Experts attribute the rising popularity of Italian furniture in India to a growing middle class that is ready to invest in quality housing and furnishings.
In a bright room filled with carefully arranged displays, Namitha and Akanksha enthusiastically explored the exhibits. Their eyes sparkled with excitement as they stumbled upon a particular piece that immediately captured their attention. With joyful exclamations, they leaned in closer, even lying on the ground, to admire its intricate details, carefully studying its mechanisms from every possible angle. This scene unfolded at MiniSalone, an Italian furniture exhibition hosted at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC).
The three-day exhibition held at the BIC concluded today. The exhibition featured a collection of design pieces from local importers of Italian brands, to recreate a miniature version of the Salone del Mobile of Milan, an annual furniture fair held in Milan, Italy.
Namitha, a furniture designer, said that she and her colleagues were at the exhibition to explore the new designs. “We stumbled upon a piece that resembled what we’ve been trying to create, which got us really excited,” she said. She said that although the exhibition aimed to emulate the original Milan furniture fair on a smaller scale, it fell short in comparison. Having attended the Milan fair previously, she said that she found this rendition lacking in its ability to fully capture the essence of the grand event. Nevertheless, she added that such exhibitions provided platforms for industry professionals to connect, explore new collections, and draw inspiration.
Lokesh, a spokesperson from Simply Sofas, a participant in the exhibition, said that the first day of the three-day event attracted more than 60 visitors. “Typically, the attendees include groups of architects and interior designers with public dropping by when they learn about the exhibition,” he said. He added that the visitor count picks up as the day progresses.
He said that Italian furniture stands out as their top-selling product due to its diverse range of styles and price points. “Italian furniture manufacturers introduce new designs to the market every three months, ensuring that the customers always find something new and distinctive,” he said.
He highlighted that over the past decade, there has been a growing preference among Indian consumers for Italian brands across various product categories, including furniture, marble, and paintings. He attributed this shift to the public’s desire for the prestige and status associated with these renowned brands. “Customers’ willingness to invest in furnishings and home decor has gone up over the years,” he added.
Architects Samrudh and Shwetha highlighted a shift in the preferences of Indian customers, particularly favouring the Italian furniture market. “In our experience, primarily with larger projects with substantial budgets, we have observed a growing inclination among clients to invest in Italian furnishings,” they said. The appeal of Italian furniture lies in its superior finishing and the prestige associated with the brand, they said. Additionally, they pointed out that those unable to afford authentic Italian furniture often opt for replicas from China, seeking to replicate the same brand name and design at a more affordable price point.
Priyal Sood, an interior designer, said that while she was impressed by the exhibition she was disappointed by how it was managed. “Organising MiniSalone in India allows people who cannot attend the actual fair in Milan to experience it locally. While they made attempts to replicate the fair by exhibiting good designs, however, there is no designated point of contact for attendees seeking further information about the event,” she said. She recounted her own frustration in attempting to gather details about the exhibition, ultimately resorting to reaching out to the Italian Embassy, which also proved futile. She added that organisers not being present at the venue to engage with visitors, explain the exhibits, and offer guidance throughout the event was also a letdown.
India imported furniture worth 85.8 million euros from Italy in the year 2022 according to the data from the Consulate General of India in Milan, Italy. The Italian Trade Agency reported that furniture imports in the first nine months of 2022 saw a 25.7 percent increase compared to the previous year. Between April and October 2023, India imported furniture worth 59.98 million euros from Italy. Additionally, the Italian furniture export to India is predicted to reach almost 50 billion euros by 2028. Italian designer furniture companies such as Molteni&C, Poliform, and Minotti also reported an increase in sales and a promising future in the Indian market.
According to reports, Vincenzo de Luca, Italy’s ambassador to India said that the Indian market is expanding rapidly due to a growing middle class that is willing to spend on quality housing and furnishings. He added that there is still a lot of potential for Italian exports and businesses in this sector. Italian companies are showing more interest in India as a final market for their products as well as a production centre for the Indian and Asian markets, he said. He added that over 4,000 Indians attended the Salone del Mobile in 2022, indicating their strong interest in this industry.
Architect Amlan Rout said that the furniture market in India would continue to expand due to its rapidly increasing customer base. “People nowadays prefer to buy personalised furniture that fits their homes and tastes rather than purchasing existing designs,” he said. This surge in demand for custom-made furniture will further propel the sector, he added.
The exhibition was held as part of the Italian Design Day (IDD) which celebrates and promotes design and furniture globally. The theme for the eighth edition of IDD this year is “Manufacturing Value – Inclusiveness, Innovation, and Sustainability”.
The exhibition was presented by the Consulate General of Italy in Bengaluru in collaboration with Living Art Interiors, Simply Sofas, and Ventura Gallery for Italian Design Day. The exhibition presented collections of Italian furniture designers such as Porro, Poltrona Frau, Natuzzi, Arketipo, Glas Italia, and Cattelan Italia.
Salone Internazionale del Mobile showcases the latest furniture and design from different countries worldwide. The fair will be organising its 62nd edition from 16 to 21 April this year at Milan’s Rho Fiera fairgrounds. It was founded in 1961 to promote Italian furniture and furnishings exports.
