Visual lightness is only one benefit of contemporary design's acrylic home decor trend.
1. Acrylic Tables: the perfect small-space solution
Transparent and translucent acrylic—and various other plastic composites—are all the rage in modern design, and no wonder. The modern acrylic trend has much to recommend it, and being ideally suited to small spaces, where basic furniture can sometimes be a squeeze, is a major plus. The Kartell Invisible Dining Table, above, illustrates the point elegantly, its dazzling transparency giving the impression of being barely there, yet presenting plenty of multi-use surface area for a modest dining space. UmbraShift's Magino Stool is the ultimate multi-purpose small space find, acting as seating, end table, and magazine holder in one clear package.
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2. Acrylic Seating: transparency goes with everything
Transparency, whether crystal clear or softly tinted, makes an ideal complement to furniture made from almost any other material. When choosing dining chairs, for instance, pair the lovely Calligaris Parisienne Chair, above, with any dining table—wood, glass, or metal—and watch as the ensemble gives off a deliciously complementary vibe. Need a versatile stool that goes with everything? Try the Kartell Stone Stool—or a pair of them. This contemporary stool's lightweight faceted form brings a touch of glamour to casual seating, and its range of terrific see-through colors easily segues into most any interior color scheme.
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3. Acrylic Decor: a touch of retro pizzazz
If you're looking for a subtle retro infusion into your interior design scheme, opt for groovy acrylic. Carrying a distinct vintage vibe, modern decor pieces made from acrylic rank amongst best-selling contemporary designs. Case in point is the Kartell Componibili Round Storage unit, a versatile storage tower that shines in any room, from bedroom to bathroom, and hides plenty of space in its cylindrical form. The Jonathan Adler Jacques Bar Cart, fashioned from thick acrylic, and edged in lustrous gold, should be a guest at every party; and just try to look away from the Kartell All Saints Mirror, which features a perfect burst of pleated acrylic.
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4. Acrylic Lamps: primed for portability
When unplugging and taking it outside are a priority, look to the acrylic trend for answers. Portable lamps from leading contemporary brands make full use of acrylic's useful properties—namely, it's lightness. Fatboy's cute Transloetje Table Lamp is clearly cool, whether used indoors or outside, its transparent, battery-charged silhouette made to pick up and go on a whim. The FLOS Bellhop Rechargeable Table Lamp may be only 8 1/2 inches tall but it stays illuminated for 24 hours, and is light enough to hold like a flashlight. Kartell's Battery Table Lamp is a little jewel, but its faceted shade showcases light and sparkling acrylic.
