Top 5 Favourite Iconic Design Examples

Sometimes you just can’t go wrong with a classic. Although mid-century style has been around for more than 50 years, it just keeps coming back, or maybe it has never really left. Current trends tend to be a bit more eclectic so we like mixing mid-century in with other styles rather than going for an all teak living or dining room. As long as you make sure to balance your décor with multiple layers and finishes, these 5 pieces will never steer you wrong.

1. Eames Molded Plastic Wire-Base Side Chair

Designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller

We see this chair a lot, but for good reason, this is a very versatile chair. It blends with a lot of other styles really well, it looks crisp and modern in any room, it can be used as a dining, office or occasional chair, and it has a fairly small footprint. Hooray for the Eames chair!

2. Womb Chair

Designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll

This is another beautiful chair design that looks great in modern spaces. We love mid-century but the best pieces aren’t overly stylized they’re just really well designed and timeless.

3. Nelson Platform Bench

Designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller

A staple in modern design, the Nelson bench is a workhorse. It can be used as a bench at the end of a bed, in an entryway, a window seat, or as a coffee table.

4. Noguchi Table

Designed by Isamu Noguchi for Herman Miller

Probably the most stylized piece on the list the Noguchi Table is a testament to balance and style, the best of mid-century design.

5. Saarinen Round Dining Table

Designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll

The “Tulip” table is a great fundamental piece in a modern dining room. It looks great paired with classic mid-century chairs or with more contemporary design. We love how it integrates into new spaces and still looks current.

There are so many amazing and iconic pieces from the mid-century it’s hard to narrow it down to 5 favourites. The styles we chose had everything to do with their timelessness. Although distinctly mid-century, these 5 pieces work well with contemporary interiors and styling. We like being able to mix and match styles from all eras and well-designed furniture, no matter what the decade, will do just that!

All of these designs are available at Design Within Reach www.dwr.com