If you were asked to think of a sofa, chances are you’d conjure up an image of a basic, rounded rectangle with a seat, back and armrests. It could well be the exact one in your living room right now. And sure, there’s nothing wrong with going for classic forms; they are classics for a reason. But what about something a little off-kilter for a change?

This year’s launches, including at the prestigious Salone del Mobile in Milan, have included a number of uniquely shaped offerings. From dining tables that stand on three legs to cabinets that look like supersized kids’ toys, there’s plenty to challenge the idea of what forms furniture can take.

Still, such pieces can be tricky things to deal with. For those with a more bare-bones aesthetic, for instance, an armchair that zigs one way and zags another could well look completely out of place. And even in a maximalist setting, one always runs the risk of crossing that fine line between eclectic and excessive.

As with many other aspects of decor, balance is key. This matters when looking at both an individual item and a room in its entirety; the idea is to integrate unique shapes that can stand on their own, while complementing the overall vibe of the home.

Within each piece, three factors come into play: silhouette, colour and texture. Where one is elevated, the other two should be dialled back, so things don’t slip out of control into a Pollock-meets-Picasso splatter of table legs and leather trims.

When zooming out to look at a whole space, consider sight lines and focal points, as well as practicality. Sight lines refer to how a room is viewed from various angles; the most important ones to consider are the vantage points at each entrance. Placing an eye-catching piece in or near the centre of these lines draws viewers directly towards it.

Similarly, having special pieces near or at a focal point — referring to the visual centre of a room, such as the bed in a bedroom or the console in a TV room — can ground a space and showcase their distinctiveness. On the flip side, having more kooky furniture too far off the focal point of a room can throw a space of balance, or fight for attention with other elements.

Practicality, meanwhile, is all about how you’ll physically interact with the space. Of course, unless you’re thinking of getting a 10-metre-long pentagonal sofa, the rules around this aren’t much different between regular and odd-shaped furniture.

If you’re feeling ready to mix up your home decor game with some seriously shapely stuff, here are Options’ favourites among this year’s launches.

Lema

When it comes to incorporating quirky curves into homeware, few designers touch the expert hand that Roberto Lazzeroni has. This year, Italian furniture company Lema has introduced two designs by the Italian master: the Orion tables and the Blanca armchair.

Varying in size and shape, the Orion tables are connected by their curved edges and unique leg form, with each leg being a flat, rounded rectangle. While the individual parts may look simple, when combined they take on a whole new character that plays with dimension and planes; the perpendicularly positioned legs make it so the tables look different from every angle.

On the top of each Orion table is a recessed circular tray, providing a modern-looking space for trinkets or even decorative pieces, such as a vase. With all three variations coming in at under 40cm tall, these would make great coffee tables, or stand out as accent pieces in a larger room.

Similar to the Orion tables, the Blanca armchair employs both curved and straight lines to create a form that sets it apart from its peers. Here, though, instead of having each component appear distinct and separate, the parts of the Blanca come together for a harmonious, integrated look. A recess on the backrest adds a sense of lightness to the piece; the armrest pieces on the side, which provide the armchair’s structure, give the illusion of a floating seat.

Baxter Design

With a whopping six variations, the Aegates series of coffee tables by Baxter Design takes experimental form to a whole new level. Inspired by the shapes of islands in the Aegean Sea, each piece is defined by curved lines meeting straight edges. The largest among the six tables, with a top measuring 216cm by 130cm, is perhaps the most unique among the lot, with delicate ridges and grooves along its edges; it’s also the most emblematic of the design inspiration.

Available in a natural poplar briar finish or high-gloss lacquer, the tables can go both classic and poppy. We particularly like the purple lacquered version for its blend of sophistication and modernity that is sure to spark joy in any living room.

Vitra

The Panton chair needs no introduction; its distinctive cantilever structure, brought to life by furniture legend Verner Panton, has made it instantly recognisable since its introduction in 1967. And don’t be too quick to scoff at its all-plastic construction — the minimal silhouette, defined by sleek swooping curves, makes it blend well in many contexts. More importantly, the chair is revered for its ergonomics and versatility, functioning as both an indoor and outdoor piece.

Swiss furniture stalwart Vitra has now launched the Panton chair in seven new limited-edition tones, arising from a collaboration with Dutch artist Sabine Marcelis. The colours are based on the palette used by Marcelis when designing the new VitraHaus Loft; just 50 pieces of each are available.

Gallotti & Radice

Funky forms don’t have to be limited to the things on your floors. Wall hangings are a great way to break up the monotony of regular angles in a home, without requiring a furniture overhaul. And being 2D means there’s more room to play up all three aspects of silhouette, colour and texture, without going full tilt into an assault on the senses.

Take the Iperborea from Gallotti & Radice, for example. Made of pure silk, this embroidered beauty is handmade, with 300 hours needed to produce each panel. That level of craftsmanship means the 200cm by 180cm piece not only has a special silhouette, but also loads of texture that can add visual interest to any space it lands in. Another benefit of its abstract form is that it can be hung either horizontally or vertically, for a little custom edge.

Cassina

Another vintage design — this time from 1938, courtesy of the late Charlotte Perriand — that has been reimagined for 2024 is the Montparnasse table. Named for the French district in which Perriand’s atelier stood, the hexagonal piece is naturally angular, yet retains a softness with its rounded corners.

The irregular shape comfortably seats six but can accommodate up to nine. Hexagons are also known for being the most compact shape; the table fits well in smaller spaces, meaning it’s just about perfect for a standard dining room in Singapore, eschewing the need for a standard square or circular tabletop.

A quarter-century after Perriand’s passing, Italian firm Cassina has released two new editions of the Montparnasse table: one in natural Canaletto walnut, and the other in ash-stained black. Both are rendered in a matte finish for an understated sophistication.

Barcelona Design

Designed by Belgian studio Muller Van Severen for Barcelona Design, the Bridges cabinets evoke a sense of surrealism. Where one would typically find a flat bottom or raised legs, sculptural arched shapes, from which the name arises, support the cabinets. Coated in high-gloss paint, the resulting pieces are also reminiscent of toy building blocks, adding a sense of humour and play.

The Bridges cabinets come in three heights — 90cm, 140cm and 180cm — with all three base styles available for each height. The smallest variation is particularly suitable for placing against other pieces on the floor of a room, rather than the usual wall-flushed arrangement. Doing so allows one to better appreciate the quirky shapes as light passes through them.

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