Exploring Metal Tubular Furniture
Metal tubular furniture has long been an emblem of modern design, known for its sleek lines and functional elegance.
Combining both form and function, this type of furniture continues to feature widely across both residential and commercial spaces.
What is Metal Tubular Furniture?
Metal tubular furniture refers to pieces of furniture with a structure made predominantly from hollow metal tubes; this includes chairs, tables, desks, bookcases and more.
Initially used for its ease of production and impressive strength-to-weight ratio, tubular furniture has since been enormously popular due to its association with avant garde design and its versatility in various settings.
History of Tubular Furniture and Rise in Popularity
The evolution of furniture design saw a significant shift with the introduction of tubular metal construction techniques, marking a pivotal moment in the history of interior décor.
Tubular furniture dates back to the early 20th century when Bauhaus designers like Marcel Breuer and later Ludwig Mies van der Rohe embraced the use of tubular steel in their iconic chair designs. This innovative approach to furniture production offered a sleek and functional aesthetic that quickly gained popularity.
The rise of metal furniture was further fueled by its association with modernism and industrial design principles. The durability, versatility, and lightweight nature of metal tubular furniture made it a practical choice for both residential and commercial spaces.
As the mid-century modern movement took hold, metal furniture became synonymous with progressive design and contemporary style.
Today, metal tubular furniture continues to be a favoured choice for those seeking a blend of form and function in their living spaces. Its enduring appeal and timeless elegance mean that metal furniture remains a staple in modern interior design.
MR Armchair, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
Wassily Chair, designed by Marcel Breuer between 1925–1926.
With outstanding durability and impressive strength, metal tubular furniture stands out as a reliable choice for long-lasting and sturdy furniture pieces. The tubular structure boosts the overall strength of the furniture, guaranteeing it can withstand heavy loads and frequent use without compromising its integrity.
Whether used indoors or outdoors, metal tubular furniture offers longevity and reliability, making it a cost-effective investment in the long run.
The use of tubular metal frames provides a sturdy yet lightweight structure that makes moving furniture around a room or between different locations much easier. Whether it's rearranging a living room for a gathering or setting up temporary workstations in an office, the ease of handling lightweight metal tubular furniture simplifies the process.
Tubular furniture often features a streamlined look characterised by the relatively narrow frames. The simplicity of the design allows metal tubular furniture to seamlessly fit into various interior styles, from industrial to modern, adding a touch of refinement.
Particularly for contemporary interior design, the use of metal tubing in furniture construction provides a sense of openness and airiness to the room. The slender profiles of the tubular frames create an illusion of space, making the area feel more expansive and less cluttered.
Metal tubular furniture showcases exceptional versatility in design, allowing for a wide range of creative possibilities in interior decor. The inherent strength of metal tubing allows for the creation of intricate and unique shapes that may not be achievable with other materials.
Metal tubular furniture is highly customisable, with options for different finishes, colours, and shapes. Whether used in chairs, tables, shelving units or lighting fixtures, metal tubular furniture is a versatile choice for both residential and commercial settings.
Metal tubular furniture manufacturers typically use a combination of industrial processes to create the final piece, many of which we do in-house at RCT.
Tube Forming
The start of most pieces of metal furniture begins with tube bending services, where operators use specialised machines to shape the metal tubes into desired forms. This process can involve manual bending for simpler designs or CNC (Computer Numerical Control) bending machines for more complex and precise curves. After bending, the tubes are often cut to size using CNC saws or laser cutting equipment.
Joining Components and Welding
To join components, welding is most commonly employed to join the tubular components due to the strength and cleaner finish. Depending on the design, pieces could have holes drilled for screw assembly or pieces can be riveted together, though this would typically be done after surface treatment.
Surface Treatment
The final stages of production involve surface treatment and finishing. This may include sandblasting or chemical cleaning to prepare the metal surface, followed by coatings such as electrophoretic coating, powder coating or painting for colour and protection against corrosion.
Upholstering
For pieces requiring upholstery, such as chairs or sofas, the metal frame serves as a foundation for comfort layers. Manufacturers attach webbing, springs, or elastic straps to the frame for support, followed by padding materials (if needed), fabric or leather, which is carefully cut, sewn, and fitted to the frame.
Steel
Steel, or mild steel, is one of the primary materials commonly used in the construction of metal tubular furniture. Steel offers exceptional strength, making it ideal for creating robust and long-lasting furniture pieces.
The versatility of steel enables furniture designers to craft a wide array of styles to suit different preferences and interior décor schemes. Mild steel can be finished with different coatings which can also provide additional protection against wear and tear. Naturally, mild steel has a duller appearance than stainless steel, making it more appropriate for commercial use or pieces seeking a more industrial appearance.
Stainless steel
Known for its exceptional durability and sleek appearance, stainless steel is a commonly used material in the construction of metal tubular furniture. Its versatility allows for various finishes, such as polished, brushed, or matte, catering to different aesthetic preferences.
