Invented for the mechanical purposes of screening and filtering over 150 years ago, perforated metal’s transion from its humble roots to high end design has been a long and stylish one. From Eileen Gray’s cutting edge application of perforated metal in her Folding Screens (1930) to Mathieu Matégot’s iconic Nagasaki Chair (1954) to the eighties rage for it all… there seems no limit to the design world’s love for this industrial-style lace. In more recent years there’s been a definite resurgence in its use – dare we say a trend – and frankly we’re loving every bit of it. Shown here are just a few reasons why. Above – Line Stream 1 Chair by Isabelle Stanislas for Pouenat.

Designer Kelly Wearstler has capitalized on the industrial chic look of perforated metal with a full line of home furnishings and accessories. Shown – Precision Occasional Table in burnished bronze.

The Noir Maglia Pendant in perforated stainless steel brings a dappled ambiance to any space.

Mathieu Matégot’s Nagasaki Chair first burst onto the scene in 1954 with it’s bold three leg stance and cutting edge use of ritigulle (i.e. perforated sheet metal). Matégot’s particular combination of ritigulle and bent metal tubing was so innovative it was patented, and the technique soon became a signature of his work.

Glitz meets edge in this Perforated Metal Clutch by Stella McCartney. Similar available here.

Last month in Paris, designer Isabelle Stanislas debuted an entire furniture collection centered around the semi-transparent charms of perforation. Shown above – the Part Of Partition Table for Pouenat.

The Precision Table Lamp by Kelly Wearstler capitalizes on the designer’s penchant for the punch with a pipe-like lamp that begins to visually dematerialize upon illumination.

A contemporary grand staircase in perforated metal by Studio Gang.

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