Satin Sheen: brushed metallics create a softer look

(Web article written for Clippings)

The evolution of metal furniture and lighting continues with the rise of softer finishes including matte silver tones, dark brass and muted bronze.

Metal finishes take on a gentler aspect these days, with smoothy brushed aluminium and steel taking over from the flashy shine, or bright brass and copper tones, that dominated in the past. Today’s metallics reflect light in a subtler way, delicately taking on the colours of their setting. Still close to the industrial style, these pieces are lifted beyond an everyday utilitarian look, giving the material an elegant, lustrous feel.

Satin finishes afford a seductive touch and refined edge in pared back metal surfaces.

Brushed aluminium barrels with a satin sheen form the base of this unusual desk created by Paris design firm Pool Studio for French brand Atelier Francois Pouenat.

Image: Atelier François Pouenat

Sleek stainless steel and smooth velvet bring a lustrous sheen to this wide armchair, which designer Joris Poggioli launched with his brand Youth Editions.

Image: Courtesy Joris Poggioli

Two columns merging into one define the shape of the Bold side table by Belgian studio Destroyers/Builders. The piece is made from aluminium which has been treated to a matte finish, softening the industrial aesthetic of the piece.

Image: Destroyers/Builders

Studio Tao & Jin uses corrugated aluminium sheets as racks for the Wave shelf. By keeping the finish muted, the utilitarian material feels surprisingly sophisticated.

Image: Studio Tao & Jin

&tradition relaunched the pendant P376, originally designed by modernist architects Kastholm & Fabricius in 1963. Thanks to its matte silver shade made from slim metal sheets, the piece brings a refined industrial feel to a space.

Image: &tradition

The Danish brand has also produced the stripped-back Column shelf that rests on supporting pillars, inspired by the shape of classical columns. It comes in aluminium with a brushed finish that accentuates its neat outline.

Image: &tradition

Menu has launched a minimalist pendant light designed by Gry Holmskov. It’s made from an anodised aluminium rod that’s fitted with a long tube of LED light.

Image: Menu

Copenhagen design studio Norm Architects has created a portable table lamp for furniture brand Menu inspired by the shape of metal bollards on ships. We noticed the same brushed finish as with the previous pieces, but here we move on from silver to dark brass and bronze tones.

Image: Menu

Created by Canadian industrial designer Tom Chung for Muuto, the Beam lamp adds a darker shade to the Satin Sheen trend. Its aluminum body has been anodized with a warm chestnut brown finished.

Image: Muuto

Design master Verner Panton’s striking Spiegel wall light from 1969 has been taken back into production by Verpan. The brushed aluminium square sits flush to the wall with a hemispherical shade protruding out from an indented ring so that the concealed light bounces off the metal to create an indirect glow.

Image: Verpan