How to invest in the trend for tubular design
As we move through 2024, the tubular trend is set to continue, but with the dominant shapes becoming increasingly bold – think squeezed toothpaste! The trend can be adopted in full psychedelic glory (look to Patricia Urquiola’s ‘Pipeline’ rugs for CC-Tapis) or take a luxurious turn in polished metal and coloured marble, but the effect is always uplifting.
‘Sentry’ table lamp, Ultramar Studio
Resin and acrylic have been used to craft this snaking lamp, which takes inspiration from fictional desert guardians. It comes in both black and white, with a dusky red diffuser that evokes the serene evenings amidst the undulating dunes. £1,920, ultramar-studio.com
‘Pipeline Round’ rug, CC-Tapis
After launching her first Pipeline prototype rug back in 2022, designer Patricia Urquiola has expanded the range, continuing her exploration of forms and vibrant revolutions. From £6,724 cc-tapis.com
‘Pipe’ pitcher, Normann Copenhagen
The playful tubular form we are seeing everywhere takes a functional turn in this piece by Simon Legald, with its stainless steel form that tapers towards the spout. £109, normann-copenhagen.com
‘Pilotis’ console table by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti
Brutalist in form, this is an elevated and luxurious take on the tubular concept, made from two sections of stainless steel, the horizontal one of which is filled with a block of black lacquered ash. £20,544, minottilondon.com
‘Triu Klar’ vase, Rosenthal
Crafted from tough boroscolite vase, this design by Jan Padrnos makes for the perfect table centrepiece. Designed back in 2018, it was a herald of the coming obsession with all things tubular. £152, rosenthal.de
‘Alp’ lounge chair, Fest Amsterdam
As much a colourful work of sculpture as a piece of furniture, this chair by Martin Hirth is especially conversation-starting in this eye-searing shade of ‘Vidar coral’. £1,280, festamsterdam.com
‘Oscar’ sofa, Meridiani
The back of this sofa by Andrea Parisio is formed like one giant, tubular bolster cushion. View it side on and the profile of that backrest creates an ‘O’ – a clever visual representation of the first letter of the design’s name. £8,518, meridiani.it
‘Hollow 2’ lamp, Boldizar Senteski
There are few more monolithic representations of the current passion for tubular design than this periscope-like floor lamp hewn from pink onyx (pictured) or carrara marble. £39,501, shop.studiotwentyseven.com
‘Suspension’ coffee table, Axel Chay
Axel Chay is a designer that has become almost synonymous with the tubular look, crafting lamps, vases and chairs as well as tables. This gravity-defying example is made from travertine and lacquered steel. Approx £2,734, axelchay.com
