Tubular furniture is one of the most influential milestones in 20th-century design history. Lightweight, functional, and strikingly sculptural, this style forever transformed how we conceive of contemporary spaces. At Galería La Curiosa, we've brought together original pieces and reissues from this iconic line—from armchairs and chairs with tubular frames to side tables and lamps—that illustrate the enduring aesthetic of this distinctive metallic language.
A new material, a new way of living
At the beginning of the 20th century, industrial progress introduced a material previously reserved for engineering and bicycle manufacturing: the curved steel tube . Its strength, its ability to produce clean curves, and its structural lightness made it the perfect ally for a new generation of modernist designers.
Among the pioneers were Marcel Breuer , Le Corbusier , Charlotte Perriand , Mies van der Rohe , and Alvar Aalto , all of whom participated in the search for rational, accessible furniture adaptable to modern life. The result: elegant pieces with continuous lines and an almost architectural presence.
A masterful example of this quest is the Wassily Armchair , whose spirit you can discover in our store through the original Knoll Wassily Armchair. , an iconic piece that continues to be one of the benchmarks of tubular design.
From the Bauhaus to the Space Age movement
If in the 1920s and 30s bent metal symbolized rationalist modernity, in the 1960s and 70s it acquired a futuristic character within the Space Age style . Continuous tubular lines, gleaming chrome, and reflective surfaces were integrated into an aesthetic universe inspired by the space race, where furniture seemed to float lightly and silently in space.
At Galería La Curiosa you can find examples of that evolution in pieces like the Space Age Tubular Chair The Space Age Coffee Table or the Floor Lamp following Staff Leuchten , which keep alive that futuristic imagery so characteristic of the era.
Designers who shaped the future of tubular furniture
Tubular design would not be what it is today without the contributions of great masters:
Marcel Breuer
Inventor of the first tubular furniture in history and author of the famous Wassily , Breuer proved that steel could be warm, light and surprisingly comfortable.
Le Corbusier, Perriand and Jeanneret
His LC series introduced a new standard of industrial elegance. In our collection, you can explore this line through the Le Corbusier LC1 chairs (pack of 2). .
Franco Albini
Italian design also embraced the tubular structure, as shown by the pair of Triennale armchairs by Franco Albini. , a refined example of how the metal structure can interact with upholstery and ergonomics.
20th Century Scandinavian Designers
Designers like Gillis Lundgren explored tubular steel through Nordic functionality. The essence of this approach can be seen in the Pixi chair for IKEA, designed by Lundgren. .
An aesthetic that endures: why we still love tubular furniture
There are several reasons why tubular furniture continues to be so desirable, both in minimalist interiors and in eclectic homes:
- Visual lightness : allows the creation of open and balanced spaces, without heavy volume.
- Durability : chrome-plated or lacquered steel ages gracefully and maintains its structural integrity.
- Versatility : It combines with warm woods, glass, leather, or contemporary upholstery.
- Timeless design : its geometric and continuous shapes still look modern a century later.
- Collecting : many pieces have become icons of contemporary design and are highly valued.
In our selection you will find examples of all these qualities, such as vintage tubular armchairs , the tubular designer chairs (pack of 2) , or more enveloping armchairs like the upholstered vintage tubular armchair .
Glass as an ally: tubular glass in tables and side tables
The combination of tubular steel and tempered glass is one of the most characteristic features of modern design. Its transparency enhances the fluidity of the space and highlights the structural geometry.
At Galería La Curiosa we have several pieces that represent this aesthetic:
- Vintage round tubular table
- Vintage tubular coffee table
- Space Age style glass coffee table
- Vintage Space Age Serving Cart
- Vintage round tubular dining table
These tables show how tubing can be both structural and decorative, adding dynamism and a clean aesthetic.
How to integrate tubular furniture into modern interiors
Despite its modernist origins, the tubular design fits perfectly into contemporary homes. Here are some ideas to make the most of it:
- Combine tubular chairs with wooden tables for a warm-industrial contrast.
- Using tubular armchairs as sculptural pieces in minimalist living rooms.
- Incorporate glass tables with a tubular structure in small rooms to create a feeling of spaciousness.
- Create a retro-futuristic feel with tubular lamps and chrome finishes.
Conclusion: a timeless aesthetic
Tubular furniture is not a passing fad: it's a statement of modernity that transcends decades , a bridge between engineering and functional art. Each steel curve tells a story of innovation, and each piece brings a unique presence to any interior.
At Galería La Curiosa, we celebrate this tradition with a curated selection that combines historical icons and unique finds. If you're looking for vintage tubular furniture that adds character, design, and authenticity, our collection is the perfect starting point.
