Every design devotee has a favorite piece of iconic midcentury furniture, loved for its luscious silhouette, expectation-shattering use of materials or formative role in history. Here, a few inspired folks share their faves:
Clockwise from top left:
Elizabeth Tullis, owner, The Modern Hotel, Boise, ID: “My favorite midcentury piece has to be the Noguchi table [1948] by sculptor Isamu Noguchi. It has such a simple form that’s organic but incredibly sophisticated.”
Michael and Katherine McCoy, designers, Michael McCoy Design, Colorado: “Florence Knoll asked her friend Eero Saarinen to design a chair ‘that she could curl up in.’ The organically shaped Womb Chair [1948] uses the advanced (for the time) technology of molded fiberglass for the generous and curvaceous shell that floats on slim steel supports.”
Dorian Ferlauto, sales representative, Mod Livin’, Denver, CO: “My vintage arc lamp [1962] is the most-talked-about piece in my house. Not only is it unique and gorgeous, but it has a vintage room key hidden within the travertine base. I can only guess why the key needed to be tucked away.” (Arco by Achille Castiglioni pictured.)
Hugh Grant, director, Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art, Denver, CO: “This console table [1941] designed by Gio Ponti, with rare colored tiles (also Ponti’s design) fabricated by the enamel master Paolo de Poli, is one of my favorite works. Its streamlined design with pointy legs—so typical of Ponti—is particularly wonderful.”
Jennifer Brash, owner, Fullhouse Modern, Vancouver, B.C.: “I love the Chieftain Chair [1949] by Finn Juhl. This timeless and rare piece showcases true Danish craftsmanship with its elegant, sculptural arms, and Juhl’s use of organic shapes and an innovative floating back and seat conveys movement.”
Click here to uncover more midcentury favorites.
