The Enduring Appeal of Perspex, Lucite & Plexiglas Furnishings

What's in a name? We're often asked to clarify what Perspex is...so here we go!

Perspex®, Lucite® and Plexiglas® are all trade names of the transparent thermoplastic PMMA, commonly known as acrylic glass, or simply acrylic.

Since its development in the early 20th century, its transparency and versatility have inspired designers to create innovative pieces that challenge traditional aesthetics.

In the 1930s, designers like the French duo Erwine and Estelle Laverne pioneered use. Their "Invisible Group" collection featured clear acrylic chairs and tables, offering a futuristic and airy aesthetic.

The 1960s and 1970s marked a peak in acrylic furniture's popularity. Designers such as John Mascheroni and Charles Hollis Jones, the "King of Lucite," crafted iconic pieces that remain influential. Jones's collaborations with architects like John Lautner led to the creation of acrylic furniture for high-profile clients, including Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball. His designs, such as the "Waterfall" line, showcased the material's clarity and modern appeal.

(Image credit: Charles Hollis Jones)

In 1968, Finnish designer Eero Aarnio introduced the Bubble Chair, a transparent acrylic sphere suspended from the ceiling. This design allowed light to enter from all directions, creating a sense of openness and exemplifying the innovative use of acrylic in furniture.

The early 2000s saw a resurgence of interest in transparent furniture, with designers like Philippe Starck reimagining classic forms. Starck's Louis Ghost Chair, introduced in 2002, is a transparent polycarbonate - which is not the same as acrylic - reinterpretation of the traditional Louis XVI armchair. However, its success demonstrated the enduring appeal of clear acrylic furniture in contemporary design.

In 2007 Signarture launched a collection of artworks using Perspex as a new material for artworks at the Sydney trade show Decoration + Design. 

We harnessed the transparency of the medium to create a unique, three-dimensional effect though the interplay of light with the artworks - quite unlike the Diasec method of mounting paper prints directly to Perspex, which creates a totally opaque artwork.

Signarture Perspex artworks have gained a following for their unique, minimalist, modern aesthetic; their ability to create a focal point but still with a sense of space and lightness; and for their ability to be installed in outdoor spaces as well as indoor. And of course they offer significant advantages over glass.

Today, it seems there's once again a resurgence of interest in the use of clear acrylic, and new iridescent acrylics, for furniture. Once again 'on-trend', its timeless quality ensures that it remains a popular choice for both designers and homeowners seeking to add a modern touch to their interiors.