Stainless steel is also prized for its resistance to corrosion, making it an ideal choice for furniture that may be exposed to moisture or the elements. Additionally, stainless steel is easy to clean and maintain, requiring simple care to retain its lustre over time.
Aluminium
Renowned for its strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion-resistant properties, aluminium is another utilised material in the construction of metal tubular furniture. Aluminium offers a modern aesthetic appeal due to its sleek appearance and ability to be easily shaped into various forms.
Though it is more expensive than steel, aluminium’s higher strength-to-weight ratio makes it a popular option for premium or bespoke furniture.
Chairs and stools
Featuring sleek designs and durable construction, chairs and stools made from metal tubular frames are a popular choice for modern interior decor. These furniture pieces complement various design styles, from industrial to minimalist. Metal tubular chairs and stools are renowned for their sturdiness and longevity, making them ideal for both residential and commercial spaces.
Tubular chairs’ slender frames create a visually light appearance, making small spaces feel more open and spacious. Metal tubular chairs and stools can easily be customised to suit individual preferences and interior design schemes. Whether used as dining chairs, bar stools, or accent pieces, these furniture items can find a home in almost any setting.
Tables
Tables crafted with metal tubular frames are versatile pieces suitable for different purposes in homes, offices, or commercial settings. These tables come in various shapes and sizes, such as dining, coffee and console tables. Some metal tubular tables feature glass or wooden tops, adding an extra design dimension for interior designers to utilise.
Bed Frames
Bed frames made with metal tubular frames are popular for their durability, but can also be used to complement a retro style bedroom. One common type of metal tubular bed frame is a platform bed, which is unintrusive and offers a sturdy base. Another popular option is the canopy bed frame, which adds a touch of grandeur to the room with its metal tubular posts and frame. Additionally, metal tubular bunk beds are a practical choice for children's rooms or guest bedrooms, offering space-saving solutions without compromising on strength.
Shelving Units
Metal tubular shelving units are versatile and functional pieces of furniture that offer a modern and sleek storage solution for various spaces. One popular type of metal tubular shelving unit is the open-back design, which allows for easy access to items from both sides and creates an airy feel in the space.
Metal tubular shelving units are widely used in living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and even kitchens, providing a stylish way to display books, decor items, plants, and more.
Minimalist and Contemporary
Characterised by clean lines and simplicity, the minimalist and contemporary style of tubular furniture emphasises functionality and modern aesthetics. This design approach focuses on stripping furniture down to its essential elements, creating pieces that are sleek and uncluttered.
Tubular metal frames are often used in minimalist and contemporary furniture due to their clean look and ability to create visually light pieces. The use of tubular metal allows for the creation of slender yet sturdy structures, contributing to the overall minimalist aesthetic.
Retro and mid-century modern
Retro design draws inspiration from the past, particularly the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, incorporating bold colours, geometric shapes, and funky patterns. Mid-century modern design emerged in the mid-20th century, focusing on simplicity, functionality, and organic forms.
Key features of retro and mid-century modern furniture include clean lines, minimalist silhouettes, and a mix of materials like wood, plastic, and metal. These design cues lend themselves well to tubular furniture where a variety of materials and colours can be exhibited.
Industrial
The Industrial style of furniture showcases raw materials and rugged aesthetics inspired by old factories and industrial spaces. This design trend emphasises simplicity, functionality, and a weathered appearance.
Metal tubular furniture fits seamlessly into Industrial-style interiors, with its utilitarian characteristics and prominent metal work. Pieces often feature exposed mechanical elements, such as bolts and rivets, adding to the industrial charm.
Recyclability
The recyclability of metal tubular furniture is a key factor in its environmental sustainability. Metal tubular furniture, often made from materials like steel or aluminium, is highly recyclable at the end of its lifecycle. When these pieces reach the end of their use, they can be easily dismantled, and the metal components recycled to create new products, reducing waste and conserving resources.
Longevity and sustainability
Improving the longevity and sustainability of metal tubular furniture involves thoughtful material selection and durable construction methods. By selecting high-quality materials such as stainless steel or aluminium, manufacturers can guarantee that the furniture withstands the test of time and resists corrosion, rust, and wear.
Many examples of tubular metal furniture have withstood the test of time. Perhaps one of the best known pieces, the Wassily Chair, is not only a design classic but individual chairs can easily last decades or more without the need for repair.
Metal tubular furniture offers a durable, stylish, and versatile option for modern interior design. With a rich history in modernism and industrial design principles, this type of furniture continues to be popular for its strength, design flexibility, and contemporary aesthetic.
At RCT, we have created tubular metal furniture for a variety of purposes, including commercial, domestic and even military uses. For more information on producing tubular metal furniture or to get your project off the ground, get in touch with our friendly team below. Our extensive experience in taking designs from the concept stage to full mass-production gives us a unique insight into the benefits and challenges that tubular furniture offers.
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