This Week's Top 5 Favorite 1stdibs Items: Soothing and Calming

We all know that colors have a profound affect on the human spirit and emotional state. Bold, warm colors heighten the senses and add excitement to one's life, where lighter tones and pastel colors help calm and soothe the soul. Now imagine if you combine these colors with visually complementary shapes. After a particularly stressful day, we know we could use an interior that relaxed us, so we gathered up a group of items that not only exhibit calming colors, but also have soothing shapes, patterns and textures. Thankfully, as always, the newest batch of items from 1stdibs doesn't disappoint!


1) Pair of High-back Slipper Chairs by Paul László
Baby blue is a naturally calming and soothing color, why do you think it's used for calming down fussy babies so much? Combined with the shape of this pair of László chairs, however, and you've got one potent calming combination. We love how strong and cozy the high back and wings are--perfect for feeling like you are in a little nest of good design.
Price: contact dealer
Dealer: Donzella

2) Antonia Campi "Conchigilia" Lamp
It's not coincidence that the name of this lamp by Campi sounds so much like the English word "conch." With its decidedly curvy and sea-like form, you can understand how we might find comfort in the abstracted seashell shape and beautiful, creamy color this piece possesses.
Price: $5,200
Dealer: Liz O'Brien

3) 'Serpentine' Sofa, by Tom Dixon, prototype

We chose this piece solely based on its color first--a sexy, soothing, buttery soft sea green/blue that has hints of gray. But the shape of this sofa definitely has a meandering, casual feel to it, and the huge curved parts definitely give off a calming feel.
Price: $25,500
Dealer: Themes and Variations

4) George Nelson Easy Chairs
Plump. Plush. Cushion-y. All these words describe George Nelson's great easy chairs. Comforting and colored like a tall, warm glass of milk before bed, the texture of these chairs just begs you to plop down and enjoy a nap or a book. We also like the exaggerated curves of the arms and seat.
Price: $12,000
Dealer: Converso

5) Landscape by Barna Basilides
Let's not forget the comforting power of a lovely and majestic landscape. Made to transport you from a hectic life to a serene and peaceful scene in nature somewhere, we love landscape paintings, especially ones with a perfect palette of soothing colors, like this great example.
Price: contact dealer
Dealer: Iliad

Don't forget to check out the rest of this week's listings from 1stdibs, where you can find more fabulous, one-of-a-kind show-stopping pieces, as well as a number of other great pieces! Also: please visit our revamped Facebook page for more information about us and follow us on twitter (@swanklighting) to always be up-to-date on Swank Lighting happenings.