Design Icons in Cinema: From Kubrick to Trier

A feature on Collater.al explores the role of iconic design pieces in film, highlighting how set designers use furniture and objects to build character and atmosphere. The article lists notable examples: the Arco lamp by Castiglioni appears in Iron Man, Diamonds Are Forever, and Sentimental Value; the Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe features in American Psycho, Casino Royale, and Batman v Superman. In 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Kubrick used the Djinn chair by Olivier Mourgue (1965) for its futuristic look. American Psycho (2000) showcases the Barcelona Chair, Hill House Chair by Mackintosh for Cassina, and Alanda table by Paolo Piva for B&B Italia. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) features a replica Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder. Her (2013) anticipated AirPods aesthetics with its minimalist earbuds. A Clockwork Orange (1971) includes a glass and chrome table attributed to Giotto Stoppino. Star Trek (1966-1969) used Tulip chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll. Men in Black (1997) features the Ovalia chair by Henrik Thor-Larsen and Tulip table. Conclave (2024) uses LC2 and LC3 armchairs by Le Corbusier, with production design by Suzie Davies. Sentimental Value (2025) includes Arco lamp, Pernilla chaise longue by Bruno Mathsson, and PH5 pendant by Poul Henningsen. The Barcelona Chair, designed in 1929 for the German Pavilion at the Barcelona Expo, has become a shorthand for cold power in cinema.