Sep
11
If you’re passionate about interior design, mark your calendar for Decorex 2024, taking place from October 6-9 at Olympia Events in London. For 46 years, Decorex has been the UK’s premier event for discovering the latest trends and products in high-end interior design. This year promises to be more exciting […]
As the global epicenter of creativity and design, London is set to host some of the most anticipated interior design events of 2024. This year, the city’s vibrant design community will converge on four major events that promise to redefine the boundaries of interior aesthetics: the Cruise Ship Interiors Expo, […]
Modern living rooms have become synonymous with the perfect fusion of style and comfort in London’s bustling metropolis. These contemporary spaces exude sophistication while providing a haven of tranquility in the midst of urban chaos as a hub of relaxation and entertainment. In this article, we’ll look at what makes […]
An eclectic mix of well-established and up-and-coming young furniture designers will be presenting an innovative range of furniture at the 21st Century Furniture V exhibition at London Design Festival 2015. A tribute to the Arts and Crafts legacy for today’s designer-makers, this selling exhibition runs from 13 Sept – 10 Oct 2015.
Hosting two invitation-only private views on 13 and 15 Sept, and a possible joint event with the Furniture Makers Company and other Livery Guilds on 29 Sept. In addition, a press conference is planned for 9 June.
What is Mid-Century Modern Furniture?
Mid-century modern is an architectural, interior, product and graphic design that generally describes mid-20th century developments in modern design, architecture and urban development from roughly 1933 to 1965. The term, employed as a style descriptor as early as the mid-1950s, was reaffirmed in 1983 by Cara Greenberg in the title of her book, Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s (Random House), celebrating the style that is now recognized by scholars and museums worldwide as a significant design movement.
Mid-Century Modern Furniture Influences
Profoundly influenced by International style architecture, designers of furniture during this period created pieces that emphasized utility and clean lines. In part, Mid-Century Modern furniture also developed from Bauhaus style, which originated in Germany. The Bauhaus was a craft guild founded in 1919, which was open to all types of artists, including painters, sculptors, and architects. Many of the Bauhaus designers and architects relocated to the United States during the war after the upheaval in Germany.
Characteristics of Mid-Century Modern Furniture
The invention of new furniture materials made different forms and textures possible. Furniture created in the Mid-Century Modern style offered geometric shapes, organic curves, clean lines, use of traditional and unique resources, and an emphasis on contrasting materials. The pieces were devoid of ornamental details and highlighted function to remain true to International Style influences.
Served Many Purposes
Much of the furniture served many purposes to meet the needs of modern life. Built to nest, stack, fold, or bend, pieces offered interchangeable options for interior design. The casual lifestyle of the day also emphasized outdoor living with the creation of functional patio furniture.
New Materials and Color
Materials like plastic and new techniques for construction played a large role in the creation of Mid-Century Modern furniture. Instead of imitating wood pieces, plastic offered unique qualities for furniture design. Other nontraditional materials included stainless steel, glass, Lucite, Plexiglass, and plywood. Furniture featured graphic black-and-white elements in addition to a wide spectrum of colors from neutrals to bold hues.
Danish Inspiration
Danish inspiration brought about the use of teak wood, which offered warm color and durability to furniture. Oak, rosewood, and walnut also made attractive Mid-Century Modern pieces. They worked well with the color palate and organic lines.
Popular Mid-Century Modern Designers
Many popular Mid-Century Modern designers continue to inspire current furniture creators. Offering unique perspective and style, design students and collectors around the globe are familiar with their work.
Source: Mid-Century Modern Design
See also Mid Century Modern Furniture
