Walking through the Metropolitan Museum of Art, we pass the Temple of Dendur, rescued by Jackie Kennedy before Lake Nasser was flooded after the Aswan Dam was built. Then it’s off to European art to see Picassos and Renoirs. Then we go downstairs to the Design Collection to see… my dining room chair?
That’s the funny thing about design collections. Iconic designs from the past have blended so seamlessly into modern life that we forget their origins. It’s like realizing the guy in the hoodie at the coffee shop is a tech CEO. What was once groundbreaking has become… ordinary.
The Eames Molded Plastic Chair
Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1950, the Eames Molded Plastic Chair is a triumph of mid-century modern design. Its ergonomic, molded seat was one of the first to be mass-produced using plastic, blending comfort with affordability. The chair’s minimalist yet functional form, paired with its variety of base options, has made it an enduring icon of modern furniture design. Today, when they’re not in trendy offices their durability and easy-to-clean surface make them perfect for schools and kids’ rooms.
The Barcelona Chair
Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich in 1929 for the German Pavilion at the International Exposition in Barcelona, the Barcelona Chair is a masterpiece of modernist design. Its sleek, X-shaped steel frame and tufted leather cushions embody elegance, luxury, and simplicity. Originally a throne for Spanish royalty, it now graces executive offices and hotel lobbies—modern luxury in a timeless form.
The MR Armchair
Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1927, the MR Armchair exemplifies the Bauhaus ideal of form following function. Its tubular steel frame and cantilevered design were revolutionary, using industrial materials to achieve a sleek, modern look. What was once avant-garde now appears around middle-class dining tables and patios.
Great design is everywhere—often right under your nose. That chair at your kitchen table? It’s not just seating; it’s part of design history. These once-radical creations have integrated so fully into daily life that we barely notice them. But recognizing their pedigree feels like finding a hidden gem. Great design, no matter how familiar, endures.
Take IKEA’s Billy Bookcase. Since 1979, its simple, affordable, and functional design has entered millions of homes. Its clean lines and customizable shelves make it adaptable to any space at a budget-friendly price. Like many design classics, the Billy Bookcase quietly became part of everyday life, proving that great design isn’t about exclusivity—it’s about working beautifully.
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