Inspired by Collectible Icons

Inspired by Collectible Icons - Page 2

Classic furnishings that’ll give your Eichler interior authentic mid-century modern style

photo courtesy Hive Modern

• Eames DSR Chair

One of the most easily recognized chairs, the abbreviation stands for dining (D) height, side (S) chair, on rod (R) base. Part of the first series of side chairs developed from 1951, the chair would soon come to be known as the 'Eiffel' (tower) chair, named for its uniquely constructed base. The DSR was discontinued in 1967, reappearing in 2001 with polypropylene seats. Available from multiple sources: from $395 (inspiration from Hive Modern) to $495 (reissue from Herman Miller).

photo courtesy Modern Classics

• Pedestal Table

With a purist approach to interior design, Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen (architect of the TWA Terminal in New York), applied his design genius to solving the problem of "too many table legs." After an in-depth study in the late 1950s, he reduced the under-table disarray to a single structural post. Also known as tulip tables, this piece can serve an array of useful functions. Available from multiple sources: from $260 (inspiration from modernclassics.com) to $1,239 (reissue from Knoll).

photo courtesy Hive Modern

• Ball Clock

George Nelson designed more than 150 clocks between 1949 and 1960, his earliest being the ball clock. After studying how people used clocks, Nelson came to the conclusion that numbers were unnecessary since people read the time by the relative position of the hands. At that time, most people wore wristwatches, so he also assumed that clocks had become more of an interior decorative element. Available from multiple sources: from $485 (from Hive Modern and Vitra).

photo courtesy Modern in Designs

• Diamond Chair

Touted as "an astounding study in space, form and function," the Diamond chair was designed for Knoll International in 1952 by Italian-American artist and designer Harry Bertoia. Fashioning elegance out of industrial steel, the chair appears light and web-like, yet is incredibly strong. Bertoia's wire-grid chairs are among the most recognized design achievements, and represent a true functional work of art that will be a standout in any interior. Available from multiple sources: from $335 (inspiration from Modern in Designs) to $1,708 (reissue from Knoll).

photo courtesy Danish Design Store

• PH5 Pendant

A legacy lamp based on the principle of Poul Henningsen's reflective three-shade system, the experimental PH5 lighting fixture was created for Danish manufacturer Louis Poulsen. The lamp provides comfortable, glare-free lighting, directing the majority of the light downwards. A lateral light is emitted as well as illuminating itself from within the lamp's core. The lower shade is fitted with a frosted diffuser glass to ensure that the downward directed light is 100 percent glare-free. Available for $1,261 from the Danish Design Store.

Keep in mind that the quality of reproductions can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so take a good look at the details and dimensions prior to purchasing. For those interested in finding an original, remember that these icons are now collector's items but can still be sourced on auction listings at places like ebay, flea markets, and social media sites.