Space Age Floor Ashtray Orange Metal Italy 1970s

• item. floor ashtray
• designer. patented industrial design
• manufacturer. not attributed
• period. 1970s
• country. italy
• style. space age
• materials. painted metal, chromed metal
• color. orange, chrome
• dimensions. h 60 cm × base diameter 19 cm
• condition. good vintage condition. scattered paint losses and signs of age on the surface.
• notes. original sticker “prodotto di qualità – brevettato”. fully functional opening mechanism.
• reference. 1950

DESIGN CONTEXT

This space age floor ashtray made in Italy during the 1970s is a striking example of functional design interpreted through the sculptural language of the Space Age era. Defined by its tall vertical profile, flared circular base and bright orange painted metal body, the object combines everyday practicality with a strong graphic presence.

The chromed metal ashtray element sits at the top of the slender column and integrates a patented opening mechanism that allows the compartment to open and close smoothly, concealing the ashtray when not in use. The original sticker reading “prodotto di qualità – brevettato” confirms its Italian manufacture and reflects the industrial design culture that characterized many domestic accessories of the period.

While originally designed as a practical smoking accessory, this space age floor ashtray today reads as a sculptural object typical of 1970s interiors. Its proportions make it ideal beside a lounge chair, sofa or reading corner, where it becomes part of the visual composition of the room.

This object belongs to the Space Age aesthetic that defines some of our most iconic research — explore the dedicated Space Age Icons collection here:
https://natavintage.com/product-category/space-age-icons/