For all the people who think designer objects need to make bold statements with attention-grabbing forms and materials, the revered British designer Jasper Morrison has a message: The quieter objects are often the better products.
Some of Morrison’s earliest creations, such as the 1986 Thinking Man’s chair, with its snaking tubular steel armrests, and the 1991 3 sofa deluxe, whose sculpted seat resembles an enormous wave (both produced by the Italian manufacturer Cappellini, one of the planet's preeminent producers of cutting-edge home decor), display the eye-catching moves that were expected among his contemporaries.
At the same, Morrison was clearly searching for a different language. In 1988, just three years after he graduated from London’s Royal College of Art, he stunned many in the design world with “Some New Items for the Home,” an exhibition in Berlin featuring simple plywood furniture he had designed and made himself as a direct rebuke to the over-the-top colors and geometries of the Memphis movement. As Morrison increasingly came to see statement-making design as flawed and wasteful, he began producing the subtler objects that eventually became his greatest hits and inspired a new generation of designers.
Morrison’s Glo-Ball lamps for FLOS, for instance, feature opalescent blown-glass diffusers that resemble ever-so-slightly squished spheres with a striking visual softness. Designed in 1998, the pieces were instantly popular and have remained a best seller for the legendary Italian lighting maker. Morrison’s Cork Family stools for Vitra, designed in 2004, have proved similarly timeless, with simple silhouettes reminiscent of thread spools whose unexpected material — solid cork — makes them particularly alluring.
By 2005, Morrison had befriended another designer working in a similar manner — Japan’s Naoto Fukasawa. That year, Fukasawa introduced his Déjà-vu stool for Magis at the Salone del Mobile in Milan and was dismayed when fairgoers barely noticed it. Crestfallen, Fukasawa talked to Morrison, who saw the scenario differently: The fact that people instinctively used the stool meant that it was successful. To cheer up Fukasawa, Morrison described his design as “super normal.” Morrison and Fukasawa latched onto this phrase as an ideal term for what they were up to.
Launched in 2006, Morrison and Fukasawa’s “Super Normal” — a traveling exhibition and a book that served as a visual manifesto — documented more than 200 utilitarian yet beautiful objects, ranging from a paper clip, a plastic bucket and a ballpoint pen to an Alessi citrus basket, Vitsoe’s 606 universal shelving system by Dieter Rams and Vitra’s Joyn office system by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. That same year, Morrison began playing with extreme simplicity and introduced the Crate, a wooden bedside table for Established & Sons that was modeled on an old wine crate he used for his own bedside table.
Today, Morrison delights in finding the correct balance in his designs, turning out products that seem appealingly natural and precisely what they should be.
Find Jasper Morrison chairs, lighting, stools and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Orla Modular Curved sofa by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic and contemporary shapes define the Orla sofa by Jasper Morrison, true icon of contemporary design. With flowing lines and generous, comfortable cushions, this sofa combines s...
Leather, Fabric, Upholstery, Plywood
$10,890 / item
Elan 23 Modular Sofa by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elan 23, the new version of the iconic sofa designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini, combines essential lines, rigorous forms, and superior comfort, establishing itself as a conte...
Metal
Oblong Plus Modular Sofa by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Almost twenty years after its presentation, the Oblong System by Jasper Morrison has been revised in its architectural system to guarantee an even more flexible and ergonomic structu...
Steel
Daybed fixed upholstery Méridienne by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Daybed sofa by Jasper Morrison, also available in a meridiénne version, is an unmistakable expression of the London designer’s stylistic verve. Inspired by one of Morrison’s first p...
Metal
2022 Jasper Morrison for Cappellini Oblong System Sofa Alcantara / Ultrasuede
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an Oblong System Sofa Module made with a metal frame and a tan ultra suede (alcantara) upholstery. This is the right arm module. The sofa module and system was des...
Metal
Elan three-seater Sofa in feather by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An unstoppable commercial success, the Elan sofa continues to impress. Designed by Jasper Morrison in 1999, the range has expanded over the years, and now includes armchairs, two and...
Metal
Daybed fixed upholstery Sofa by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Daybed sofa by Jasper Morrison, also available in a meridiénne version, is an unmistakable expression of the London designer’s stylistic verve. Inspired by one of Morrison’s first p...
Metal
$10,274 / item
Orla Modular Sofa by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic and contemporary shapes define the Orla sofa by Jasper Morrison, true icon of contemporary design. With flowing lines and generous, comfortable cushions, this sofa combines s...
