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.
One Legged Table in metal frame and Glass top by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Jasper Morrison, Angelo Cappellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
One Legged Table is one of Jasper Morrison’s very first projects, now revised almost forty years after its creation. This console, small in terms of dimensions but great in terms of ...
Metal
Bac Rectangular Table by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bac table, designed by Jasper Morrison, is made of solid ash wood with a bleached, oak-stained, black-stained or Shanghai blue finish. Available in round and rectangular version...
Ash
Jasper Morrison HAL Table — Minimalist Design, Maximum Presence
By Jasper Morrison, Vitra
Located in Dronten, NL
Elevated simplicity at its finest. Designed by celebrated British designer Jasper Morrison, the HAL Table exemplifies his “super normal” design philosophy—qu...
Chrome
2013 Cappellini Lotus Round Dining Table designed by Jasper Morrison in Laminate
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a “Lotus" Round Dining Table, designed by Jasper Morrison for Capellini in 2006. This particular example was manufactured in 2013. The piece features a 5-star polished cast-a...
Aluminum
Simplon Dining Large Table by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The delicacy of the contours define the Simplon table, designed for Cappellini by Jasper Morrison. The range includes tables and side tables with a base made of anodised aluminium, a...
Aluminum
Simplon Dining Rectangular Table by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The delicacy of the contours define the Simplon table, designed for Cappellini by Jasper Morrison. The range includes tables and side tables with a base made of anodised aluminium, a...
Aluminum
Simplon coffee Table in Carrara Marble Top by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The delicacy of the contours define the Simplon table, designed for Cappellini by Jasper Morrison. The range includes tables and side tables with a base made of anodised aluminium, a...
Aluminum
Jasper Morrison oak model "Module" series stacking tables for Cappellini Italy
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Skokie, IL
Oak Table Module Design: Jasper Morrison Series of detachable rectangular low tables, superposable and stackable. Tops surface have circular marks to let elements be superposable. To...
Oak
Glas Italia Pirandello Rectangular Desk 110×49cm (43.3×19.3in) - Jasper Morrison
By Glas Italia, Jasper Morrison
Located in Varedo, MB
The Pirandello desk by Glas Italia, designed by Jasper Morrison, is a masterful example of minimalist elegance and refined craftsmanship. Constructed from extra-light transparent te...
Glass
Glas Italia Pirandello Rectangular Desk 80×49 cm (31.5×19.3in) - Jasper Morrison
By Glas Italia, Jasper Morrison
Located in Varedo, MB
The Pirandello desk by Glas Italia, designed by Jasper Morrison, is a masterful example of minimalist elegance and refined craftsmanship. Constructed from extra-light transparent te...
Glass
2022 Jasper Morrison for Cappellini Simplon Rectangular Table in Palisander
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Simplon Rectangular Table made with an aluminum frame. The table was designed by Jasper Morrison and produced by Cappellini in Italy. It dates to circa 2022 and...
Aluminum
Bac Large Rectangular Table by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Jasper Morrison, Cappellini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bac table, designed by Jasper Morrison, is made of solid ash wood with a bleached, oak-stained, black-stained or Shanghai blue finish. Available in round and rectangular version...
Ash
Simplon Dining Large Table by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The delicacy of the contours define the Simplon table, designed for Cappellini by Jasper Morrison. The range includes tables and side tables with a base made of anodised aluminium, a...
Aluminum
Simplon Dining Table by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The delicacy of the contours define the Simplon table, designed for Cappellini by Jasper Morrison. The range includes tables and side tables with a base made of anodised aluminium, a...
Aluminum
$6,088 / item
Bac Round Table by Jasper Morrison for Cappellini
By Cappellini, Jasper Morrison
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Bac table, designed by Jasper Morrison, is made of solid ash wood with a bleached, oak-stained, black-stained or Shanghai blue finish. Available in round and rectangular version...
Aluminum
Glas Italia Mirror Console Table - Mirrored Glass - Jasper Morrison
By Glas Italia, Jasper Morrison
Located in Varedo, MB
Mirror Mirror by Glas Italia, designed by Jasper Morrison, is a refined rectangular console table in glass, defined by its elegant and minimal composition. The base is crafted by bo...
Glass
Glass Top Rectangular Travertine and Chrome Console Table by Artedi
By Artedi
Located in Miami, FL
Rectangular travertine console table base with beveled glass top supported by chrome bars manufactured by Artedi, 1980s.
Travertine, Chrome
Tom Side Table by Meg Morrison
Located in Geneve, CH
Tom side table by Meg Morrison Materials: Ceramic. One of a kind. Dimensions: D 25.5 x H 43.2 cm. All sizes are approximate. Please contact us. Meg Morrison is an artist in Richmon...
Ceramic
Console Table W . Rizzo style Chrome Brass metal Glass Top
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Miami, FL
Mid century modern style in Chrome and brass this Console Table can go anywhere and could easily be mixed with any other style of decoration . Sober lines and perfect proportions.
Metal
Glass and Polished Metal Console Table, Italy, 1970s
Located in London, London
Glass and Polished Metal Console Table, Italy, 1970s
Metal
Danish Rosewood "Lotus Design" Dining Table by Dyrlund
By Dyrlund
Located in Los Angeles, CA
In great condition this round rosewood "lotus" table is supported by a nickel-plated base. This table features telescoping leaves that pullout and unfold transforming the 43" diamete...
