Skip to content
sports — Color — Living room — Lifestyle — Art — Home-and-garden — Cars — Fashion-and-beauty — Food-and-drink — Scandinavian

10 Essential Furniture Icons from Design History: Recognizable Furniture Masterpieces That Every Design Enthusiast Should Identify

Timeless masterpieces of furniture design, these iconic pieces showcase skilled craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and a dedication to forward-thinking innovation.

,   and  Administrator
4 min read
Timeless artifacts of their era, these emblematic furniture designs recount tales of skilled...
Timeless artifacts of their era, these emblematic furniture designs recount tales of skilled workmanship, diligence, and a steadfast dedication to progress.

10 Essential Furniture Icons from Design History: Recognizable Furniture Masterpieces That Every Design Enthusiast Should Identify

Diving into the realm of iconic furnishings is a brilliant investment for your home, according to Anthony Barzilay Freund, the editorial director at 1stDibs. Here's a finely curated list of furniture pieces that are timeless and can elevate your living space.

1. Eileen Gray's Adjustable Table E 1027

An Irish pioneer in the world of design, Eileen Gray, created her Adjustable Table E 1027 with love and innovation. It's a functional piece that didn't shy away from embracing style. This table, designed for her sister, boasts a sleek tubular steel frame and an adjustable glass top. Eileen Gray was repeatedly linked to Le Corbusier and Jean Badovici, but her distinct, trailblazing vision set her apart.

Fun fact: Le Corbusier was so enamored with her modernist villa, E-1027, that he controversially painted murals inside without her permission.

2. Eero Saarinen's Pedestal Dining Table

Famous for swapping traditional four legs with a single, sculpted support, Eero Saarinen's Pedestal Dining Table is a testament to sleek design. Inspired by the shape of a drop of high-viscosity liquid, the table remains a focal point in any dining space. Born to an architect and a textile artist and sculptor, Eero Saarinen's creative legacy spans landmarks across the world.

3. Bruno Rey's Rey Chair

Simple and versatile, the Rey Chair by Swiss designer Bruno Rey has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Its curved lines and signature screw-less construction make it stand out. Re-released by HAY in 2022, the chair now comes in a plethora of colors, including Slate Blue and Grape Red.

4. Eames' Soft Pad Management Chair

Known for both comfort and ingenuity, the Eames' Soft Pad Management Chair is a work of genius by Charles and Ray Eames. Its upholstered cushions create a cozy 'sitting pocket' tailored to the user's body shape. With numerous replicas on the market, it's wise to do thorough research when investing in a genuine Eames piece.

5. Gaetano Pesce's Up5_6 Chair

Gaetano Pesce's Up5_6 Chair is a bold, statement piece inspired by feminine curves. Nicknamed "Big Mama," this Italian architect's chair has become an icon known for its striking design. Pesce, a design visionary, passed away in 2024, leaving behind an indelible mark on the industry.

6. De Sede's DS-600 Snake

Adaptable and versatile, the DS-600 Snake sectional was designed by Ueli Berger, Eleonora Peduzzi Riva, Hans Ulrich, and Klaus Vogt for Swiss brand De Sede in 1972. With its flexible and sinuous shape, the DS-600 can twist and adapt to any space. A favorite among collectors, this piece is a staple in celebrity homes, interiors, and films.

7. Finn Juhl's Model 45

Finn Juhl's Model 45 chair, designed over 80 years ago, remains a prime example of Danish craftsmanship. With its sleek, refined design, this piece is an enduring testament to the beauty of minimalism. Juhl, a trained architect with a passion for modern art, was a pioneer of Danish modernism and gained popularity in America following Edgar Kaufmann Jr.'s championing of his work.

8. Isamu Noguchi's Noguchi Table

Yannis Noé Diril believes the Noguchi Table is one of the smartest investments you can make in timeless furniture. The table, designed by Isamu Noguchi, reflects the designer's unique East-meets-West design philosophy, effortlessly fitting with various interiors. A new Noguchi Table retails for just over $2,000 from the Noguchi store.

9. Fritz Haller's USM Haller Modular System

Revolutionizing the way people think about functional, adaptable furniture, Swiss architect Fritz Haller created the USM Haller modular storage system in 1963. With its tubular steel frame, ball joints, and colorful panels, this clever system allows for endless configurations.

10. Alvar Aalto's Stool 60

Alvar Aalto's Stool 60 is a versatile piece that serves as a seat, table, or plant stand, making it a smart investment for small spaces. Known for its organic "L leg" design, the stool is a cornerstone of Scandinavian modernism due to its emphasis on functionality and aesthetics. Aalto's contributions also include furniture, glassware, and lighting designs.

These pieces, reaching iconic status through their groundbreaking designs and enduring appeal, demonstrate the very pinnacle of style, form, and innovation in furniture design. Investing in furniture with long-lasting value can bring a touch of timeless elegance to your living space.

  1. The Adjustable Table E 1027, designed by Eileen Gray, is a functional and stylish piece that showcases the Scandinavian trend of innovation in furniture.
  2. Eero Saarinen's Pedestal Dining Table, with its sleek design and modern aesthetic, is a focal point that adds a touch of fashion-and-beauty to any dining space.
  3. The Rey Chair by Bruno Rey, known for its versatility and sleek design, has seen a recent surge in popularity, making it a great addition to various lifestyles.
  4. The Eames' Soft Pad Management Chair, offering comfort and ingenuity, is a work of art that seamlessly blends into home-and-garden settings.
  5. Gaetano Pesce's Up5_6 Chair, renowned for its bold design inspired by feminine curves, is a statement piece that adds an edge to travel-inspired interiors.
  6. De Sede's DS-600 Snake, with its flexibility and sinuous shape, is a versatile piece that can be found in food-and-drink establishments, celebrity homes, and on film sets.
  7. Finn Juhl's Model 45 chair, a prime example of Danish craftsmanship, adds a touch of timeless elegance to living rooms and embodies the fashion-and-beauty of minimalist design.
  8. Isamu Noguchi's Noguchi Table, with its East-meets-West design philosophy, is a smart investment in trendy furniture that can be found in contemporary home-and-garden settings.
  9. Fritz Haller's USM Haller Modular System offers adaptable and functional storage solutions, making it a great addition to traveling lifestyles and homes.
  10. Alvar Aalto's Stool 60 is a versatile piece that serves various purposes and is a staple in travel-inspired living spaces, reflecting the Scandinavian trend of seamlessly blending functionality and aesthetics.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest