Edra is Fearless

In a post-modern furniture landscape often defined by homogeneity and recycled ideas, Edra stands out as a beacon of innovation, offering a refreshing glimpse into what the future of luxury furniture can look like. So, what is Edra, and who are the talented minds behind it?

Edra is an Italian furniture manufacturer, renowned for its bold and progressive design approach. Their fearless creativity yields furniture that not only stands out visually, with an editorial quality and exclusive feel, but also pushes the boundaries of functional design. At Inform, we eagerly hop on every opportunity to display Edra's visually striking pieces throughout our showrooms. They're simply fun to have around. For those who might be wondering, we often display On the Rocks, Standard, Cicladi, Chiara, Blue Velvet and the Veronica Collection, each with a remarkable ability to spark curiosity and ignite conversations.

A Family Business

Edra was founded in 1987 in Tuscany by siblings Monica and Valerio Mazzei, with the crucial help of then art director Massimo Morozzi, to support the family furniture business in developing upholstery materials. The name Edra references the Roman and Greek “Exedras”—an open atrium filled with seats, designed for social gatherings. Not too long after, Edra started crafting its own furniture, setting new standards with its visionary approach and technical prowess in research and development. This blend of creativity and expertise continually brings their intricate and innovative designs to life.

Modern Day Renaissance

The Mazzei siblings eagerly empower their designers to defy convention and push boundaries. As a platform for visionary talents like Jacopo Foggini, known for his unique polycarbonate creations, and Francesco Binfaré, whose imaginative approach to sofa design has set Edra apart as an industry innovator, Edra’s pieces truly blur the lines between art and design.

Edra’s design approach mirrors that of a Renaissance workshop. Monica Mazzei states, “For us, Renaissance is not just an epoch; it’s a model that shapes our lives. We feel the pull of the workshop, of manual know-how. Each one of our products must combine functionality with technological innovation, a new form, and good aesthetics.” This philosophy was championed by Massimo Morozzi, the company’s art director from 1987 to 2014. Today, Foggini and Binfaré carry forward the torch that Morozzi lit.  

Engineering Edra

Edra has always been deeply committed to technological research, enabling them to bring their innovative and seemingly impossible design concepts to life. This crucial initiative is led by Leonardo Volpi, the manufacturing team lead, who's been with the company since the late '80s. 

Consider the Smart Cushion feature of the Standard sofa—joints made of specialized materials hidden within the backrest cushions, effortlessly malleable, yet firm and stable. These Smart Cushions are an engineering marvel, representing years of research, experimentation and reflection. Unsurprisingly, many brands have attempted to replicate this functionality. However, none have quite reached Edra's level of precision, which is a testament to the brand's technological expertise. 

Another example of Edra's engineering prowess is their patented Gellyfoam technology—a next-generation material that combines the characteristic softness of foam with unparalleled support. The material is derived from a gelatin used in the medical field, which Edra invented and patented. The result is an exceptionally comfortable material that Edra integrates throughout its entire sofa collection.

Want to experience Edra for yourself? Visit our 50 & 97 Water Street showrooms! Inform has some of Edra's most iconic design pieces proudly on display.