WE ARE BACK with our Design History series, and this week, we’re taking a closer look at an essential material in modern manufacturing and construction: stainless steel. This versatile metal’s beginnings were set in motion by James Stoddart and Michael Faraday in England in 1820, and Pierre Berthier in France in 1821. These scientists, among others, discovered that iron-chromium alloys were more resistant to attack by certain acids when carrying out tests on low chromium content alloys. Attempts to produce higher chromium alloys failed, mostly because of the lack of understanding of the importance of low carbon content. In England in 1872, J.E.T. Woods and J. Clark filed for patent of an acid and weather resistant iron alloy containing 30-35% chromium and 2% tungsten, effectively the first ever patent on what would now be considered a stainless steel. Scientists experimented with different alloys, mainly using the elements of chromium, carbon, and tungsten. Finally, in 1875, another French scientist by the name of Brustlein discovered that, in order to create an alloy with a high percentage of chromium, the carbon content must remain below around 0.15%. While scientists worked to reduce the level of carbon in different alloys, they wouldn’t be successful until the 20th century.
The real development of stainless steel alloys unfolded in the early 20th century through the collaborative work of metallurgists worldwide. In 1904, French engineer Leon Guillet published research revealing the chemical compositions of many 400-series stainless steels. Just two years later, he shared the compositions of 300-series alloys as well. With this knowledge, scientists began fine-tuning the percentages of elements like chromium, carbon, and molybdenum to optimise corrosion resistance. They discovered that small amounts of chromium dramatically increased resistance to oxygen-related corrosion. Similarly, minimising the presence of carbon and molybdenum improved resistance to chloride-based corrosion. Guillet’s foundational publications ignited a period of rapid alloy development through international cooperation among materials scientists.
English metallurgist Harry Brearly is often credited with inventing the first stainless steel alloy in 1913. His breakthrough blend contained 12.8% chromium combined with iron. Brearly’s creation fostered a wave of innovation as scientists worldwide experimented with stainless steel alloys for various applications. These corrosion-resistant metals quickly revolutionised manufacturing across industries, and within years, stainless steel scalpels, cutlery, aircraft, automobiles, armaments, and countless other goods entered production. As the 20th century unfolded, this versatile material found uses in increasingly diverse products and processes. Brearly’s ingenious chromium-iron alloy ushered in an era of rapid stainless steel development that continues today.
Advancements in stainless steel production accelerated in the 1930s and 1940s. The material’s strength and corrosion resistance proved invaluable during World War II, facilitating the manufacture of aircraft, tanks, weapons, and other military applications. After the war, demand for stainless steel surged across industries. Its aesthetic appeal and durability made it a popular choice for construction, aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods. From the 1970s onward, metallurgists tailored stainless steel alloys to meet specialised needs. New grades offered heightened resistance to extreme temperatures, chemicals, wear, and other conditions. This diversification enabled stainless steel to expand into innovative new uses. Today, its unique combination of strength, longevity, and versatility form the foundation of applications in architecture, kitchenware, medical devices, transportation, and more, making stainless steel an essential modern material.
In recent years, sustainable manufacturing and environmental impact have become priorities for materials science. Stainless steel, long valued for its recyclability and durability, aligns well with these goals. The material can be recycled infinitely without compromising its corrosion resistance, strength, or aesthetic appeal. Ongoing metallurgy research continues to produce new stainless steel alloys with optimised properties. Emerging technologies like 3D printing and nano-engineering enable novel stainless steel applications not previously possible. As we progress through the 21st century, stainless steel remains at the forefront of environmentally responsible, cutting-edge materials engineering. With its combination of sustainability, performance, and potential for innovation, stainless steel is poised to maintain a vital role across industries for decades to come.
Stainless Steel in Interior Design
Stainless steel plays a significant role in modern interior design, its practicality and versatility making it a perfect choice for designers to use in a wide range of applications in residential, commercial, and public spaces. The material is a fixture of contemporary kitchen design, used in refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, and other appliances that benefit from its sleek shine and resistance to corrosion. Countertops and backsplashes also use stainless steel for its smooth, polished look. Throughout kitchens and bathrooms, stainless steel cabinet handles, knobs, and pulls provide a contemporary touchpoint while withstanding constant use. Stainless steel sinks are commonly used in both residential and commercial kitchens, favoured for their resistance to corrosion, heat, and stains. To complement sinks, stainless steel faucets complete the contemporary look with their matching polished style.
Stainless steel brings its signature sleek, hard-wearing aesthetic to many architectural and interior applications. Railings and balustrades crafted from the material offer minimalist elegance while providing structural integrity to staircases, balconies, and other elevated spaces. Stainless steel furniture such as tables, chairs, and shelving adds polished, contemporary style to any room. The material’s smooth, neutral appearance complements both modern and industrial designs. Stainless steel is often used in the construction of light fixtures, such as lamps, pendant lights, and chandeliers, injecting modern sophistication to interior spaces. Stainless steel wall panels and cladding create dramatic accents that are as durable and easy to maintain, as they are visually striking.
Stainless steel is sometimes incorporated into fireplace designs, providing a contemporary and sleek alternative to traditional materials. Artists and designers often use it in sculptures and art installations due to its malleability, corrosion resistance, and ability to hold intricate shapes. The applications of stainless steel also extend beyond indoor spaces, due to its resistance to weathering and corrosion. Outdoor furniture, railings, and architectural elements such as handrails, door frames, and decorative features, can all be created with the material, its clean lines and polished finish adding elegance to any space. Stainless steel seamlessly integrates with various design styles, from minimalist and industrial to contemporary and even classic, making it a timeless choice in interior design and many other fields. With its combination of refined style, strength, and ease of maintenance, stainless steel elevates both structural and decorative elements wherever it is used.
DMC Delorean by Giorgetto Giugiaro for DeLorean Motor Company (DMC), 1981. Grade 316 Brushed stainless steel. One of the few stainless steel cars to ever hit the market, and the company went bankrupt shortly after in 1982. There are a number of theories of why stainless steel is such a rarity in cars and some claim that it’s due to planned obsolescence. Basically the fact that it doesn’t rust or decay ruins the whole business model of car manufacturers who will want to sell you a new car every five years or so. (via @inox_4_ever)
Roger Tallon, circa 1968
Module 400 series Philippe Starck, 1979
Stainless steel sculpture by Ewerdt Hilgemann featured in the Los Angeles home of @richardshapirostudiolo
