Throughout its four seasons, “Lol – Chi ride è fuori” hasn’t just won over audiences with its hilarious contestants. The set design itself has become a topic of discussion, turning into a true showcase of contemporary design. The space is filled with iconic pieces that have shaped design history, crafted by master designers and produced by some of the most renowned Made in Italy brands.
The Design Pieces Featured in the Lol Set
The set of “Lol – Chi ride è fuori,” the Amazon Prime show where comedians are locked in a studio and try to eliminate each other with laughter, is a seamless blend of vintage and contemporary furniture. Design icons from the past mix with modern lines, creating a space that perfectly mirrors the show’s spirit—full of energy, a bit of irony, and a bold aesthetic.
The color palette plays a key role in bridging retro and futuristic elements, featuring warm classic tones alongside vibrant hues that highlight details and draw the viewer’s attention. The materials—ranging from wood to metal—interact beautifully with the cameras, creating a visually dynamic setting that never feels overwhelming.
The Bold Influence of Memphis
The Lol set takes inspiration from the vibrant, playful world of the Memphis movement. Francesco Mari, the set designer responsible for the show’s look since season one, is a devoted fan of this aesthetic, which he believes is perfect for television. In Lol, he creatively reinterprets the style, steering clear of the risk of making it look overly childlike.
Thanks to the show’s lighthearted and comedic nature, Mari pushed boundaries, envisioning the set as a giant dollhouse—completely gender-neutral—where anything goes. Memphis design’s signature elements are exaggerated and blended to create a lively, colorful stage that feels almost alive. The architecture itself becomes an active part of the scenes, encouraging dynamic interactions among the contestants and directing key moments towards the best camera angles.
As a result, the comedians interact with plants and furniture, move chairs around, and incorporate them into their sketches. In one past season, for instance, Corrado Guzzanti used the Bomb armchair by Adrenalina as a prop for one of his legendary parody infomercials.
The Most Important Design Pieces in Lol
Egg Chair, Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen (1958)
Originally designed for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, the Egg Chair is a masterpiece of ergonomic and sculptural design. Its enveloping form, inspired by an eggshell, ensures both comfort and privacy, making it a must-have for design lovers. With a fiberglass core and fabric or leather upholstery, this swivel chair remains an enduring icon of Scandinavian genius.
Bocca, Gufram (1970)
Designed by Studio 65 in 1970, Gufram’s Bocca sofa is more than just furniture—it’s a pop icon. Inspired by Salvador Dalí’s painting of Mae West’s lips, Bocca embodies the bold spirit of Italian Radical Design. Made of polyurethane foam with an elastic fabric cover, it comes in multiple versions, but the classic red remains the most recognizable, a true statement piece that bridges art and design.
Cactus, Gufram (1972)
Created by Guido Drocco and Franco Mello, the Gufram Cactus is one of the most iconic pieces of Italian Radical Design. This sculptural coat rack challenges traditional notions of functionality, transforming an everyday object into a surreal, oversized vision. Hand-finished with Guflac paint, its stylized spines make it an eye-catching statement, available in multiple colors, though the classic green remains the most iconic.
Rabbit, Qeeboo (2016)
Designed by Stefano Giovannoni, the Rabbit is a whimsical yet functional design object. A symbol of luck, this playful piece serves as both a stool and a lamp, making it an instant favorite in contemporary design. Made of polyethylene, it’s available in various hues, perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Shadowy, Moroso (2009)
Tord Boontje’s Shadowy chair blurs the line between furniture and art, showcasing the power of artisanal craftsmanship. Made from woven plastic threads, its curvy silhouette evokes tropical vibes. Each piece is uniquely handwoven, bringing vibrant color and character to both indoor and outdoor settings.
Roly Poly, Driade (2014)
Designed by Faye Toogood, the Roly Poly armchair breaks away from conventional aesthetics with its bold, rounded silhouette. Made of rotomolded polyethylene, it offers a deep, inviting seat contrasted by sturdy, block-like legs. Available in soft pastels and earthy tones, it’s a statement piece that blends effortlessly into various interiors.
Lombrico, C&B (1967)
Marco Zanuso’s Lombrico sofa reimagines modular seating with its continuous, fluid form inspired by nature. Its flexible structure allows for versatile configurations, adapting to different spaces, while its vibrant upholstery makes it a standout element in any setting. Nearly 70 years later, it remains a testament to Italian design innovation.
Batterio, Abet Laminati (1978)
Designed by Ettore Sottsass, the Batterio laminate for Abet Laminati embodies the Radical Design movement’s break from industrial norms. Its organic pattern, inspired by microscopic bacteria, highlights Sottsass’s fascination with the intersection of nature and artificiality, making it a bold choice for furniture and wall coverings alike.
Pilastro, Kartell (2004)
Another Sottsass creation, Pilastro defies traditional design with its sculptural cylindrical shape. Crafted from technopolymer, it exemplifies the material experimentation that defined Sottsass’s work with Kartell. With balanced proportions and a monochrome palette, Pilastro seamlessly fits into any space while maintaining a striking visual presence.
Yomi Eko, Mojow (2009)
Merging aesthetics with sustainability, Yomi Eko is an inflatable sofa with an FSC-certified wooden frame. The transparent TPU cushions offer durability and an eco-conscious design, making it a flexible option for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Bomb, Adrenalina (2006)
Designed by Simone Micheli, the Bomb armchair is a sculptural, playful piece with bold curves and oversized proportions. It creates an immediate visual impact, standing out with its vibrant colors and unconventional silhouette.
A set design that inspires and entertains
The Lol set design isn’t just a backdrop—it plays an active role in shaping the show’s atmosphere. By mixing timeless classics with contemporary icons, the set demonstrates how different eras and styles can come together to create a highly creative and engaging environment. For design lovers, Lol offers plenty of inspiration—and for once, they’re definitely “staying in.”