Mid-century modern

Background Mid-century modern is an architectural, interior, product and graphic design that describes mid- century developments in modern designs. It is roughly from 1933 to 1965.

Characteristics of mid-century modern furniture The primary charcteristic of Mid-Century modern design is its clean lines. The crisp lines and geometric shapes are part of almost every piece. Before this era of design furniture was more elaborate and had complicted lines and adornments. The colors also play a big role in Mid-Century design. Many vivid colors such as red, yellow, blue and green are often combined with white or black in the furniture. Most of the time the designers chose colors that were meant to reflect hope and piece in the world. Mid-Century modern does not usually use wood as most traditional pieces use. Instead many Mid-Century modern designs use man-made materials such as fiberglass and plastic.

The egg chair The egg chair designed by Arne Jacobsen is a prime example of mid-century modern. The chair was first designed in 1958 at hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark. This piece clearly reflects Jacobsen’s style as a designer. The Egg was also designed into a couch as well as a chair. However only a handful of egg couched have ever been made.

Eames lounge chair The Eames chair was invented by Charles and Ray Eames hence the name “ Eames Lounge chair.” The ottoman and chair are usually made of molded plywood and leather. The chair was first released in 1956 after years of development by the designer. There first chair was designed for a high- end market.

Grand prix The grand prix also by Arne Jacobson is another well known piece from the mid-century modern collection. This piece is a stackable plywood chair that was designed in 1957. Originally this chair had all wooden legs but later it was replaced with a metal undercarriage.

Diamond chair The Diamond Chair is a piece created by Harry Bertoia. It was created in 1952. It is made with welded steel rods in polished or satin chrome, or bonded rilsan which is a very durable adhesive-fused nylon-dipped finish. It is scratch, chip and chemical resistant Usually cushions are secured to a chair with lock-snaps

Tulip chair The Tulip chair was designed by Eero Saarinen in 1955 and 1956 It was designed primarily as a chair to match a complementary dining table. The chair has smooth lines and was experimental for its time since it used an aluminum base and a fiberglass frame. The chair is often considered “Space Age” for its futuristic use of curves and artificial materials.