bltd

Well, if you are very short on space, this little cabinet will give you the finished look without the legs. It appears to be a complete side table, yet the only three-dimensional part is an open drawer that’s just big enough for a few books. The two-dimensional wall decal creates the illusion.

Designed by Lisbon-based designer Fernando Brízio for Droog.
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Sure, the Loop Stand Table ($1,265.00) is an excellent choice for a dining or work table. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you might think about purchasing the Loop Stand Frames (2 pcs, $289.00) instead and then figure out an alternative top for yourself. (Personally, I’ve stained and sealed a plywood top for my own dining table for around $100 and been quite pleased with the results.)

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While this is perhaps the most flattering angle, I do have to say this bed looks incredibly appropriate for a modern-yet-affordable sleeping surface. The frame is made from sustainable solid mango wood and features an open headboard where you can put all manner of bedtime accessories (books, alarm clocks, etc.).

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If you’re in need of a rocker to soothe a baby (or yourself?) to sleep, you might just consider this one from Monte Design. It has a small footprint (25″w x 31″l) so it could fit into a smaller room with little to no problem, and the clean modern lines won’t offend anyone’s senses.

Wood base options include a choice of Solid American Walnut or White.
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“I wanted to clear up the slum of legs.” So said Eero Saarinen, designer of the well known pedestal (aka Tulip) collection, which includes a dining, coffee and side table.
Winner of the 1969 Museum of Modern Art Award, Saarinen’s collection is one of many iconic designs from the mid century.

To learn more about the designer, visit Eero Saarinen’s wikipedia page.
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Am I reading this right, $369 for walnut wood shelves? Seems entirely suspicious, doesn’t it? Yet it seems to be true. Designed by Sean Dix, this shelving unit with slightly upturned ends has a distinct multi-cultural feel, which is no surprise when learning that Sean Dix has lived in Europe, Hong Kong, Fiji and the Philippines.

Available in a choice of American walnut or white oak.
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These stools by Semigood Design are fantastic. Each piece is designed and handmade to order in their Seattle workshop (hence the lead time of 2-4 weeks) and all wood used is FSC-certified. While it is a ‘ready–to–assemble’ product, it should take you no longer than 5 minutes to have it ready for use. Stock colors are Red/Orange, Smoke, White, or Blue.

Available in a 17″ stool, 26″ counter stool or 29″ bar stool.
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Designed by Søren Rose Studio for Muuto, the Reflect Sideboard is heavily influenced by traditional Scandinavian furniture. Natural oak wood gives the piece warmth while the curved drawer fronts give detail and interest.

Also, don’t forget you could win an Eero Aarnio Ball Chair from Finnish Design Shop… you have until April 21, 2011.
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Another design classic for you on this Thursday…

Made from industrial steel rods, Harry Bertoia created his iconic seating collection in 1952 at the invitation of Florence and Hans Knoll. Bertoia was given free reign to create what he wished, and the result was a reflection of his interest in metal work and open forms. Bertoia says, “If you look at these chairs, they are mainly made of air, like sculpture. Space passes right through them.” A fixture of mid-century design, the chairs are now available in a variety of finishes with or without replaceable seat cushion, back pad, or full cover. The popularity of the chairs (and the royalties he received) allowed Bertoia to return to sculpture soon after completing the collection.

Knoll is the only authorized and licensed manufacturer of the Bertoia Collection which has been in continuous production since 1952.

To learn more, visit Harry Bertoia’s wikipedia page.

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If you’re planning on following Kris’s Paper-free Living guide, then just ignore this little filing cabinet. You won’t need it. However, if you’re the type to hold on to hard copies no matter what, this cabinet is pretty decent for modern-yet-affordable office storage.

Locking file storage accommodates legal or standard sized files.
Available in Black or White.

Goodness knows you’ve seen the Sapien bookcases around. I was reminded just how much I like them when seeing a few side by side in the apartment of Christopher Hitchens (in The Sunday Times: here’s the only photo I could find). The shorter bookcase holds up to 50 books, while the tall can accommodate up to 70.

15% off DWR’s semiannual sale ends March 22, 2011.
Short Sapien Bookcase, $198.00
Tall Sapien Bookcase, $298.00
Support BLTD by buying at DWR.

The look of nature except without all the bark mess… and, of course, softer for your feet or derriere as well. From Pedlars.

Continuing the tradition of featuring a design classic each week (‘Classic Thursdays’ perhaps?), we turn our attention to Prouvé’s Cité Lounge Chair.

Designed by Jean Prouvé in 1930, the Cité Lounge Chair has broad leather arm straps and a molded sheet steel frame. This chair was one of Prouvé’s earlier furniture designs, and typifies his rational-sculptural aesthetic. The strong lines with a reserved color palette all lead to a subtle modern look that looks just as current as it was eighty years ago.

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Besides being easy on the eye, this chair from e15 is also worth noting for its construction method: it’s completely screwless. Made from 4mm thin oak-veneered plywood, the Houdini Chair is both visually and physically light and perfectly complements all e15 tables. There’s several photos showing how it’s constructed (The Making Of), which is as fascinating as it is laborious.

Luckily, there’s a collection by Stefan Diez, of which the Armchair, Lounge, and Stool particularly stand out.

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There’s been a few similarly convenient book rests that we’ve posted (Studio 1 and Book Rest Lamp are two that come to mind) but this one has a bit more space below for a larger stack, perfect for those of us that prefer to have several books available all at once.