The Fascinating History and Enduring Allure of Bubble Ottomans

The Fascinating History of Bubble Ottomans

I must be dreaming - I still can't believe I found a bubble couch and ottoman for less than $2,300! Too bad I live in a small apartment and had to let one of my friends take them. Ugh! But it got me thinking about the fascinating history of these unique bubble ottomans.

The Origins of Bubble Furniture

Bubble ottomans first emerged in the 1960s alongside the rising popularity of the Mid-Century Modern design movement. The style emphasized sleek, streamlined silhouettes and embraced new materials like molded plastics and acrylics. In 1968, designer Eero Aarnio introduced his famous Ball Chair, which enclosed the sitter in an orb of clear acrylic. This groundbreaking design paved the way for other bubble-shaped furnishings like ottomans.

The Bubble Ottoman Creates a Sensation

In 1970, an Italian company called Gufram launched the Sphere Ottoman, designed by Guido Drocco and Franco Mello. True to its name, the ottoman featured a glossy spherical exterior molded from bright pink or orange polyurethane. Its instantly recognizable beach ball silhouette made it an icon of playful, space-age design.

The Sphere Ottoman caused a sensation, embodying the futuristic escapism and vibrant colors of the era. Before long, it graced the pages of countless magazines and the lobbies of fashionable hotels like the Paramount Hotel in New York. The ottoman complemented equally bold bubble chairs and immersive environments decorated in eye-catching plastics.

Bubble Furniture in the 21st Century

After falling out of favor in the 1980s, Mid-Century Modern furniture experienced a revival in the late 1990s. This renewed interest brought bubble ottomans back into vogue. Today, vintage Sphere Ottomans by Gufram remain highly coveted by collectors and often fetch impressive prices at auction.

Contemporary designers also continue to introduce new bubble-shaped ottomans and chairs. For example, Kenneth Cobonpue’s Muse Ottoman features an organic, blob-like form combining woven rattan and microfiber stitching. Janice Feldman’s Bubble Ottoman has a transparent exterior that reveals colorful balls bouncing inside. These modern iterations keep the playful spirit of the originals alive.

Tips for Styling with a Bubble Ottoman

A bubble ottoman instantly energizes any room. But incorporating one into your layout can be tricky. Here are some tips:

• Place it near a low-lying coffee table so it can readily function as a foot rest.
• Pair with sleek, contemporary furnishings like metal frames and molded plastic chairs.
• Choose bright, poppy colors like orange, hot pink, or lime green.
• Float it in the center of the room as a bold, sculptural accent piece.
• Mix in some right angles and hard edges to offset the ottoman's soft curves.

With the right approach, a bubble ottoman can be the focal point of an exciting, retro-inspired interior.

The Allure of Bubble Ottoman Chic

Bubble ottomans embody the Space Age optimism and vibrant spirit of Mid-Century Modernism. Their spherical, cocooning shapes create a whimsical oasis. And they add an element of futuristic glamour to any room. It's no wonder these airy, eye-catching ottomans have enjoyed such enduring popularity over the decades.

Next time one pops up at auction, I'll have to think twice about letting it slip away - no matter how petite my apartment is! The dreamlike allure of bubble ottoman chic may be impossible to resist.

FAQs

Who designed the first bubble ottoman?

The original bubble ottoman was designed in 1970 by Guido Drocco and Franco Mello for the Italian company Gufram. Their famous Sphere Ottoman had a spherical shape and came in bright pop colors like pink and orange.

What style of design are bubble ottomans?

Bubble ottomans are considered emblematic of the Mid-Century Modern design movement popular in the 1960s. Their futuristic space-age look embodied the sleek, streamlined aesthetic and embrace of new materials that defined the era.

Where might you see a bubble ottoman?

In their heyday, bubble ottomans graced the lobbies of hip hotels and the pages of fashion magazines. Today, they make a bold statement in contemporary living rooms and offices with a retro flair.

How can you style a bubble ottoman?

Place a bubble ottoman near a coffee table as a footrest, float it as a sculptural accent piece, or complement it with other contemporary furnishings like molded plastic chairs. Choose bright, energetic colors that pop.

Why are bubble ottomans still popular today?

Bubble ottomans remain sought-after for their whimsical, space-age style. Their soft, cocooning shapes create a playful and futuristic aesthetic unlike any other furniture.