Miniforms
Miniforms: Modernist Furniture
Miniforms is one of Italy’s most distinctive voices in modernist furniture, blending playful creativity with real-world functionality. Founded in 1970 by Luigi Bardini in Meolo, the company grew from a small workshop into a global design brand known for sculptural pieces, artistic finishes, and compact proportions that work beautifully in contemporary homes. Today Miniforms is run by the Bardini brothers, who continue to evolve the brand’s expressive identity while keeping its craftsmanship deeply rooted in Italian tradition.
What sets Miniforms apart is the way its pieces soften modernism with color, warmth, and friendly shapes. Whether you're styling a table with chairs for an open dining space or selecting a round dining table set for an intimate layout, the brand’s designs feel expressive without overwhelming a room. Clients often tell us that Miniforms pieces make their homes feel more personal, more joyful, and more architecturally interesting.
What Defines the Miniforms Approach to Modernist Furniture Design?
Miniforms leans into soft geometry, gentle curves, and lively palettes, all grounded in Italian craftsmanship. Their catalog includes sculptural centerpieces like the Soda Table, expressive dining pieces such as the Barry Table, and compact accessories that bring character to any setting.
You see this aesthetic clearly in their use of Murano glass, sculptural wood forms, and bold yet livable color stories. Their work pairs naturally with modern dining table and chairs, expressive pieces from Italian studios, and softer silhouettes ideal for small or open living layouts.
How Miniforms Became a Leader in Modernist Furniture and Italian Craftsmanship
Luigi Bardini launched the company in 1970, shifting from selling industrial staples to creating compact wooden furniture. The brand grew steadily, embracing international markets through the late twentieth century. In 2009, Luigi passed leadership to his sons Alessandro, Matteo, and Mario, who infused Miniforms with a more experimental, color-forward identity.
Under their direction, Miniforms expanded into a full-scale creative hub. The company established Miniforms Lab, deepened collaborations with emerging designers, and invested in modern production technologies. Today Miniforms offers over 250 catalog items and distributes internationally, while maintaining production in Italy using regional artisans for wood, glass, ceramic, and metalwork.
Designers Who Shaped the Miniforms Identity
Miniforms collaborates with a wide range of Italian and European designers, each adding their own perspective to the brand’s expressive visual language.
Paolo Cappello: Designer of the Caruso Buffet, Ozz Lamp, and Plauto Table. Known for refined simplicity and emotional detailing.
E-ggs Studio: Designers of the Juice Table and Iola Chair, recognized for soft geometry and user-centered forms.
Francesco Faccin: Designer of the Pelleossa Chair, a contemporary reinterpretation of Italian folk seating.
Fabio Fantolino: Creator of the Palinfrasca collection with architectural lines and elegant proportions.
Yiannis Ghikas: Designer of the award-winning Soda Table, one of Miniforms’ most iconic works.
Alain Gilles: Designer of the Barry Table, a sculptural and structural dining piece.
Florian Schmid: Creator of the Acco Table and Claretta Chair.
Skrivo Studio: Designer of the Colony Chair with a woven cane back.
Yonoh Studio: Creators of the Kolos Coffee Table.
Zaven Studio: Designers of the Dumbo Chair with its signature oversized backrest.
Matteo Zorzenoni: Designer of the Maste Coffee Table known for exploring material limits.
Miniforms Best-Selling Products
The brand has produced many hits over the years, especially pieces used in dining rooms, office lounges, boutique hotels, and modernist homes.
- Soda Table
- Barry Table
- Caruso Buffet with integrated audio
- Juice Table
- Ozz Lamp
- Pelleossa Chair
- Colony Chair
- Acco Round Dining Table
Frequently Asked Questions About Miniforms
What materials does Miniforms use?
Miniforms incorporates Murano glass, solid woods, sheet steel, ceramic, and durable upholstery fabrics chosen for long-term performance.
Can I customize Miniforms furniture?
Yes. Many products include size, finish, and material customization. Clients often request custom finishes for tables or fabrics for their modern dining room chairs.
Where is Miniforms furniture made?
All production takes place in Italy, with regional artisans specializing in wood, glass, ceramic, and metalworking.
Who sets the artistic direction for the brand?
The Bardini brothers oversee creative direction together with Miniforms Lab and their collaborating designers.
Does Miniforms offer marble pieces?
Yes. Certain dining collections include marble top options, ideal for buyers seeking a marble dining table within Miniforms’ sculptural language.
How long is the lead time?
In stock items typically ship in 2 to 4 weeks. Made-to-order designs generally require 12 to 16 weeks.
What are Miniforms’ most recommended chairs?
The Iola Chair, Claretta Chair, and Pelleossa Chair are frequent customer favorites, often used alongside Contemporary dining chairs in mixed dining arrangements.
Where can I buy Miniforms furniture?
Miniforms can be purchased through Modern Loft and authorized international retailers.