Nickel
Simple Post Modern white Laminate round dining game table
By Memphis Milano
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Simple Post Modern white Laminate round dining table. white Laminate with white round base. No Chips very clean. Round top and round base. ...
Laminate
$7,500
H 29.25 in W 60.13 in D 19.19 in
Paul McCobb for Calvin Console Table with White Vitrolite Top and Brass Frame
By Paul McCobb, Calvin Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern console table or server designed by Paul McCobb for Calvin Furniture, part of his Irwin collection. Console has two drawers and two lower shelves in mahogany that ...
Brass
$5,800Sale Price / item|25% Off
H 30 in W 39.75 in D 106 in
Winslow Dining Table in Brass and Lacquered Wood with Glass Top Contemporary
Located in Westport, CT
Rectangular dining table with a high gloss finish and a back painted glass top. Comprised of wood, glass and brass. Can also be made as a console table Optional brass accents. Availa...
Brass
$7,900 / item
H 36 in W 66 in D 16 in
Handmade Modern Hall Table by Peter Harrison, Glass Top Metal & Maple Wood
By Peter Harrison
Located in Middle Grove, NY
The Europa table by Peter Harrison is an intoxicating frenzy of elements which cross and overlap and resonate in the is modern console. 25 legs touch the floor and the glass. 45 horizontal elements create the structure. Levelers in each leg assure that the table can be adjusted to any floor. The pictured wood is Maple. The hardware is all stainless steel...
Stainless Steel
Bamboo Frame Glass Top Console Table w/ Figurative Brass Supports
By McGuire, Ficks Reed
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern bamboo console table with glass top.
Brass
Contemporary Stone Top and Metal Base Console Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
Mid-Century Modern classic and elegant marble stone top on iron metal console base. Simple shape and lines with the beauty of the stone composition, the table offers a strong dose of...
Stone, Iron
Italian three-shelf console table in metal and glass, 1920s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian three-shelf console table in metal and glass, 1920s Three-tier glass console. The structure is composed of three metal tubes. 1920s Vintage condition, with signs of aging and...
Metal
Vitra Model B Cork Stool by Jasper Morrison
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Dronten, NL
Stabile and robust, this stool or side table of the Cork Family by Jasper Morrison exploit the advantageous natural properties of cork: it is comparatively lightweight and extremely ...
Cork
Side table, model Nestable by Jasper Morrison
By Jasper Morrison
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Nestable table by Jasper Morrison, a renowned British industrial designer known for his minimalist and functional approach. A graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, he has c...
Metal
Set Alessi OP-LA Table/Tray, Petrol Blue by Jasper Morrison
By Jasper Morrison, Alessi
Located in Den Haag, NL
Set of 2 Alessi serving tables. Aluminum feet, comes with loose trays. Alessi OP-LA Table/Tray - Petrol Blue by Jasper Morrison A very useful - Table / tray - designed by Jasper...
Aluminum
Vitra Model a Cork Stool by Jasper Morrison
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Dronten, NL
Stabile and robust, this stool or side table of the Cork Family by Jasper Morrison exploit the advantageous natural properties of cork: it is comparatively lightweight and extremely ...
Cork
Jasper Morrison for Vitra Cork Stool Mod. C, Italy 2004
By Jasper Morrison, Vitra
Located in Naples, IT
Stool Mod. "C Family Cork" in cork designed by Jasper Morrison and produced by Vitra in 2004.
Cork
Jasper Morrison for Vitra White NesTable
By Jasper Morrison, Vitra
Located in Rochester, England
Originally designed by Jasper Morrison in 2007, the NesTable is the perfect combination of sleek design and modern practicality. The NesTable is a versatile piece which allows wor...
Steel
Vitra Model A Cork Stool by Jasper Morrison
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Dronten, NL
Stabile and robust, this stool or side table of the Cork Family by Jasper Morrison exploit the advantageous natural properties of cork: it is comparatively lightweight and extremely ...
Cork
Sold
H 19.88 in Dm 13.75 in
Postmodern Italian Alessi Side Drinks Table by Designer Jasper Morrison, 1998
By Jasper Morrison, Alessi
Located in New York, NY
An Alessi Postmodern Italian side or drinks table by designer Jasper Morrison, 1998. Table has a round blue resin/composite top and brush metal base. With maker's mark underneath as ...
Composition, Metal
Jasper Morrison Set of Two Cork Stools by Moooi, circa 2002
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of two stools turned from agglomerate cork. Can be used as a small side table, a stool, or ottoman. Designed by Jasper Morrison in 2002 and manufactured by Moooi, Netherlands. In...
Cork
Vitra Model C Cork Stool by Jasper Morrison
By Jasper Morrison
Located in Dronten, NL
Stabile and robust, this stool or side table of the Cork Family by Jasper Morrison exploit the advantageous natural properties of cork: it is comparatively...
Cork
Jasper Morrison ‘Vega’ Table for Artifort
By Jasper Morrison, Artifort
Located in Voorburg, NL
Sophisticated ‘Vega’ side table or center table designed by Jasper Morrison for Artifort furniture in the Netherlands. With a high pressure laminate top in white and a metal chrome f...
Chrome
White Modern Minimal Carrara Marble Round Dining Table Jasper Morrison Marsotto
By Jasper Morrison, Marsotto Edizioni
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous design by Jasper Morrison for Marsotto Edizioni, 2012. White Carrara marble round-top table with columnar pedestal with elegant circular base. Marsotto produces this design ...
Carrara Marble