bltd

I love the spare and simple lines of this coffee table- it’s definitely mid century, though not in any overt way. The subtle design gives it the elegance to qualify as a classic.

“The art of this coffee table is its book-matched walnut veneer tabletop, organic shape and smooth 45-degree beveled edge…the table can be positioned with either the straight or asymmetrical side toward the seating area, providing a large surface area in a relatively narrow footprint.”

Baltic birch core; plain-slice book-matched walnut veneer; cold-rolled steel tube legs; black powder coat.

H 16″ W 59″ D 26″

Not sure if anyone has been lusting after this sofa, but it’s now on sale (half off) so if you’ve been wanting it, you better act fast.

wool cover. chrome legs

[posted by katie]

These shelves are great for any application, such as in a study, office or living room. What’s great about them is that they rely on gravity for strength, so each shelf has a weight load of 110 lb for each shelf without putting any real stress on the wall.

[posted by kris]

The CH20 Elbow Chair (1956) by Hans Wegner is now available to the public for the first time.

 29″ h | 20″ d | 22″ w | seat: 17″ h

[posted by kris]

This shelf would be just the thing to display your books- all the while being an excellent statement of modern aesthetic. I love that it can go vertical or horizontal and that you could change the look just by rearranging the books.

‘Sound finds a physical identity in the beautifully crafted Storyline bookshelf. By first processing a word into soundwaves, the physical shape is then mirrored in powder-coated steel, using an explicit folding technique. Appropriately enough, the word that inspired this lovely piece was “bliss”.’

35″W x 8″L x 11″H

This sofa wins the award in my book for most surprising Sofa Bed.

Available upholstered in fully removable fabric or leather.

[posted by kris]

I don’t really like to use the word “cute”, but in this case, it’s entirely applicable. Love the silver elephant image on the powder blue background.

“They’re the perfect size for a child to sit on, but the bright, engaging designs and foam filling make them fun to climb on, too, and roll around, and just plain enjoy.”

High quality, durable vinyl. Insert is 100% recycled cotton. Zippered closures.

12 W x 12 H x 12 D

At this price, it would be strange not to treat it as a precious possession, but even so, it is a remarkable piece that shows thought and care in design and production.

‘Presenting a very special re-introduction: the Nakashima Straight-Backed Chair (1948), designed by George Nakashima for Knoll. Nakashima was an MIT-trained architect who was known to describe himself as “Japanese Shaker.” This was meant to express his belief that his designs should be treated as everyday functional objects, not precious possessions.’

Solid walnut with solid hickory spindles.

H 30″ W 22.5″ D 17.5″ Seat H 17″

The PL200 lounge chair by Piero Lissoni features a satin polished molded aluminum base with a oak seat with either a natural oak finish, a high-gloss finish or lazured oak finish in a variety of colors.

[posted by kris]

If you’re feeling like the mid century classics are getting a bit ubiquitous, this is an excellent choice for more of a modern dining or outdoor seating option.

“the strings collection designed by shin azumi for magis is a visually interesting stacking chair and stool. made in chromed steel rod or cataphoretically-treated steel rod painted in polyester powder. painted version is suitable for outside use. seat cushions also available.”

stacking chair, $235.00, 23.2”w x 31.1”h x 20.5”d. seat height is 17.7”
o cushions: seat- $67.00, 13.6” x 13.4”, backrest – 13.6” x 5.9”
high bar stool, $274.00, 24”w x 36.4”h x 17.7”d. seat height is 31.1”
medium bar stool, $269.00, 23.2”w x 32.5”h x 16.1”d. seat height is 27.2”
o seat cushion, $84.00, 11.8” x 10.6”

The Muji Store is opening it’s first large-scale retail store in Soho in the US on Friday, and designophiles couldn’t be more excited. I was able to see into the store last night as the workers were moving merchandise in, and it looks pretty similar in size and layout to the Tokyo store (shown above). There were textiles for home lining the back wall and sweaters and shirts lining the right wall. The most exciting part about the new store is all the larger scale furnishing items that you can’t order from overseas, and of course the electronic items will now be wired for US voltages. Stay tuned for more information and products as the details unfold.

[posted by kris]

So clever, and appropriately useful in all sorts of ways…

“A hybrid stool/container on wheels by Marcel Wanders. Pebbles is a clever, mobile box that provides extra seating when space and storage are at a minimum. Perfect for holding towels, magazines, tools, office supplies, toys… it fits in any room at home or at the office…”

Standard injection-molded glossy ABS or STYROLUX polystyrene

17″W x 17″L x 15″H

I’m still getting used to the price of this table, and the idea of being able to switch out the pattern of the legs.

“An amazingly versatile piece by Marcel Wanders, capable of matching any room imaginable! Its secret is in its thick, conical legs, made of clear, standard injection-moulded polycarbonate. Change the look of the design by simply inserting a pattern of your choice! Two sets of graphic inserts are available, designed by Marcel Wanders or Javier Mariscal… or choose the blank sheets of art paper and add your own personal touch to the design!”

Rectangular top: 63″W x 31.5″L x 27.75″H
Square top: 35.5″W x 35.5″L x 27.75″H

(This item’s link and price was updated 10/15/09.)

We haven’t posted all the classic mid century pieces, so we’ll be trying to correct that by highlighting a few every now and again.

“Originally made with fiberglass-reinforced plastic, these chairs now take advantage of the benefits of more eco-friendly polypropylene. The molded shell seat has a high, flexible back and a deep seat pocket. The waterfall seat edge promotes comfortable seating for extended periods of time by reducing pressure on the backs of thighs.”

Polypropylene; chrome-plated steel base; plastic glides.

H 32″ W 24.5″ D 23.5″, Seat H 16.5″, Arm H 26″

Bed with frame in metal, wood, and multy-density polyurethane foam.Removable cover in fabric or cover in leather/vinyl. Legs in polished chromed metal.