Polka dot is one of my favorite prints. I like this print because it’s fun, cheerful and flirtatious. Polka dots have been around for ages but the actual term was born in England in the late 19th century when the polka music was gaining popularity. And even though there was no actual connection between the dance and the pattern, the name “polka” stuck around. In modern pop culture, the most famous association with polka dots was established with the 1960’s song “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” and while polka dots are used in fashion quite often, polka dot prints in furniture are not such a foreign concept.
A good example of a modern interpretation and application of polka dots in furniture is with the Polka Dots sideboard collection by Toyo Ito for Horm. The sideboards are finished in whitened or mocha stained oak with frosted methacrylate polka dots.
Polka Dots Sideboard by Toyo Ito for Horm
Polka Dots Sideboard by Toyo Ito for Horm
Polka Dots Sideboard by Toyo Ito for Horm
Polka Dots Sideboard by Toyo Ito for Horm
Polka dots are also extremely popular in the design of modern mirrors like the “Bubbles” modern mirror by Calligaris which is available in black or white lacquered or wenge wood frame with numerous circles in different sizes creating the familiar polka dot print.
Bubbles Mirror by Calligaris
Bubbles Mirror by Calligaris
Bubbles Mirror by Calligaris
Or with the Fizz Mirrors by BDI which feature frosted circles within the mirrored surface. When any Fizz configuration of mirrors is hung on a colored wall, the frosted glass circles take on the color of the wall and inadvertently create a polka dot print.
Fizz Mirror by BDI
Fizz Mirror by BDI