Lapalma

Lapalma has long been one of Italy’s most respected makers of contract grade furniture, known for blending traditional craftsmanship with disciplined industrial processes. Founded in the early 1980s near Padova by the Marcato brothers, the company built its reputation on materials that age well, clean geometry, and engineering that performs reliably in both residential and commercial settings. In our experience, their pieces show up anywhere designers need durability that still feels light and architectural, from waiting room furniture to refined dining spaces that use bistro table and chairs day after day.

The brand’s catalog spans chairs, stools, lounge seating, bistro table and chairs combinations, and modular systems. Every element reflects Lapalma’s commitment to recyclable materials, FSC-certified wood, and tightly controlled production methods supported by ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications. Nearly all components are fabricated and assembled in-house, allowing the company to maintain exacting standards while keeping its visual language consistent across collections.

Who is the design director at Lapalma?

Lapalma moved into its current creative direction in 2012 when Francesco Rota met the Marcato brothers at Salone del Mobile. His early introductions, including the OLO and CUT chairs, signaled a shift toward softer forms, warmer tones, and a distinctly Italian expression. Under his direction, the catalog expanded into lounge seating, light office solutions, outdoor pieces, home furnishings, and café seating. What stands out today is how easily these collections adapt across environments. We have seen Lapalma used in boutique hotels, multifunctional office lounges, and private residences because the silhouettes stay quiet even in visually busy spaces.

How does Lapalma approach craftsmanship and sustainability?

Lapalma is one of the more environmentally advanced manufacturers in its category. Their facility runs on solar power supported by geothermal systems for heating and cooling. The company prefers local suppliers to reduce transportation impact and works almost exclusively with recyclable materials such as stainless steel, plywood, aluminum, and responsibly sourced wood. Plastic use is kept minimal. State of the art machinery, including energy efficient metal cutting systems, trims components with precision while consuming significantly less energy. All of this supports a consistent, high quality finish that holds up well in contract grade furniture installations.

What are Lapalma’s most iconic and functional designs?

One of Lapalma’s most recognizable pieces is the Lem Height Adjustable Stool by Shin and Tomoko Azumi. Originally created for a bar in Tokyo, it has become a global standard for counter seating because the movement is smooth and the frame feels weightless.

For dining settings or mixed use spaces, many clients select the MIUNN chair with its ergonomic 3D pressed plywood shell that naturally contours to the body. It performs well in long meals or work from home setups.

The ADD modular seating system is another standout. Designers use it to divide open spaces without blocking sight lines, and the components allow flexible configurations. When a project requires restaurant chairs or bistro seating, Lapalma’s wooden and upholstered options integrate easily. For taller surfaces, Lapalma’s bar height stools maintain a clean profile and stable posture in both homes and commercial settings.

Where does Lapalma work best?

Lapalma shines in spaces that need longevity without unnecessary visual weight. Designers specify the brand for kitchens, dining rooms, open plan lofts, boutique offices, hotel lobbies, and waiting room furniture where comfort needs to last beyond a typical residential lifecycle. Many of their stools tuck neatly under counters, their lounge systems adapt to evolving layouts, and their tables maintain a balanced silhouette that pairs well with modern interiors. In our experience, Lapalma pieces feel grounded and intentional wherever they are placed.

Why does Lapalma continue to stand out?

With distribution across dozens of countries and a fully Italian production process, Lapalma offers a rare blend of engineered precision and human touch. The brand designs for real life movement, spatial flow, and material longevity. Clients who choose Lapalma appreciate the quiet confidence in the silhouettes, the comfort in the ergonomics, and the reliability that comes from decades of refinement. If your project needs contract grade furniture that blends into elevated residential or commercial environments, Lapalma is a proven choice.