Emu
Italian steel and wire-mesh outdoor furniture made in Umbria since 1951, read for the US buyer.
A metal specialist from the heart of Umbria.
Emu was founded in 1951 in Marsciano, Perugia, by brothers Aldo and Angelo Biscarini and their brother-in-law Dante Menconi, who named the company Elettro-Meccanica Umbra. The founders had worked as radio-transmission engineers and brought that metal-working precision into furniture. They moved from school and office pieces into outdoor chairs once they discovered that powder-coated steel could endure the seasons, and they never left the original Marsciano site. Today the factory covers more than 50,000 square metres of covered space and ships to over 85 countries.
The catalogue is shaped by designers including Patricia Urquiola, Federica Biasi and Christophe Pillet. For US buyers, collections reach the market through Emu Americas and authorised dealers, with lead times that vary by line and finish.
A selection of lines.
Antigua
Federica Biasi's aluminium-and-rope lounge family, whose woven rope reveals glimpses of the metallic frame beneath.
The current collection.
Re-Trouvé
Steel outdoor collection designed by Patricia Urquiola, with chairs, armchairs, round tables and vases defined by a repeated diamond-pattern mesh.
Heaven
Steel outdoor seating line by Jean-Marie Massaud, including chairs, armchairs and lounge chairs, with matching tempered-glass topped tables (Heaven V) and vases.
Round
Steel outdoor collection by Christophe Pillet spanning chairs, armchairs, barstools, lounge chairs, a stackable sunbed and a wide range of square, round and extensible tables.
Nef
Outdoor armchair and low-back lounge chair in aluminum and woven synthetic rope, designed by Patrick Norguet.
Snooze
Steel and EMU-tex outdoor relaxation line by Chiaramonte Marin, comprising a deck chair, a director's armchair, a stackable sunbed and a footstool.
Terramare
Aluminum outdoor collection by Chiaramonte Marin with armchairs, lounge chairs, two- and three-seater sofas, a stackable sunbed and porcelain-stoneware top tables; some seats use eco-leather or EMU-tex.
Antigua
Aluminum outdoor collection by Federica Biasi, including a daybed, one-, two- and three-seater sofas, a pouffe and a coffee table; sofas are also offered with woven synthetic rope.
Arc en Ciel
Folding steel outdoor furniture, including folding chairs and folding round, square and rectangular tables.
Cabla
Steel outdoor seating system by Lucidi Pevere, including modular two- and three-seater sofas, a corner sofa, chaise longue elements, a double daybed, lounge chairs and coffee tables.
Café
Steel outdoor collection by Christophe Pillet, including chairs, armchairs, barstools, lounge chairs and a two-seater sofa.
Cannolè
Steel outdoor collection by Gargano & Cristell, including modular two- and three-seater sofas, a corner sofa, a double daybed, pouffes and low tables.
Carousel
Aluminum outdoor collection by Sebastian Herkner with woven synthetic rope, including armchairs, a lounge chair, a two-seater sofa, a pouffe and low tables.
Collier
Steel outdoor collection by LCM Marin Design Studio, with one-, two- and three-seater sofas, armchairs, chairs, lounge chairs and tables topped in ceramic or steel sheet.
Como
Steel outdoor collection by Angeletti Ruzza, including chairs, armchairs, tall-back armchairs, lounge chairs, a two-seater sofa, a round table and a coffee table.
Darwin
Steel outdoor collection by Lucidi Pevere offering chairs, armchairs, barstools, lounge chairs, a two-seater sofa and collapsible square and round tables.
Holly
Aluminum and EMU-tex outdoor relaxation line, including a reclining armchair, a lounge chair, a footstool, a coffee table and a stackable sunbed with hidden wheels.
Ivy
Steel outdoor collection by Paola Navone, including a lounge chair, a two-seater sofa and a coffee table.
Lyze
Outdoor collection by Florent Coirier in aluminum and stainless steel, including chairs, armchairs and lounge chairs.
Maggiore
Large aluminum outdoor parasol by Christophe Pillet, available in 5x5 m, 6x6 m and round 7 m sizes.
Mia
Steel and aluminum outdoor collection by Jean Nouvel, including chairs, armchairs and barstools.
Patchwall
Steel and aluminum outdoor flower boxes by Chiaramonte Marin, available in short, medium and tall sizes.
Reel
Steel outdoor rocking sofa by Pio & Tito Toso, complemented by a teak shelf and an eco-leather storage bag.
Rio R50
Steel outdoor collection by Gargano & Cristell, including chairs, armchairs, barstools, lounge chairs, a swing lounge chair and a coffee table.
Saint Martin
Steel outdoor collection by Marco Acerbis, with one-, two- and three-seater sofas, a daybed, a pouffe and a ceramic-top coffee table; also available in a woven version.
