Iconic Design Armchairs and Sofas: A Journey Through Time

Posted on: August, 3, 2023
COLLECTIONS
5 min hours

Design armchairs and sofas have long been at the forefront of the interior design world, capturing the essence of different design movements and architects’ visions. Each piece tells a story that resonates with the times in which they were conceived.

At the heart of these masterpieces lies the principle of form-follows-function, where ergonomics meet aesthetics in a harmonious dance.

Our curated collection brings together iconic designs that continue to captivate and inspire design aficionados worldwide.

Gae Aulenti, Sgarsul Rocking Chair

Sgarsul Rocking Chair by Gae Aulenti

The “Sgarsul Rocking Chair” is an iconic piece of furniture designed by the renowned Italian architect and designer Gae Aulenti for Poltronova in the 1960s. Gae Aulenti was a prominent figure in the modernist design movement, and her work significantly influenced the design landscape during the 20th century.

One of the unique aspects of the Sgarsul Rocking Chair is its versatility. While it is primarily intended as a rocking chair, it can also function as a lounge chair due to its comfortable seating position and ergonomic curves. The chair’s fluid lines and bold silhouette make it an eye-catching addition to any space, and it has become an iconic representation of mid-century Italian design.

Poltronova, the Italian furniture manufacturer that produced the Sgarsul Rocking Chair, was known for collaborating with prominent designers to create innovative and stylish pieces. Gae Aulenti’s design for the Sgarsul Rocking Chair remains an enduring symbol of the era’s design ethos, blending functionality, and aesthetics.

Due to its historical significance and artistic appeal, the Sgarsul Rocking Chair is considered a collector’s item and can be found in museums, design exhibitions, and private collections around the world. Its timeless design and lasting impact on the world of furniture design ensure that it continues to be celebrated and appreciated by design enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Jonathan De Pas, Donato D'Urbino and Paolo Lomazzi, Pair of Armchairs
 
Pair of Armchairs Piumino by De Pas, D’Urbino, and Lomazzi

The “Pair of Armchairs Piumino” is a notable furniture design created by the Italian design trio De Pas, D’Urbino, and Lomazzi for Dall’Oca in Italy around the 1970s. The designers responsible for this innovative piece were Jonathan De Pas, Donato D’Urbino, and Paolo Lomazzi. Together, they were known for their groundbreaking designs and contributions to the modernist design movement.

The Piumino Armchairs are characterized by their distinctive and unconventional appearance. “Piumino” translates to “feather” in Italian, and the name reflects the design’s lightness and comfort, much like a feather’s softness. The armchairs are crafted with a unique approach, featuring a quilted upholstery that resembles the stitching of a padded winter jacket or a duvet, hence the name “Piumino.”

The use of such quilting techniques in furniture design was innovative at the time, adding a sense of coziness and warmth to the chairs. The unconventional design made the Piumino Armchairs stand out from traditional armchair designs of the era, contributing to their popularity and acclaim among design enthusiasts.

The Piumino Armchairs were part of Dall’Oca’s furniture collection, a brand known for collaborating with prominent designers to produce cutting-edge and artistic pieces. The collaboration between De Pas, D’Urbino, Lomazzi, and Dall’Oca resulted in an iconic design that exemplifies the creativity and forward-thinking spirit of the 1970s Italian design scene.

Today, the Pair of Armchairs Piumino is considered a vintage design classic and is sought after by collectors and design aficionados. Its distinctive appearance and historical significance in Italian design history have cemented its place as a timeless and coveted piece of furniture. These armchairs continue to inspire contemporary designers and are occasionally featured in design exhibitions and retrospectives dedicated to the innovative designs of the 20th century.

Le Corbusier, Chaise-Longue Model LC4

Chaise-Longue Model LC4 by Le Corbusier

The “Chaise-Longue Model LC4” is a famous furniture design created by the renowned architect and designer Le Corbusier, whose real name was Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris. Le Corbusier was a pioneering figure in modern architecture and design, and his work has had a profound impact on the 20th-century design landscape.

The Chaise-Longue Model LC4 was designed in collaboration with Le Corbusier’s cousin, Pierre Jeanneret, and the talented designer Charlotte Perriand. It was first introduced in 1928 at the Salon d’Automne in Paris and quickly became an icon of modern furniture design.

The LC4 chaise-longue is known for its sleek, minimalist, and ergonomic design. It consists of a long, curved tubular steel frame, which supports a padded mattress or cushion. The innovative aspect of the design is the adjustable positioning of the seat. Users can effortlessly slide the seat along the frame to find their preferred reclining position, making it a highly adaptable and comfortable piece of furniture.

The chaise-longue was designed with the human body’s natural curves and movements in mind, allowing individuals to relax and lounge in various comfortable positions. Its elegant and functional design reflects Le Corbusier’s architectural principles of simplicity, form-follows-function, and the use of industrial materials.

The LC4 chaise-longue exemplifies the principles of the “International Style,” a design movement that sought to create functional, modern, and mass-produced furniture and architecture. It became a symbol of modern living and was embraced by both the design community and the general public for its revolutionary approach to comfort and aesthetics.

The Chaise-Longue Model LC4 has remained in production for many decades and is still widely appreciated and replicated by furniture manufacturers around the world. Its timeless design and enduring popularity continue to make it a sought-after piece for design collectors and enthusiasts alike. The LC4 chaise-longue has also been exhibited in museums and design exhibitions, further solidifying its status as an iconic piece of 20th-century furniture design.

Adriano Piazzesi, Sofa and Armchairs Set

Sofa and Armchairs Set by Adriano Piazzesi

Adriano Piazzesi was an Italian furniture designer known for his innovative and avant-garde designs during the 1970s. One of his notable creations is the Sofa and Armchairs Set,” which reflects the design aesthetics and trends of that era.

The 1970s design era was characterized by a mix of styles, with some designers embracing futuristic and space-age elements, while others emphasized organic and natural forms. Furniture from this period often featured bold colors, unconventional shapes, and the use of innovative materials. Adriano Piazzesi’s designs were likely influenced by the spirit of the 1970s, and his work incorporated some of these characteristic elements. He experimented with geometric shapes, interesting textures, and materials that were popular during that decade.

It’s essential to note that furniture designs from the 1970s, including those by Adriano Piazzesi, hold historical significance and have become collectible pieces for design enthusiasts and collectors. 

Conclusion

While each of these design chairs and sofas tells a distinct story that resonates with its time of creation, they collectively embody the ever-evolving spirit of design that continues to captivate and inspire us. From the boldness of the Sgarsul Rocking Chair to the innovative brilliance of the Pair of Armchairs Piumino and the timeless elegance of the Chaise-Longue Model LC4, these masterpieces encapsulate the magic that transpires when form and function unite to create functional works of art that elevate our living spaces.

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