can look as good as new after many decades of service.
Portability – Strong, yet lightweight, aluminium furniture reduces handling challenges and is easy to install and move. This is an asset in multi-functional spaces, such as community halls, schools, offices, auditoriums and conference rooms.
Durability – aluminium retains its shape, is robust and is corrosion resistant. These properties make it practical for long-term use.
Low Maintenance – It takes minimal effort to maintain aluminium furniture. Wiping with a dry cloth to remove dust or a damp cloth for dirt or spills is all that’s required. There’s no need for polish or specialist cleaning products to keep aluminium looking good.
Aesthetic Appeal – as with the Eames chair, aluminium gives a desirable contemporary aesthetic to furniture and fittings.
Finishes – Aluminium is widely used in the furniture industry without a finish, however, powder coated. This produces a smooth, uniform RAL-matched colour and/or a matt, gloss, metallic or textured finish. We’ve recently added a wood-effect finish to aluminium for a furniture project.
Eco-credentials – Aluminium can be infinitely recycled without compromising its properties. Therefore, the majority of aluminium in use today has taken many different forms in a past life. And, it can be recycled again when the furniture is no longer in use.
On this point, it is interesting to read that the latest version of the Eames Chair is replacing the traditional leather with a bamboo-based material. This move, by designer Herman Miller, broadens the appeal of the design to conscious buyers. Fortunately, as a sustainable material, the aluminium elements remain.
Aluminium Furniture Projects
Common examples of aluminium furniture projects include garden furniture, table and chair legs, cabinets, shelving and frames for dividing screens.
In our on-site facilities, we regularly fabricate, finish and assemble extruded aluminium for office partitioning, chair legs and warehouse shelving. While the majority of projects are for commercial orders, we are asked to produce one-off design concepts. For example, a customer sent us a sketch for bespoke table legs. From this hand drawing, we created a technical design and then manufactured the solution. Further details are shared in this case study.
If you are a furniture designer or manufacturer looking for a UK-based aluminium extrusion specialist, get in touch. Our services include design, fabrication, finishes and assembly and we are happy to answer questions or offer advice. Call us on 01296 431292 or complete our online enquiry form for further information.