Tables and chairs in cinema: how to reproduce iconic film furniture

Chairs in the cinema are more than just furniture. They are true protagonists that lend character and style to scenes. In this article, we explore the crucial role that chairs play in the world of cinema and how their design contributes to defining the atmosphere and personality of films.

When visual art meets set design

Interior design in cinema is a visual art form that goes beyond mere aesthetics; it is a fundamental part of set design. The environments in which characters move are essential to tell a moving story.

Interior design, therefore, is a key element that profoundly transforms the context in which actors interact. The link between cinema and design goes beyond the purely visual aspect, as filmmakers themselves communicate messages through space.

When design becomes the star: the role of chairs in cinema

Here is a list of films in which chairs become design icons and reveal the deep connection between cinema and furniture:

1. Il Diavolo veste Prada, elegance in the office: Miranda Priestley's office in the film is a perfect example of contemporary and retro design. The FK armchair by Preben Juhl Fabricius and Jørgen Kastholm for Walter Knoll represents elegance.
   On tavolisedie.com, the “Amiri Armchair”, the “Javier Office Armchair” and the “'Free Armchair” recall the special design of the FK Armchair.
2. 2001: Odissea nello Spazio, the future of design: In Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece, '2001: A Space Odyssey,' the director anticipated the future of design with bold, futuristic furniture. Oliver Mourgue's Djinn easy chair and Eero Saarinen's Tulip coffee tables (Table Nantes and Table Atatlas) convey a futuristic aesthetic.
   The Djinn easy chair, which is now out of production, has an enveloping, sinuous shape with a seat and back in fire-red fabric, while the Tulip coffee tables have a futuristic style that is now a must for functionality and aesthetics.
3. The Wolf of Wall Street, luxury without ostentation: The broker Jordan Belfort in the film 'The Wolf of Wall Street' lives in a luxurious house defined by exclusive interiors. The Le Corbusier LC2 sofa (Sofa Nicole) and the Le Corbusier LC1 armchairs by Cassina and the PH 3/2 table lamp by Louis Poulsen add class and good taste to the ambience.
4. House of Gucci, luxury without limits: In "House of Gucci," the luxurious interior reflects the world of haute couture. Modern chairs such as the Eames Plastic Armchair RAR (Dalmine Chair and Edolo Chair) by Vitra and the Platner Armchair by Knoll add a touch of sophistication.
   These two iconic chairs lend an exclusive and refined design to the setting; the former, with their colours, stand out in the white space, while the Platner armchair in chrome-plated steel and velvet completes the ambience.
5. James Bond, elegance in every detail: James Bond films are known for their elegant settings.
   In "Casino Royale," M's flat features Knoll's famous Barcelona armchair (Armchair Calco), designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1929, which emphasises luxury and timeless style.
   Similarly, in a scene from 'A Waterfall of Diamonds,' the “Up” armchair, a design masterpiece created by Gaetano Pesce in 1969, and Pierre Paulin's “Ribbon” armchair from 1965, emerge in the foreground.
   Over time, these armchairs have become authentic icons in the history of contemporary design.

A combination of design and emotion in your living room world

In conclusion, cinema and chair design are two interconnected worlds that influence each other in surprising ways. Chairs and other cinema furniture are not mere objects, but key elements in visual storytelling that convey stories and emotions through their distinctive design.
The design of each indoor chair in a film scenario is like a silent actor, helping to create atmosphere, defining characters and guiding the viewer on an emotional journey through the world of the story being told.

If you are a fan of cinema and chair design, take a cue from these unique connections and discover how you can incorporate this extraordinary combination into your living space. Remember, choosing the right chairs for your table can make the difference between an ordinary dinner party and an extraordinary cinematic experience.