A clearly different home furniture trend

[attach]6708[/attach]Acrylic furniture was in its hey-day during the mid-century, but has come back in style over the last decade, says interior designer Laura Stein.

“[Acrylic] is definitely a trend right now,” says Stein of Laura Stein Interiors. “It’s edgy and different.”

Also known as Lucite or Plexiglas, the smooth, plastic material is known for its futuristic sleek style and has been known to furnish large portions of rooms during its introduction in the mid-century, says Stein.

But, acrylic furniture’s modern use is often seen in statement pieces she says. One of the most popular acrylic chairs is the Louis XV armchair with its medallion-shaped backrest, angular lines and fluted legs.

Designer and architect Philippe Starck created the piece, better known as the Ghost Chair, for Kartell furniture.

Owner of La Compania furniture store at Eglinton Avenue W. and Avenue Road, Oscar Garcia, says acrylic furniture can appeal to a more traditionally styled home.

“The material is modern, but you can give it a traditional design,” he says. “[You] can incorporate a modern look with a traditional look.”

Stein agrees that acrylic can work in a space with a more classic taste.

“It’s such a contemporary material that it does create an interesting juxtaposition [in traditional homes],” says Stein.

One of her favourite pieces to work with is a side table that’s been moulded to look like a floating tablecloth. The acrylic is made to look like it’s been draped, with the corners of the semi-transparent “cloth” turned outward to form the table’s feet.

Acrylic can come in various colours, but Stein and Garcia prefer clear, or semi-transparent furniture.

“I think it’s more elegant [if it’s] clear,” Garcia says.

While clear acrylic may look better, it also poses challenges Stein says.

“The downside of [clear] acrylic is that you can see through it,” she says, adding that people sitting on a clear chair may have skin bunching up and it might not look pretty.

To avoid problem situations like this, Stein says she might choose to incorporate a piece like the Ghost Chair in a private area, like the washroom.

Owning plastic furniture also comes with perks.

“The upside is that it doesn’t stain so if your kids spill spaghetti sauce, you don’t have to worry,” Stein says.

However, because acrylic can scratch easily, she suggests it might be worthwhile to put glass atop an acrylic table to protect it.

When shopping for acrylic furniture, aside from personal preferences, the thickness of acrylic is an important factor, Garcia says.

He advises choosing thicker designs for an acrylic piece because it not only looks better, but also is more durable.

“If it’s not stronger than wood, it’s equal,” says Garcia.

A quality piece can get really pricey, but acrylic furniture can be found at big-box retailers, like Ikea.

“[Acrylic] is a bit exclusive … but some people like exclusive,” Garcia says.