Whether you’re decorating a home, office, or commercial building, there are certain iconic pieces of furniture that you can’t go wrong with. These pieces aren’t only classics, but they’re also comfortable to sit on and easy on the eyes.
Soriana chair
Designed by Italian designers Afra and Tobia Scarpa in 1969, Soriana is an award-winning chair. It is a staple in Italian design and Mid-Century Modern furniture.
Soriana’s distinctive design features a large metal brace and a chromed steel clamp. This combination provides a quilted effect, while also giving the piece the appearance of being low to the ground.
The chair and ottoman are made of black lacquered beech, which is backed by four spheric wheels. It is upholstered with Italian cotton velvet in a rust-colored hue.
The Soriana lounge chair and ottoman are a unique Tobia Scarpa design. The chair has an external chromed steel cage which gives the design its shape. The cushion is padded with polyurethane foam, which was a new material at the time.
Arne Jacobson’s chair
Architect Arne Jacobson’s chair is one of the most iconic mid-century designs. The chair is a modern take on an old-fashioned wingback chair, which features soft organic curves and a star-shaped aluminum base. It is also padded with cold foam, making it a great choice for a lounge area.
In his heyday, Arne Jacobson’s chair was a defining piece of mid-century design, and he’s still making them today. In addition to the chair, Arne Jacobson designed the Swan sofa, the AEgget, the Dot Stool, and the Swan Chair.
The Swan chair was the first to use a foam inner shell, which was upholstered in a specially sourced wool blend from The Netherlands. It is also available in a velvet finish.
Charles and Ray Eames
Known for their innovative designs, Charles and Ray Eames defined a new style of furniture during the mid-20th century. Their contributions were extensive and varied, and they extended their influence into architecture, filmmaking, exhibition design, and even toys. Their designs have been influential for many decades, and their legacy lives on today.
The Eames Office was the design studio of Charles and Ray Eames, which functioned for more than 40 years in Venice, California. The Eames Office has made a significant contribution to the design world, and the Eames Office continues to work to preserve and communicate the Eames legacy.
Oscar Niemeyer
Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, these iconic chairs and sofas are made with time-honored fabrics and leather and are a tribute to the great architect’s legacy. They are the perfect complement to the slender and sculptural forms of his buildings.
Oscar Niemeyer was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1907. After he graduated from the Escola Nacional de Belas Artes in 1934, he began working for Lucio Costa, a leading architect of the day. He later joined the team of Brazilian architects that Le Corbusier had assembled to design the Brazilian Pavilion at the New York World’s Fair.
Florence Knoll
Architect, designer, and company founder, Florence Knoll revolutionized the way we look at interior design and living. Her contributions are immeasurable. She was the first woman to receive a Gold Medal for Industrial Design from the American Institute of Architects in 1961. She has been named a National Medal of Arts recipient and has received the Red Dot Design Award.
As the architect and designer of Knoll, Florence Knoll was responsible for designing many iconic furniture pieces. The Knoll Sofa, designed in 1954, is a prime example. It combines comfort, style, and usability. The solid wood construction is complemented by linear tufting and an exposed metal frame. It is available in many different colors.
Vico Magistretti
During the second half of the 20th century, Italian architect and designer Vico Magistretti became famous for his iconic furniture designs. His work features permanent museum collections around the world.
He began his career in 1945 with his father’s architecture practice. He also studied architecture at the Politecnico in Milan. In the early 1950s, he moved into the furniture industry. He worked for the Cassina company, Knoll International and Artemide. He was awarded several international awards for his designs.
In the early 1960s, he designed a number of projects for private homes. He also worked on several reconstruction projects. He developed an architectural style that combined form with function. His designs are still widely admired today.
George Nakashima
During the twentieth century, George Nakashima made furniture that influenced many generations. His work combines elements of modernism and traditional Japanese joinery. His signature style was the butterfly joint. He used the natural edge of the wood to create seating pieces and other furniture that was elegant and simple.
Nakashima’s work is in the permanent collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in London, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and many more. His work has also been collected by such notable figures as Brad Pitt, Steven Spielberg, Julianne Moore, and Diane von Furstenberg.
