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.
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.