The term modern furniture refers to furniture produced from the late 19th century through today. Modern furniture offers a completely different look than the traditional pieces that preceded it, as dark wood and patterned fabrics gave way to simple forms and polished metals. This shift in look was due partly to a shift in function, as people stopped viewing furniture as primarily ornamental and began to focus on its function and accessibility. In this article, you will read about some of the people who most influenced modern design and their legendary works that have demonstrated true staying power.
Eero Aarnio
Eero Aarnio is a world renowned Finnish interior designer, who is best known for his innovative furniture designs of the 1960s. Aarnio’s designs were futuristic for the time in which they were created, and came to be important aspects of 1960s pop culture. His work is known for the use of simple geometric forms and vivid colors, breaking away from traditional design conventions. Aarnio continues to create new works today. His Ball Chair created in 1963 and Bubble Chair created in 1968 continue to be two of his most well-known pieces.
Charles and Ray Eames
Charles and Ray Eames are arguably two of the most influential designers of the 21st century. The Eamses embraced the era’s visionary concept of modern design as an agent of social change, and even partnered with the government to help lead the charge to modernize postwar America. Charles and Ray Eames also pioneered innovative technologies in creating their fiberglass, plastic resin, and wire mesh chairs.
They are credited with created such mainstays of design as the Eames Aluminum Group, Eames Lounge and Ottoman, and the Eames Molded Fiberglass Shell Chairs.
Eileen Gray
Eileen Gray’s innovative Bibendum Chair was one of the 20th century’s most recognizable furniture designs. While best known for this design, Gray is now regarded as one of the most important designers of the early 20th century. Gray is credited with helping to inspire both modernism and Art Deco, with a design style that created luxurious and opulent pieces from simple, geometric forms.
Arne Jacobsen
Arne Jacobsen was both an architect and a creator of innovative furniture, whose work exemplified Danish Modern style. Perhaps best known for the Egg Chair and Swan Chair, these designs remain popular today. Both were first introduced during his work on the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen completed in 1960. Their full, sculptural shapes offered an exciting contrast to the angular building.
George Nelson
George Nelson was one of the pioneers of modernism, creating a range of products that offered the perfect blend of form and function. During the 1930s and 1940s, Nelson worked at various design-related publications. In 1945, he became head designer for Herman Miller, during which time he created such mainstays of design as the Nelson Bench and Marshmallow Sofa.
Nelson is also known for his unique collection of clocks that illustrated his idea the everyday objects didn’t need to be ordinary.