Mid-Century Modern Furniture Then and Now

This is the 3rd tip in our “Mid-Century Modern Furniture Evolution: 7 Designers Who Changed the Industry” eBook, which is available as a  free download!

Although our list of designers is slightly male dominant, this female designer was one of the pioneers of the modernist design movement and has made a significant name for herself in the world of design. Her work attracted the attention of many, in a time when entrepreneurial women had far greater challenges to face in their efforts to make a name for themselves.

Eileen Gray has been described as “elegant, intelligent, and independent”. She was a nonconformist in the turn of the century, and chose to settle in Paris to explore her unique creativity.

Gray was born into an aristocratic family in South-Eastern Ireland in 1878. She inherited an interest in design from her father, who was an amateur painter, and took her with him touring through various countries.

She is considered one of the pioneers of International Style aesthetic and modernist design, and possessed a great passion for precious furniture design. This later transformed into a taste for more functional, modern furniture design.

In 1919, Eileen Gray received her first commission for interior design. This project spawned the creation of her famous lacquered “block screens”. In 1922, she opened her own shop and drew the attention of Jan Wils, a respected Dutch architect.

Gray later began to create her own unique furniture designs which she claimed were, “suited to our existence, in proportion to our rooms and in accordance with our aspirations and feelings.”

Although Gray primarily worked as an architect, she continued to create minimalist furniture such as this Eileen Grey daybed. One of her most famous designs is a piece called the Adjustable Table, which is an asymmetrical design that demonstrates her nonconformist attitude, while adhering to the rational principals of modernism.

If you want to keep to the rational principals of modernism in your home then you should definitely look into getting some mid-century modern furniture for you home. Getting the best quality reproductions should be on the top of your list. Make sure to take advantage of the free shipping on most items over $499.

We look forward to assisting you!

- Lynne