Photos By Gail
Despite having grown up in the ’60s and ’70s, I never met anyone whose parents were hip and cool enough to have decorated their Family or TV Room with as many iconic pieces of furniture as you see in the above photo (and forget about the hallucinatory-print wall paper, which is just insane). It might surprised you to know that these retro-futurist styles are still in-demand today. Let’s check them out.
First, we have the Charles and Ray Eames-designed Lounge Chair (670) and Ottoman (671). Designed by the couple for the Herman Miller furniture company and released in 1956, these furnishings are considered icons of mid-century modern design and are still popular and sought-after today.
While the Emameses generally focused on affordable furniture that could be mass-produced, this was the first chair they designed for a high-end market. There are several features that make it cool and unique:
Comfort: The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman were designed with comfort in mind. The chair has a curved, molded plywood shell that supports the body, while the ottoman provides a place to rest the feet. The chair also has a swivel base, allowing the user to turn and shift positions easily.
Materials: These pieces are made from high-quality materials, including molded plywood, leather, and aluminum, the combination of which gives the chair a sleek and modern look while also providing durability and longevity.
Design: The simple, elegant design has stood the test of time. The chair’s clean lines and curves are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, providing both comfort and support.
Versatility: The chair and ottoman can be used in a variety of settings, from homes to offices to public space, and can be paired with a range of styles, from mid-century modern to contemporary, and still look great.
The tiny orange table lamp is the Lightolier Interplay 1 Eclipse, a unique and innovative lighting fixture that combines modern design with advanced lighting technology. The Interplay 1 Eclipse has a sleek and minimalist design that is both stylish and functional. The lamp features a circular LED light panel that is surrounded by a ring of indirect lighting, providing a warm and ambient glow. The light panel can be dimmed to create a range of lighting effects, from bright and focused to soft and ambient.
A final iconic piece is the Saarinen Tulip Side Table, a truly iconic piece of mid-century modern furniture designed by Finnish-American architect and designer Eero Saarinen in 1957 and manufactured by Knoll in 1964.
The Tulip Side Table has a clean, simple design that complements the aesthetic of a 1960s-style TV room. Its simple yet elegant lines, combined with its tulip-shaped base and round top, make it a perfect fit for a mid-century modern design scheme. The table’s compact size makes it an ideal choice for this room, and its round top provides ample space for a lamp, remote control, or a small snack while taking up minimal floor space.
Photographed in the Jewish Museum as Part of the Exhibit, New York: 1962-1964.