New Tricks for 80-year-old Acrylic

More than eighty years after Lucite, the brand name for acrylic, was first created furniture manufacturers are still dreaming up new ways to keep the love light burning for this transparently elegant material.          Photo Courtesy of B. Pila

Up until recently most of these furnishings were 100 percent acrylic, and those are still hot. But while I was at the High Point Furnishings Market in October I  discovered a variety of exciting new mixed-medium pieces,especially occasional tables, made with wood, leather or fabric.

          Photo Courtesy of Festoni

          Photo Courtesy of Festoni

These combination pieces still offer the advantages of acrylic: The see-through material consumes almost zero visual space which is excellent for smaller spaces and for any sized room when you want to highlight pattern, texture or colors on other focal points such as walls and windows. You also get an updated look but don’t have to go all-in with a completely acrylic piece.

          Photo Courtesy of B. Pila

          Photo Courtesy of B. Pila

For those who worry that acrylic won’t blend with existing furnishings these new mixed-medium pieces are a great middle ground. I love to pair them with more traditional elements and create something unexpected, which every room needs.

          Photo Courtesy of B. Pila

Remember: Just a little bit is all you need to make a clear statement.