Guest Picks: Fantasy Furniture
20 totally extravagant pieces from the outré to the "I want that!"
In a nutshell, fantasy furniture is really anything that makes you stop and say, "Wow!" It can be an unusual, larger-than-life, surreal, ridiculously luxurious piece or maybe just something you look at (a throne, for example) and wonder what kind of life this thing would make sense in.
I think every home should have one piece of fantasy furniture. There's something utterly charming about beauty that doesn't take itself too seriously — and we all know how that reflects on us!
— Denise from The Swelle Life
I think every home should have one piece of fantasy furniture. There's something utterly charming about beauty that doesn't take itself too seriously — and we all know how that reflects on us!
— Denise from The Swelle Life
Outdoor Bed, Hammock Bed
Relaxing on a giant, round, floating bed on a summer evening is a definite fantasy scenario in my mind. You can suspend it from an existing structure or choose a model that suspends from its own frame. Drape it in fresh, white, gauzy cottons, and pretend you're an island princess (or prince)! The perfect accessory for this luxurious lounger is an aromatic, fresh-fruit cocktail in a huge glass.
Brian Drawers
You smiled, didn't you? This chest of drawers has such a clever design. It would be such a fantastical piece to live with, and it's functional too.
Girls Princess Castle Loft Bed
Where do I begin? First, let's put the insane jealousy aside. OK. This is a girl's bed and playhouse contained in a charming, Tudor-style cottage facade. It is as customizable as your budget will allow. I must admit, if I found myself in the "unlimited budget" category I would have one made for my daughter in larger proportions to also accommodate me.
Eclectic Armchairs & Accent Chairs
Nothing says fantasy like a throne. Now this must be done tongue-in-cheek, unless you are a vampire. If you have enough rooms that you can do one up in a theme, "indulgent gothic" is a fun one to go all out with. Rich crimson velvets and high ceilings are a must.
White Tree Bed
This is the perfect bed for an enchanted forest fantasy. The perfect room for it would have a white plank floor, winter-white matte walls and lots of floor-to-ceiling windows with tree-filled scenery so that you'd feel as if you were indeed sleeping in the forest.
Stacked Cabinet No. 7
This is a witty piece, and due to its fairly small size, it allows you to have a bit of fun without committing to a full-on fantasy feel in the room. And yes, the door is functional!
Icons Mosaic Shoe Bathtub
Bathing in a pink, sequin, high-heeled shoe is like some kind of decadent, 1970s, disco fantasy. This is a fully functional, Italian-designed bath with a finely crafted glass mosaic exterior that creates the look of glittery sequins.
To complete the look of the carefree era, I'd just have to have something white and fluffy nearby, like a shag carpet in lieu of a bathmat. There's no need for practicality in this fantasy bathroom!
To complete the look of the carefree era, I'd just have to have something white and fluffy nearby, like a shag carpet in lieu of a bathmat. There's no need for practicality in this fantasy bathroom!
Butterfly Chair
This silver-leaf butterfly chair must be given its own room — everything else would be ignored.
Addison Floral Round Iron Canopy Crib
Is it wrong to be jealous of a baby? This round, canopied crib must be where Sleeping Beauty spent her first years.
Greenhouse by SHOWstudio
This Victorian-style miniature greenhouse will instantly transform a garden to one of playful enchantment. If you can trust the kids not to wreck it, it would make an absolutely magical place to have tea parties and create wonderful childhood memories.
Slow White Cabinet
I love the idea of furniture that appears as if it could walk away on its spindly legs. This limited-edition, handmade cabinet is more about story than storage, but it could be used to house your most magical trinkets.
Contemporary Gazebos
This iron gazebo is so magical; it reminds me of a fairytale's gilded cage. The rather small size restricts it to mostly ornamental use, but I'd still love to try fitting a small table and chairs inside to create a mini garden tea room.
Jessie Life-Size Cow
Fantasy decorating is all about playing make-believe, so why not pretend you've got a cow friend in the backyard? This life-size, realistic-looking Holstein would fulfill one's farm fantasies with no feeding or messes — it's ideal!
Blossy Sofa, Lavender
I'd call this sofa a fantasy piece simply because it's not immediately recognizable as one. The shaping is organically plump, and from behind, well, it looks like a behind! The unconventional material (polythene) and color options (fuchsia, lavender, green and yellow among them) are major fun, though you may want to add some cushions if you do actually plan to sit on it.
Crescent Lounge
Oh wow. Does this Crescent Lounge come with the view? Never mind, you can create your own. If you don't have a gorgeous beach house and infinity pool, a lush garden of vibrant flowers will create that paradise-like feel.
The Wave Hammock
The flow of the Wave Hammock mimics a surfing break, and the seafoam green of the canopy conjures the scent of the ocean — how heavenly! I love that it looks as if the wind may carry it up and away.
The Alabama Dog Mansion
Now, I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be if my dog had a nicer house than me, but I'd certainly benefit from the view. This doggie mansion features lattice windows with break-proof glass, real bitumen roof tiles and a Roman, arched entrance with columns.
Tools of the Trade Twin Bed
I love this bed! It's for kids, but I know I'd find myself hanging out a bit more in my daughter's room if this were in it. The fun lines in vibrant colors and the giant reproductions of everyone's favorite childhood tools conjure up pure nostalgia about my creative primary-school days.
Eklektisch Kommoden & Schränke
For me, the unusual structure of this chest of drawers makes it magical. It's like a slightly surreal version of a midcentury piece with its clean lines and retro colors. Imagine how different the experience of opening drawers to look for something would feel; it would turn a complete non-event into something fun.
Origami Sofa Bed
Not only do you get a brilliant and unusual origami-like design, but this sofa folds out to a bed as well. The look alone would be enough, but its dual-function practicality on top of an eye-popping, chic look is a major bonus.
Next: Dream Tubs for Bath Lovers
Next: Dream Tubs for Bath Lovers