Segno
Steel outdoor seating by Aldo Ciabatti, including a bench / two-seater sofa, chairs, an armchair (also offered with a teak seat) and a barstool.
Shine
Aluminum and teak outdoor collection by Arik Levy spanning dining chairs, armchairs, barstools, lounge chairs, a two-seater sofa, daybeds, teak-top tables and stackable sunbeds.
Signoria
Beech-wood outdoor parasol, available in 3x3 m, 4x3 m and 4x4 m sizes.
Star
Steel and aluminum outdoor collection including chairs, armchairs, barstools, lounge chairs and two-seater sofas with matching square and rectangular tables.
Tami
Outdoor sofa system by Patrick Norguet in aluminum with WPC (or bamboo, Tami B), including two- and three-seater sofas, a lounge chair, an angular frame and coffee tables.
Terra
Foldable director's lounge chair and footstool in aluminum and eco-leather, designed by LCM Marin Design Studio.
Thor
Steel outdoor table line by Chiaramonte Marin, with round dining tables (some with a teak top), plus matching chairs, barstools and a dining stool.
Tiki
Aluminum and EMU-tex stackable sunbed by Lucidi Pevere, with optional roof, armrest and wheels.
Twins
Teak outdoor collection by Sebastian Herkner, offered in all-teak or aluminum-and-teak versions, with one-, two- and three-seater sofas, chairs, armchairs, lounge chairs and dining tables.
Urban
Aluminum outdoor collection by Samuel Wilkinson, including chairs, armchairs and stackable tables.
Yard
Aluminum outdoor collection by Stefan Diez with elastic-belt seats, including chairs, armchairs, barstools, lounge chairs, a two-seater sofa, a stackable sunbed and aluminum-top tables.
Antigua
Designed by Federica BiasiAntigua is Emu's lounge collection designed by Federica Biasi. An aluminium frame is wrapped in woven rope whose pattern reveals the metallic core rather than concealing it, creating a dialogue between the house's steel heritage and a softer woven surface. The silhouette is generous, with soft contours and deep proportions suited to terrace and poolside settings.
The collection spans a one-seater, two-seater and three-seater sofa, a daybed, pouffe and two coffee table formats. Nature-inspired colour tones balance understated hues with bolder accents, each suited to the 100% Made in Italy construction.
What the pieces are made of.
Across its outdoor work Emu centres on powder-coated steel, aluminium and steel wire mesh, techniques refined at Marsciano since 1951. Recent collections add woven rope over aluminium frames. All production remains at the Italian factory.
On every brand page these details stay factual and sourced. Collection names, designers and materials are checked against the maker before they go live.
Emu, answered.
Where is Emu made?
All Emu furniture is made in Italy at the company's own factory in Marsciano, Perugia, Umbria, where the brand has produced since 1951.
When was Emu founded?
In 1951, by brothers Aldo and Angelo Biscarini and their brother-in-law Dante Menconi, originally under the name Elettro-Meccanica Umbra.
What are Emu's signature collections?
Among the best known are Re-Trouvé by Patricia Urquiola, Antigua by Federica Biasi, Round by Christophe Pillet, and the classic Athena dining line developed in-house.
Who designs for Emu?
Designers include Patricia Urquiola, Federica Biasi and Christophe Pillet, alongside the Emu Design Studio for in-house lines.
What is the Re-Trouvé collection?
Re-Trouvé is Patricia Urquiola's powder-coated steel collection, with chairs and tables in a diamond-pattern wire mesh that reinterprets 1950s outdoor forms with a contemporary twist.
What is the Antigua collection?
Antigua is Federica Biasi's aluminium-and-rope lounge family. A woven rope wraps the aluminium frame, revealing glimpses of the metallic core. It spans sofas, a daybed, pouffe and coffee tables.
What materials does Emu use?
Powder-coated steel and aluminium are the core materials, with steel wire mesh on classic lines such as Re-Trouvé and Athena, and woven rope on newer collections such as Antigua.
Is Emu available in the US?
Yes. Collections reach the US through Emu Americas and authorised dealers, with lead times that vary by line and finish.
What is Emu's design heritage?
The company began as a metal-working manufacturer in 1951 and moved into outdoor furniture when it found that powder-coated steel could withstand outdoor use. The Rio chair, produced from the 1960s, became an international reference piece.
Does Emu supply contract and hospitality projects?
Yes. Alongside residential collections, Emu supplies contract and hospitality settings, and ships to over 85 countries from the Italian factory.
How should I care for Emu steel furniture?
Powder-coated steel is weather-resistant, but Emu recommends following the maker's collection-specific guidance. Chips or scratches in the coating should be touched up to prevent rust forming on the steel beneath.
Can I buy from this site?
No. Premium Furniture is an independent editorial directory. We document the house and point you to the maker.