Leather, Fabric, Upholstery, Plywood
Orla Modular Two-seater sofa by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic and contemporary shapes define the Orla sofa by Jasper Morrison, true icon of contemporary design. With flowing lines and generous, comfortable cushions, this sofa combines s...
Leather, Fabric, Upholstery, Plywood
Three Sofa de Luxe Sofa with backrest by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Three Sofa de Luxe defies the traditional function of a furnishing accent that is commonly perceived as merely a seat. For this collection, Jasper Morrison plays with this concep...
Metal, Stainless Steel
Three Sofa de Luxe Sofa Sofa with armrest by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Three Sofa de Luxe defies the traditional function of a furnishing accent that is commonly perceived as merely a seat. For this collection, Jasper Morrison plays with this concep...
Leather, Fabric, Plywood
Elan two-seater Sofa in feather by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An unstoppable commercial success, the Elan sofa continues to impress. Designed by Jasper Morrison in 1999, the range has expanded over the years, and now includes armchairs, two and...
Metal
2022 Jasper Morrison for Cappellini Orla Two-Seater Small Sofa in Sahco Green
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an Orla Small Sofa made with a metal frame and green woven fabric. The sofa was designed by Jasper Morrison and produced by Cappellini in Italy. It dates to circa...
Metal
$7,766 / item
Orla Small sofa by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic and contemporary shapes define the Orla sofa by Jasper Morrison, true icon of contemporary design. With flowing lines and generous, comfortable cushions, this sofa combines s...
Leather, Fabric, Upholstery, Plywood
2022 Jasper Morrison for Cappellini Oblong System Sofa Module, Master 4900
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an Oblong System Sofa Module, constructed with a metal frame and plywood seat, and upholstered with a blue/grey removable cover. This is the left arm module. The s...
Metal
Three Sofa de Luxe Sofa without backrest by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Three Sofa de Luxe defies the traditional function of a furnishing accent that is commonly perceived as merely a seat. For this collection, Jasper Morrison plays with this concep...
Leather, Fabric, Plywood
2022 Jasper Morrison 94in Loveseat Sofa Oblong System in Ultrasede Alcantara
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an Oblong System Loveseat Sofa made with a metal frame and tan ultra suede (Alcantara) upholstery. This is sold together as a 94.5 inch sofa/loveseat, so both piec...
Metal
$1,650 / set
H 27 in W 17 in D 13.5 in
Jasper Morrison Hi Pad Counter Stools for Cappellini - Set of Three
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Miami, FL
Set of Three Hi Pad counter stools with foot rests designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini. The Hi Pad stool features a seat in beech plywood padded with multi-density polyurethan...
Steel
$11,673
H 22.84 in W 127.96 in D 61.03 in
1st edition Super-Oblong sectional sofa design Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
1st edition Superoblong sectional Sofa designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini, Italy. First edition with inlets filled with polystyrene spheres. Measurements: 325 cm x 155 cm...
Fabric, Polystyrene
$18,461 / set
H 26.38 in W 212.6 in D 37.41 in
Jasper Morrison Super Oblong Modular Sofa Set Design Cappellini Italy
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Krefeld, DE
This rare Super Oblong modular sofa set was designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini in Italy and exemplifies Morrison’s philosophy of understated, intelligent design. Composed of ...
Cotton
$2,650 / set
H 31 in W 22 in D 28 in
Pair of "Low Pad" Leather chairs By Jasper Morrison For Cappellini
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Toronto, ON
This chic and stylish vintage pair of leather Low Pad chairs by British designer Jasper Morrison for Cappellini are beautifully designed for maximum c...
Stainless Steel
$2,500
H 35.75 in W 55 in D 36 in
1970s Two-Seat Sling Sofa by Hannah Morrison for Knoll in Fabric and Aluminum
By Bruce Hannah & Andrew Morrison, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Two-Seat Sling Sofa, designed by Bruce Hannah and Andrew Morrison for Knoll in 1971. It features a polished cast-steel frame, and has an upholstered seat & back. The uphols...
Steel
$18,500 / set
H 25.5 in W 130 in D 38.5 in
Jasper Morrison for Vitra Chocolate Brown Leather Soft Sectional Modular Sofa
By Vitra, Jasper Morrison
Located in Chicago, IL
Jasper Morrison for Vitra Chocolate Brown Leather Soft Sectional Modular Sofa (2016) Designed by Jasper Morrison, this low-slung modular sofa features balanced proportions, exception...
Steel
Three Seater Sofa by Tobia Scarpa for B&B, Italy
By B&B Italia, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Barcelona, ES
Three seater Coronado sofa designed in 1966 by Tobia Scarpa for B & B Italia. Upholstered in original black leather.
