The Retro Furniture Trend That's Making A Shimmering Comeback

A translucent, retro material is making a shimmering comeback among designers, renters, and homeowners alike. This unexpected furniture trend stands out for its crystal-clear, glass-like surface that doesn't take up a lot of visual space. It can be molded into dramatic shapes that other materials can't achieve, while remaining strong and shatter-resistant. Plus, it's much more affordable than glass or crystal. The material in question is Lucite, and there's good reason why designers are experimenting with this retro material once again.

Lucite was introduced as a packaging material in 1937, just a decade after the invention of acrylic plastic. Lucite and Plexiglas furniture peaked in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, when they were celebrated for their futuristic shine and translucency. The designer Charles Hollis Jones created custom pieces for high-profile clients like Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra, and Tennessee Williams, an act that earned him the title of King of Lucite. Some of his designs even appeared in the James Bond film "Diamonds Are Forever." In spite of the material's popularity in mid-century American homes and on movie sets, it eventually fell out of favor. However, as interior trends tend to do, Lucite is seeing a resurgence.

Lucite furniture is an excellent idea for a mid-century modern home, but it can also work in contemporary interiors. There are tons of ways to add Lucite to your space — how you do it depends on the look you are trying to achieve. A Lucite coffee table adds an airy, modern touch to any room, especially when balanced against rich textures like velvet or layered with dark wood tones. Combining transparent and solid materials highlights the individual qualities of each, creating depth and visual interest in a room. If you're open to more daring designs, try colored Lucite or acrylic furniture. This departs from the minimalist style and adds an eclectic touch. Plus, colored plastic furniture looks stunning when speckled with sunlight.

If you're looking for the best places to shop for vintage furniture, source your Lucite furniture pieces from thrift stores (if you're very lucky), online marketplaces, and secondhand auctions. You could also opt for modern dupes. For example, this Solaround Acrylic Nightstand costs less than $130 and comes in several color combinations. If you want to experiment with something more subtle, the Dewrhiixe Acrylic Floating Nightstand for about $80 is a low-profile, transparent option.