Universal Furniture Broadens Its Modern Collection

Furniture World News Desk on 10/11/2023

This fall, Universal Furniture's Modern Collection embraces a fusion of luxurious, yet casual, design elements in its largest introduction ever–198 skus between casegoods and upholstery. Drawing inspiration from global styles and incorporating an array of materials reminiscent of upscale hotels, the new additions feel grounded and approachable.

“The Modern Collection has been very successful for Universal since it was first introduced in 2016,” said Sean O’Connor, president of Universal Furniture. “When it came to refreshing the collection, we wanted to give customers an all-encompassing selection, with great attention to detail in the finishes, hardware, textures and materials."

The collection is characterized by its sophisticated, clean, and simple design, with a touch of boldness and daring. Originally introduced in cool shades of gray and white, the collection has been updated with natural wood tones, warm stone finishes, cast aluminum accents and soft metal finishes.

Additions to the collection include furnishings and design elements that are luxury-inspired yet casual and livable. Commanding beds in inspiring silhouettes with a luxury hotel feel. Four new core wood finishes in Natural Oak, White Oak, Gray Oak, Medium Brown Oak and a Washed Charcoal accent finish, all created with a wire-brush finish. Metals including stainless steel and cast aluminum. Multiple styles and rich colors of marble including Golden Portoro, Black Merino, White and Classic Travertine, Cherry Gold and Banswara. Other materials include Pyrite doors and hand-blown glass occasional tables in clear, gray and amber.

“This collection has multiple global style influences that permeate throughout,” said Shannon Lookabill, vice president of product development. “Ongoing feedback from customers and our team’s international travel led us to move toward warmer wood tones and furniture that feels casual and intimate.”

From consoles and credenzas to mirrors, bar cabinets, occasional chairs, dining sets, and stools, the latest additions to the Modern Collection combine to form captivating style vignettes. Here are a few highlighted examples:

Modern Daxton Console & Solstice Mirror
Made from honed white travertine marble, this modestly-sized console (48”W x 14”D x 30”H) fits into tight spaces and has an interesting t-shaped support base. Complementing the angular design of the Daxton Console is the Solstice Mirror, a round looking glass with a faux plaster finish that brings an otherworldly element to the piece and the overall collection.

Modern Cosmo Credenza
The extra-long Cosmo Credenza has serious design intentions at 96 inches in length, with doors encrusted with Pyrite squares and sitting on a plinth base. Behind the four touch-latch doors are adjustable shelves. The entire case surround is finished in soft black matte.

Modern Milo Bar Cabinet, Fynn Chair and Cerise Spot Table
The Fynn Swivel Chair takes center stage in this sophisticated vignette with its enveloping barrel-back and peek-a-boo arms draped in a dramatic dark grey velvet with self-welt. The chair has a tight back and a removable seat cushion. Standing elegantly in the background is the Milo Bar Cabinet, with hand-scribed aluminum doors in a starburst pattern. Finished in aged brass with touch latch doors and soft close hinges, the cabinet has interior lights and adjustable glass shelving. Cerise Spot Table is a true masterpiece crafted from cylindrical stacks of honed Cherry Gold Marble. Its bold veining lends a one-of-a-kind, artistic quality whether it’s used to display cherished décor or showcase a spectacular cocktail.

Modern Slate Dining Table with Kira Stools
Blending marble and metal, the 54-inch round Slate Dining Table creates a captivating fusion of materials. It showcases a honed Black Merino Marble top with creamy white veining, while its Cast Aluminum base in Antique Silver offers a contemporary industrial edge. The table measures 54” D. X 30” H. Kira Stools are paired with the table, bringing comfort with an upholstered seat in Yakety Yak, Granite colorway, that adds texture and a playful touch. The chic stool has a ribbed-texture Cast Aluminum Base in a rich bronze finish. Each stool measures 16” D x 18” H.

Modern Noir Credenza
A true show stopper, the Noir Credenza features vertical channels, hand carved from solid mango wood that gives the illusion of shimmer and movement to four doors. The credenza has a metal encasement in a dark rubbed iron finish. The overall feel of the piece is subtle and elegant but with surface interest that draws attention to it in any setting.