Metal
$2,820 / item
H 27.56 in W 23.23 in D 23.23 in
December Chair with Leather Upholstery by Jasper Morrison & Wataru Kumano
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Fiskars, FI
December chair is designed by Jasper Morrison and Wataru Kumano, 2012. The chair is light and comfortable, and thanks to its simple Nordic design it sui...
Leather, Ash, Oak
Pascal Modular Curve Sofa
By Michael Felix
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Pascal Modular allows for unlimited configurations in curved and straight options. Each piece is wrapped in down and feather to maximize comfort lounging. Includes arm pillows an...
Leather, Bouclé, Velvet, Wood
Jasper Morrison Superoblong Sofa
Located in New York, NY
The Superoblong Sofa by Jasper Morrison reflects the designer’s philosophy of “super normal” design—objects that prioritize comfort, clarity, and everyday usability while maintaining...
Canvas
$10,601
H 25.6 in W 112.21 in D 31.5 in
Oblong sectional sofa designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Oblong sectional Sofa designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini, Italy. Jasper Morrison creates his furniture with a light touch and yet perfectionally functional. He counts they’...
Fabric, Polystyrene, Foam, Plywood
$6,080Sale Price|20% Off
H 26.78 in W 99.61 in D 61.03 in
RPH sofa by Fabio Novembre for Cappellini, 2006
By Fabio Novembre
Located in Antwerp, BE
RPH Sofa; Fabio Novembre; Milano; Italy; Modernism; Futurism; Politecnito di Milano; Cappellini; RPH (Revolutions Per Hour) sofa, a masterpiece designed by the renowned Fabio Nove...
Leather
Sold
H 28.75 in W 74.02 in D 32.29 in
Contemporary Jasper Morrison For Vitra Brown Leather & Chrome Feet 'Park' Sofa
By Vitra, Jasper Morrison
Located in London, GB
Designed by Jasper Morrison for Vitra, the ‘Park’ sofa is a classic contemporary design. This three-seater features clean lines, deep comfort, and Morrison’s signature approach to mi...
Leather
Sold
H 23.63 in W 110.24 in D 35.44 in
21stC Italian Sky Blue Cappellini "Superoblong" Sofa By Jasper Morrison c.2004
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A rare first edition “Superoblong” sofa by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini, Italy, in sky blue fabric upholstery and contrasting brown stitching. Jasper Morrison’s design philosophy ...
Fabric
Sold
H 25.99 in W 158.67 in D 74.41 in
Vitra Soft Modular Four Seater Sofa and Ottoman by Jasper Morrison
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the ultimate in comfort and style - the Soft Modular Four Seater Sofa and Ottoman by Jasper Morrison for Vitra. Crafted with the finest ...
Steel
Sold
H 27.17 in W 90.56 in D 32.29 in
2000s Cappellini 'Elan' 3 Seater Sofa in Fabric by Jasper Morrison made in Italy
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Elan Sofa, originally designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini in 1999. This particular sofa, the three-seater version, was produced in the earl...
Metal
Rare Jasper Morrison Red Sofa for Cappellini Italy / circa 1990
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Renens, CH
Rare Jasper Morrison sofa edited by Cappellini Italy, aluminum base with wool and cotton covering / circa 1990.
Aluminum
Jasper Morrison Wave Sofa
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural post modern sofa, designed by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini, Italy, circa 1990s. This sofa retains it's original upholstery which has some spots and wear. It should be re...
Metal
Sold
H 25.6 in W 208.67 in D 38.19 in
Huge Vitra Modular Soft 5-Seat Sofa by Jasper Morrison in Red Fabrics
By Vitra, Jasper Morrison
Located in Halle, DE
Modular Soft Sofa by Jasper Morrisson, manufactured by Vitra 2017. Was exhibition piece in showroom since. Very large 5-Seat edition. Due to its modu...
Fabric
Vitra “Place” Two-Seat Sofa in Ivory Leather by Jasper Morrison
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Barrowford, GB
On offer on this occasion is an ultra-rare, pristine "Place" Large 2-Seat Sofa dressed in a high-grade Ivory Leather, from the world renown Swiss furniture house of Vitra. As you will no doubt be aware by your interest in these Jasper Morrison masterpieces, Vitra "Place" pieces are the epitome of contemporary European furniture design, are of peerless quality, and exhibit detailing and execution of an unrivalled standard. In a world of temporary pleasures, Vitra create beautiful furniture that remains a joy forever. Vitra sofas...
Leather