The best furniture brands are those that specialise in one key material or expertise. Here are five brands that showcase their artisanal craftsmanship and devote millions of dollars to research and development. When it comes to the best of the best, these furniture brands are the ones to note.

Arflex

Marenco sofa designed by Mario Marenco for Arflex in 1970. This is the 2022 version without armrests. Image: Arflex.

No furniture brand knows upholstery like Arflex. Since its founding in 1947, the brand has won numerous awards and accolades along the way for its experimentation with new technologies and materials for seating solutions. In creating, modern, timeless furniture objects, Arflex is renowned for its artisanal approach to upholstered sofas and armchairs.

9000 sofa system designed by Tito Agnoli for Arflex. Image: Arflex.

Its most iconic product is the Marenco sofa designed by Mario Marenco in 1970. It snagged the best reissues for sofa design by Wallpaper Design Award in 2007. In addition, the 9000 sofa system by Tito Agnoli clinched the Compasso d’Oro (Golden Compass) Award in 1986.

To learn more about Arflex, click here.

Ceccotti Collezioni

DC 90 is the Ceccotti Collezioni armchair designed by Vincenzo De Cotiis. Image: Ceccotti Collezioni.

For 66 years, Ceccotti Collezioni was one of the pioneer specialists in wood-processed furniture. But in 1986, the brand leapfrogged with the help of renowned Italian architect Paolo Portoghesi who contributed to the design of some of the most recognisable pieces produced by Ceccotti Collezioni. Through its artisans, the brand was able to create original designs with constructive complexity. Each Ceccotti piece is functional without aesthetic frivolity.

Ma Belle armchair computer generated 3d model. Designed by Roberto Lazzeroni. Image: Ceccotti Collezioni.

Working with many types of wood, their luxurious pieces could not materialise without high-quality craftsmanship. If you have a penchant for Italian wooden furniture, look no further than Cecotti Collezioni.

To learn more Cecotti Collezioni, click here.

Glas Italia

Donald tables designed by Philippe Starck for Glas Italia. Image: Glas Italia.

Founded in 1972, Glas Italia’s hometown in Brianza, Italy has had a long love affair with glass. Focused on creating some of the most astounding glass furniture, the brand produces unique, purposeful glass objects for the Milan furniture fair every year. Collaborating with many preeminent designers, the brand’s inexhaustible passion for glass is evidenced in unique treatments and techniques to create different types of coloured glass.

Quantum glass shelf designed by Piero Lissoni for Glas Italia. Image: Glas Italia.

Always coming up with innovative textures and hues for glass, they devote a huge amount of money to R&D. The brand creates some of the most striking glass furniture that seems almost ethereal. With special invisible glue to connect each glass piece together, you can hardly spot the joinery. If you have a penchant for glass furniture, then Glas Italia furniture pieces will get your tongues wagging.

To learn more about Glas Italia, click here.

Poltrona Frau

Vanity Chair designed by Renzo Frau for Poltrona Frau. Image: Poltrona Frau.

For over 100 years, Poltrona Frau made a firm commitment to producing leather-based furniture. Its founder Renzo Frau took pride in creating the brand from scratch back in 1912. Based in Turin, Italy, Poltrona Frau tells its story through its leather products. Their expertise in leather puts them at the forefront of leather quality for furniture. Their artisans know how to treat and tan their leathers, allowing designers to create many mesmerising leather furniture pieces that have snagged awards worldwide.

1919 armchair designed by Renzo Frau for Poltrona Frau. Image: Poltrona Frau.

Some of their iconic works include the 1919 armchair designed by its founder Renzo Frau. Also, Frau’s Vanity Fair armchair is currently the brand’s design motto. Its classic form may be ubiquitous but the brand set the path for other brands to pursue the “Made In Italy” quality and mindset.

To learn more Poltrona Frau, click here.

Marsotto Edizioni

See Saw tables designed by Nendo for Marsotto Edizioni. Image: Marsotto Edizioni.

Marble is regarded as an ancient material. However, when a furniture brand such as Marsotto Edizioni embraces marble, it churns out some of the most remarkable objects for the home. Through the wisdom of its skilled craftsmen and the partnership with renowned designers, Marsotto Edizioni offers a beguiling collection of furniture pieces that convey luxury while being purposeful and stylish for any home.

Ballerina tables designed by Nendo for Marsotto Edizioni. Image: Marsotto Edizioni.

The brand was founded by James Irvine in 2009. Headquartered in Verona, the brand is situated in one of Italy’s most venerable stone-carving sites. Through their R&D and technical expertise and know-how, Marsotti Edizioni’s marble furniture pieces will make your eyes pop. If you’re scouting for an arresting marble piece for your home, your best bet is to look at Marsotto Edizioni’s portfolio.

To learn more about Marsotto Edizioni, click here.

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