MID-CENTURY MODERN
BACKGROUND
• Mid-century modern is an
architectural, interior, product and
graphic design that describes midcentury developments in modern
designs. It is roughly from 1933 to
1965.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE
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The primary charcteristic of Mid-Century modern design is its clean lines. The crisp lines and
geometric shapes are part of almost every piece.
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Before this era of design furniture was more elaborate and had complicted lines and adornments.
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Most of the time the designers chose colors that were meant to reflect hope and piece in the
world.
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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 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.
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 highend market.
GRAND PRIX
•
The grand prix also by Arne Jacobson is
another well known piece from the
mid-century modern collection.
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This piece is a stackable plywood chair
that was designed in 1957.
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Originally this chair had all wooden legs
but later it was replaced with a metal
undercarriage.
DIAMOND CHAIR
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The Diamond Chair is a piece created by
Harry Bertoia.
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It was created in 1952.
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Usually cushions are secured to a chair with
lock-snaps
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
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.