Purchasing a home is an exciting milestone that will prompt you to think about furnishing your new space. This endeavour can feel daunting if you’re starting from scratch, so it’s natural to consider hiring an interior designer to help you turn your Pinterest board into a reality. But if you’re simply looking to add a few key pieces to your existing space, there are plenty of options available. Much of the furniture in popular stores today is inspired by classic mid-century designs. Understanding their history can help to infuse your living space with timeless style, no matter where you shop.
Here are four timeless chairs to consider for your home:
1. The Model B3 Chair by Marcel Breuer
Year: 1925
Also known as the Wassily Chair, this modern piece of furniture was created by Hungarian-born architect and designer Marcel Breuer while working at the Bauhaus. This revolutionary German art school had an enormous influence on modernist design. Inspired by a bicycle frame, the Wassily Chair was one of the first furniture pieces to use tubular steel in its construction, bending seamless, polished steel tubes into a cantilevered structure that supports the seat and backrest.
Its sleek appearance, combined with industrial materials, made this chair an emblem of the Bauhaus movement and a pioneering example of modern furniture design. The Wassily Chair’s clean, minimalist aesthetic is a beautiful addition to any seating area where you like to entertain— it might not be your first pick for movie night, but it’s perfectly suited for when you host friends at cocktail hour.
2. The Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe
Year: 1929
This celebrated piece of modern furniture comes with a unique history. Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and his partner, Lilly Reich, this chair debuted at the International Exposition of 1929 in Barcelona, Spain. It was created to sit in the Exposition’s German Pavillion, showcasing van der Rohe’s signature minimalist aesthetic and avant-garde design.
The chair features a steel chrome frame with leather cushions. Its highly functional, simplistic design embodies the “form follows function” philosophy that helped define the modernist movement of the early twentieth century. The Barcelona Chair looks perfectly at home anywhere from an office to a cozy living room.
3. The Eames Lounge Chair by Charles and Ray Eames
Year: 1956
While the Eames Lounge Chair might conjure images of Mad Men for some, this classic 1950s furniture piece is famous for its visionary use of moulded plywood, creating an ergonomic chair that is as beautiful as it is comfortable.
This lounger showcases the Eames' mastery of form and function, comprising a sleek metal base with plywood shells and buttery leather upholstery. It has since become a timeless symbol of the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, with enduring appeal for classic design lovers worldwide. Its comfortable, reclined position makes a great choice for reading or doing the Sunday Crossword.
4. The Togo Sofa by Michel Ducaroy
Year: 1973
The Togo Sofa was designed by Michel Ducaroy for the renowned French furniture company Ligne Roset and was introduced to the public in 1973. While still minimalist in its design, the Togo sofa was a massive departure from the famous modernist furniture of the Mid-Century. Its unconventional shape features multiple padded cushions and no formal back or armrests, making it a relaxed alternative to a rigid sofa or armchair.
As one of the first modular furniture pieces to come to market, the Togo is purchased in individual pieces and arranged together various ways dependent on the scale of the room. Those living in smaller spaces can opt for a singular chair, while others who have more room to play with might choose to invest in an entire sectional sofa. Its distinctive, low-slung silhouette is beloved by designers, though everyone is sure to appreciate the Togo’s comfort.
While one of these timeless chairs can certainly serve as a stylish focal point for spaces big or small, they’re also used as inspiration for countless current designs found at popular stores around Canada. Timeless furniture can add a richness to your home that complements design tastes of all kinds.
If thinking about adding new furniture to your space is inspiring a much bigger change in your life, contact a rennie advisor to begin your home search.
