INTERIORS

Icons of Mid-Century Modern Design

Special feature by XTRA
21 Sep 2022

While mid-century modern design has its origins from the middle of the 20th century, it has transcended style and fits perfectly in any 21st century home.

The cyclical nature of trends can easily be seen in creative expressions like fashion, design, and art; where the idea of “what’s old is new again” is something that’s commonly seen every few years.

But in the case of mid-century modern design, which has its roots in the 1940's and 1950's, the style never really left thanks to the design geniuses that infused the pieces commonly associated with the movement with functionality, clean lines, and elegant forms. The result? The ability to transcend trends and withstand the test of time.

Flip through magazines, architecture books, and interior design tomes and you’re bound to spot a mid-century modern icon – whether it’s a chair, a coffee table, lamp, or a statement lounger. Today, however, these iconic pieces have moved beyond high-end interior design projects and luxury properties. They have successfully made their way into 21st century homes, where homeowners have an appreciation for these collectible design classics.

More than just furniture, mid-century modern pieces in the home also reflect discerning taste and appreciation for craftsmanship. For starters, we shine the spotlight on some of the most recognizable mid-century modern pieces that have grown in desirability over the years.  

  • EAMES LOUNGE CHAIR AND OTTOMAN BY CHARLES AND RAY EAMES
  • PH COLLECTION BY VERNER PANTON
  • TULIP MIDI CHAIR BY PIERRE PAULIN
  • CH24 WISHBONE CHAIR BY HANS J. WEGNER

EAMES LOUNGE CHAIR AND OTTOMAN BY CHARLES AND RAY EAMES

Perhaps the most recognizable furniture designed by husband-and-wife duo Charles and Ray Eames, this lounge chair and ottoman is a piece that only gets better with age – whether it’s placed in living spaces or modern executive offices. 

Originally released in 1956, the marriage of plush leather and sleek, molded wood gives it a timeless look. What’s more, the iconic piece, which is still assembled by hand, stands out thanks to the innovative hardware that fastens the cushions to the smooth wooden shell.

  • EAMES LOUNGE CHAIR AND OTTOMAN BY CHARLES AND RAY EAMES
  • PH COLLECTION BY VERNER PANTON
  • TULIP MIDI CHAIR BY PIERRE PAULIN
  • CH24 WISHBONE CHAIR BY HANS J. WEGNER

PH COLLECTION BY VERNER PANTON

Verner Panton is a designer celebrated for his special sense of color, shape, light function, and space. Over the course of his career, he has successfully introduced a variety of modern lamps with distinct forms and personalities appreciated by a wide variety of users. 

One of Panton's most iconic designs is the Panthella lamp, which comes in various sizes that include the floor, table, as well as the mini sized portable lamp. The fixture is well loved for its simplicity and its glare-free, soft, and comfortable illumination, making it the perfect addition to any living space or bedroom. 

  • EAMES LOUNGE CHAIR AND OTTOMAN BY CHARLES AND RAY EAMES
  • PH COLLECTION BY VERNER PANTON
  • TULIP MIDI CHAIR BY PIERRE PAULIN
  • CH24 WISHBONE CHAIR BY HANS J. WEGNER

TULIP MIDI CHAIR BY PIERRE PAULIN

Designer Pierre Paulin said that a chair should be more than just functional – “it should be friendly, fun, and colorful.” That’s exactly what the Tulip Midi Chair is, which was designed in 1960.

This midsize armchair is the perfect equilibrium between the Little Tulip dining chair and large Tulip armchair. Whether used a standalone statement piece or grouped together, the chair instantly adds character to a room, thanks to its unique shape and customizable features.

  • EAMES LOUNGE CHAIR AND OTTOMAN BY CHARLES AND RAY EAMES
  • PH COLLECTION BY VERNER PANTON
  • TULIP MIDI CHAIR BY PIERRE PAULIN
  • CH24 WISHBONE CHAIR BY HANS J. WEGNER

CH24 WISHBONE CHAIR BY HANS J. WEGNER

Beyond its elegant lines, what makes the CH24 Wishbone Chair (designed in 1949) so desirable is that it takes more than 100 steps to manufacture each piece – most of which are still carried out by hand.

Focusing on its hand-woven seat, it takes a skilled craftsman about an hour to create, using approximately 120 meters of paper cord that boasts durability and stability. As a result, the Wishbone Chair offers comfort and stability, as well as a satisfying aesthetic from its distinctive form.

The XTRA showroom at Marina Square is exhibiting these iconic pieces from 1-30 September 2022

*Terms & Conditions apply: 10% off selected Mid Century Modern items. Valid from 1-30 September 2022. Not valid in conjunction with other promotions. Applicable to indent and ex-stocks. Applicable in-store only. XTRA reserves the right to make any changes without prior notice.

For more information, click here