If you’ve ever wondered where the soul of design lives, take a spring stroll through Milan during Salone del Mobile. This internationally renowned event is more than just a fair — it’s the epicenter of Italian craftsmanship, creativity, and culture. Every April, the city transforms into Milan Design Week, a playground for designers, architects, students, buyers, and the design-obsessed. The Salone is the official stage, while the Fuorisalone spreads across the city’s neighborhoods in a kaleidoscope of installations, events, and—sometimes—gimmicks.
Let’s get into it: Salone del Mobile 2025 didn’t disappoint. We got to see and view lots of previews (read more here) and had some time to wander. You can see some more on the MilanoStyle social media channels, and below are some more highlights from the Salone del Mobile 2025:
Salone: A Love Letter to Italian Design
Inside the main fairgrounds, Italy’s top-tier brands reminded us why they’ve earned their legendary status. Kartell and Oluce paid homage to their roots with refined exhibitions that felt like respectful nods to the past rather than nostalgic clinging. Their stands weren’t just about chairs or lamps but about identity. It felt like walking through a curated museum of timeless elegance, where you could sense the monumental impact that Italy’s design heritage has had on the world.
The attention to detail, the obsessive craftsmanship, the seamless fusion of function and beauty — this wasn’t just a trade fair. This was a celebration of art disguised as everyday objects. And honestly? It was deeply moving.
As a design student at the Politecnico di Milano, I am both inspired and slightly intimidated. I realize I have a lot to learn if I want to rise to the level of excellence I see here.
Fuorisalone: A Mixed Bag with a Few Bright Spots
The Fuorisalone, traditionally the edgier, more experimental cousin of the main event, came off this year as… well, a bit of a gadget magnet. The vibe felt more about hype than depth, especially in Brera, where the streets were buzzing with tourists, influencers, and design enthusiasts all competing for the same slice of sidewalk.
That said, there were moments of clarity.
One standout? Es Devlin’s Library of Light installation in the courtyard of the Pinacoteca di Brera — a spiraling library—quietly stole the show. No flashy signage, no hashtag campaigns, no free tote bags — just an elegant, introspective piece that reminded us what design can be when it’s not trying to sell you something. Pure, poetic, and perfectly placed.
The Milan Furniture Fair was filled with a wide range of innovative exhibits showcasing unique pieces of furniture. It blended art with functionality, challenging traditional views of interior design. It featured both experimental installations and classic designs from global talent. Despite the time pressure, the fair was thoroughly enjoyed, with exciting discussions occurring around the latest trends and future of furniture design.
Another surprisingly sincere effort came from — wait for it — IKEA. Their installation ditched the showroom approach to favor a space that felt more like a vibe than a store. It was free, open, and experiential. With activities, clear communication about sustainable materials, and a deep dive into their ecological footprint, IKEA managed to say a lot without shouting. Their stand whispered in a sea of noisy marketing — and we heard it.
The Etro Stool Incident
Of course, we can’t ignore the stool in the corner, on the sidewalk, well, just about everywhere. Yes, we’re talking about the Etro Arnica stool that caused a minor frenzy. Despite it being a beautiful and simple piece upholstered with Etro’s signature fabric, it became a sort of symbol of the more superficial side of the Fuorisalone. People lined up, snapping photos, and influencers treated it like an Instagram prop, but what were we actually celebrating? It felt more like a hype-driven meme than a meaningful object. The attention it got speaks volumes about the direction certain corners of the design world are headed in — more flash, less substance. It’s worth thinking about.
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Community, Chaos, and a Bit of Humor
One thing’s for sure: people showed up. Corriere della Sera reported that over 300 thousand visitors came to Milan last week! From industry professionals to design students, from Milanese locals to international tourists, the crowd was massive and multilingual. So multilingual, in fact, that staff at some events instinctively addressed everyone in English, even when spoken to in Italian. “Sorry, I’ve been talking in English all day,” one tired but friendly volunteer told us, “my brain’s on autopilot.” A funny, slightly surreal reminder of how global this celebration has become.
Final Thoughts
Despite the ups and downs, seeing how many people care about design is always reassuring—and kind of beautiful. It’s the most intimate form of art we live with daily. Design is constant, from the chair you sit on to the lamp you read under. And seeing so many people excited about that, whether through awe, critique, or just being there, is a testament to its enduring power.
Arrivederci, until next year, Salone!
Article by Alessandro Malighetti for MilanoStyle.com.
Featured image courtesy of Salone del Mobile.
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