Designers: Charles and Ray Eames, 1945.
Details: Dyed-through polypropylene elephant chairs in ice grey and dark lime, £158 each, Vitra.
As two of the most influential designers of the 20th century, it’s hard to imagine Charles and Ray Eames ever toying with an idea... Yet this superbly realised children’s chair is one of the couple's most famous pieces.
During the Forties, trained architect Charles and his designer wife Ray had started experimenting with moulded plywood products.
The technique was created from strips of wood veneers bonded with resin glue and moulded through pressurised heat. Initial uses included pilots’ seats and stretchers for the armed forces. But the Eames kept refining the technique which, with a sense of fun that ran through their illustrious careers, eventually led to the elegant curves of this kids’ chair.
Two prototypes were displayed at New York’s Museum of Modern Art in 1946, but the piece never went into mass production.Thankfully, that all changed in 2007, when Vitra, in celebration of Charles’s centennial, produced a limited run of plywood chairs. These were soon followed by a plastic version which has become a favourite in nurseries the world over.
You don't need to be under five to enjoy its elegant lines – a scaled-down model is available as part of Vitra’s miniatures collection. Unfortunately, they've yet to make a jumbo size for us, how should we put it, well-proportioned types...
-
-
Design experts share their 5 essentials for creating an outdoor kitchen in a small city garden
The summer of al-fresco dining is fast approaching – this is how to get involved in the most stylish way possible
By Megan Slack •
-
5 interior tips to steal from this contemporary Beverly Hills home
This Beverly Hills home is enormous – but its design savvy is applicable to homes of all sizes
By Anna Cottrell •
-
Rustic bedroom ideas: 18 ideas for a rustic, country-inspired bedroom scheme
We've pulled together 18 of our favourite rustic bedroom ideas... Because a peaceful bedroom doesn't have to mean plain.
By Lotte Brouwer •
-
Gray living room ideas - how to get this shade right
Gray living room ideas range from moody darks to whisper pales. Read on for all the advice you’ll need to find your perfect gray paint.
By sallynarraway •
-
Small bedroom storage ideas - 14 space-saving ideas to clear that bedroom clutter
Clever, considered and creative... these stylish small bedroom storage ideas are small on space, but big on impact
By Lotte Brouwer •
-
Built in wardrobe ideas: 25 stylish ideas for fitted storage
The below built in wardrobe ideas maximise space and utilise every square inch – but they're striking design features too...
By Lotte Brouwer •
-
Small bedroom ideas: 15 design ideas that max out on style
These small bedroom ideas prove that petite spaces can still be big on style..
By Livingetc •
-
Modern bedroom ideas – 18 of the best modern bedroom looks and how to style them
Get inspired by these chic modern bedroom ideas below. From statement bedroom lighting, statement beds and dramatic murals to timeless colour schemes, there's an idea here for everyone.
By Lotte Brouwer •
-
Fabulous Four Poster Bed Ideas for modern bedrooms
These are the best four poster bed ideas from our Livingetc archives . Make your bedroom pack a punch with a statement four poster bed design
By Lotte Brouwer •
-
Master Bedroom Ideas: 31 stunning bedroom schemes
The below strikingly stylish master bedroom ideas are jam-packed with inspiration, from statement beds and lighting to unusual features and colour schemes that work.
By Lotte Brouwer •
