Mid-Century Modern refers to the style of furniture, art and architecture popularised during the mid-20th century, the term being cemented by Carla Greenberg in her 1983 book "Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950's". It is seen as one of the most popular, collectable and dynamic periods in international design history.
Designs from the mid-century period combine beauty, innovation , and function for an aesthetic that is utterly timeless. Characterised by their pared-down forms, sweeping clean lines, variety of colour, unique materials and superb quality, the modern day popularity of these mid-century pieces is a testament to the talent of designers of the time such as
Charles and Ray Eames,
Hans J Wegner,
Arne Jacobsen,
Eero Saarinen and
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe.
Shop the entire Mid-Century Modern range now at Utility.
Featured Product
Mid Century Modern Complete - TomePrice:
£60.00 at
UtilityThe definitive survey of mid-century design, offering a rich overview of all aspects of the subject including furniture, lighting, glass, textile and architecture.
SPECIAL OFFER
Spend £300 or more on Mid Century Modern furniture, design or gifts and you will receive a free copy of Dominic Bradbury's Mid Century Modern Complete tome.
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Eames Desk Unit EDU
Price:
£985.00 at
UtilityThe Eames Desk Unit from Vitra was created in 1949, when Charles & Ray Eames developed a new system of free-standing multi functional shelves.
Saarinen Tulip Chair
Price:
From £1,140.00 at
UtilityThough it epitomises 1960's styling Eero Saarinen's Tulip Chair was actually designed as a project between 1955 and 1957. The moulded aluminium base and fibreglass reinforced plastic shell completes its classic look.
Eames LTR TablePrice:
From: £205 at
UtilityThis small variable side table from Charles & Ray Eames is available in Black, White or Gold and can be still seen today in the Eames House.
Barcelona Chair
Price:
From £4,908.00 at
UtilityDesigned by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe for the German Pavilion at the Exposicion Internacional de Barcelona, it was actually used as a throne for King Alfonso XIII at the exhibition's opening ceremonies.
Womb Chair & Ottoman
Price:
From £4,884.00 at
UtilityThe Womb Chair & Ottoman, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, was the first piece of mass produced furniture with an integrated seat shell made of reinforced plastic. Saarinen developed the chair at Florence Knoll's request as she really wanted something to curl up in.
Arco Floor LampPrice:
From: £1,565.00 at
UtilityThe Arco Lamp from Flos is the epitome of a design classic. Designed by Achille Castiglioni in 1962 it remains one of the most enduring pieces of Italian design.
Frisbi Pendant LightPrice:
£280.00 at
UtilityA classic 1978 design by Achille Castiglioni. It consists of a polished black and chrome lamp holder under which is suspended a round cream/white disc diffuser on three tensile wires from the cable.
Luminator Floor LampPrice:
£395.00 at
UtilityDesigned by brothers Achille & Pierre Giacomo Castiglioni in 1954 the Flos Luminator represents a simple tripod stand with a long galvanised stem on which the bulb is mounted.
Snoopy Table LampPrice:
£640.00 at
UtilityEverybody loves Snoopy don't they? Snoopy is a 1967 design from Flos by Pier Giacomo and Achille Castiglioni and its profile and monochrome colouring reminds us of Charlie Brown's silent yet extroverted beagle.
Alessi Citrus BasketPrice:
£94.00 at
UtilityThis classic Citrus Basket from Alessi was designed in 1952 by Ufficio Tecnico Alessi and is one of the earliest projects of industrial design still in production by the company. No self respecting Alessi collector should be without this one!
Sunburst ClockPrice:
£252.00 at
UtilityThis gorgeous re-edition Sunburst Clock from Vitra by George Nelson embodies the spirit of the day when it was first designed - when everyone wanted to be modern and everything seemed possible.
VITRA Doll No 4Price:
£87.50 at
UtilityBased on originals found in the Girard Estate held by the Vitra Design Museum, the partly joyful, partly grim-looking company dolls makes a charming enhancement to any interior.
Hang It AllPrice:
£207.00 at
UtilityOriginally designed in 1953 by Charles Eames, it seems almost too good to cover with coats and hats. It was designed to encourage children to hang up their coats, hats, toys etc. When you have something as beautiful as this to them on you would - wouldn't you?
Shop the entire
Mid-Century Modern collection at Utility today.