With roots in 19th-century Venice, Lago creates sleek and functional pieces to complement a contemporary home. A low-impact, sustainable and ethical ethos means it considers the environmental impact of every step of the design process, from materials and manufacture to how the pieces are distributed. Its neutral-hued, minimalist Rome showroom is just north of Villa Doria Pamphili.

Via Gregorio VII 264, 00165 Rome

A short stroll from the Basilica of St Augustine, Arcon brings together fine furniture from Italian and international design houses such as Artemide, Zanotta and Formosa, with a focus on simple, practical elegance. Highlights include lamps made from oversized bulbs, mirrors superimposed with geometric designs and Fornasetti plates depicting  ‘the most beautiful woman in the world’ – soprano and actress Lina Cavalieri.

Via della Scrofa 104, 00186 Rome

Set within a 16th-century building near the Pantheon, Baxter’s showroom is a fusion of modern design and classic touches. Its exposed pipes and neon lights are complemented by arched accents on the walls and wooden bookshelves. The clean-cut ‘Stone’ bed – 2021 winner of the Best Bedding category at the Elle Decoration International Design Awards – and the ‘Altea’, an asymmetrical, suspended cabinet which was awarded the 2022 Wallpaper Design Award in the Best Flashback category, both feature in its collection.

Via Monterone 2a, 00186 Rome

An entrance framed with fairy lights trailing from potted plants hints at what you can expect from this interior design studio. Sfera Otto is all about creating warm and inviting homes with furniture designed for luxuriating in comfort. The concept of minimalism hasn’t taken root here; instead, visitors are encouraged to make bold statements with items like midnight blue lampshades, peacock-green vases, zigzag-patterned rugs and golden candleholders.

Via delle Carceri 6, 00186 Rome

Golden sunshine, spectacular hillside landscapes, unique traditions and the architectural history of the Mediterranean ebb through the designs of Ethimo and its collections, which exhibit a respect for the environment with natural materials and careful craftsmanship. Its home near MAXXI is flooded with natural light, which falls onto a forest of plants and the repurposed wood and wicker furniture that spills out onto its outdoor patio.

Piazza Apollodoro 27, 00196 Rome