The focus was on survival when the Americans first colonised America. This meant that making furniture as a form of art rather than a necessity took a backseat. Quite sometime later, as things began to settle, artists and designers could finally start to focus on building furniture as a form of pleasure. American furniture design style has since undergone many changes over the years. 

The American design style was influenced by both the French and British, which occurred across many periods. To date, there are at least thirteen that have been identified. The materials used for these designs varied by region, as they each had to rely heavily on the different resources and manufacturing possibilities that were available to them. 

The DAW Chair by Ray and Charles – 1950

Post Second World War, there was a great shift toward mass-produced, low-cost furniture. For Ray and Charles, this was a great opportunity to showcase their industrial design knowledge and processes – which were above most. Together, they would go on to dominate the design world, creating many stand-out, successful pieces. 

“Getting the most of the best to the greatest number of people for the least.” – Ray and Charles Eames

The DAW Chair, which stands for “Dining height, Armchair, Wood,” was a first of its kind. It was first created with stamped metal and wooden legs. Later, it was reimagined and produced using fibreglass, before arriving at its final form, which was created using durable polypropylene. 

Today, the DAW Chair is still sought after and respected for its innovative design, material combinations and versatility. Each chair is iconic, with its timeless essence captured through its functional minimalism. The Chair is durable, easy to clean and suits various settings – from luxury hotels to relaxed, outdoor spaces. 

The Wire Side Chair by Harry Bertoia – 1952

Harry Bertoia was born in Italy, into great poverty. 15 years later, he left Italy to move to Canada with his father. He later moved to America to meet up with his brother, where he would eventually undergo his various art and design studies, as well as live out the rest of his life. Today, his works are celebrated in museums across America. 

“If you look at these chairs, they are mainly made of air, like sculptures. Space passes right through them!” – Harry Bertoia

The entire body of the Wire Side Chair was created using metal to create a curved grid, leaving enough empty spaces between each rod to keep it light and “made of air.” The cushion is made using comfortable polyurethane foam and upholstered using top grain Italian leather. 

Because of its gentle presence, each chair fits into most spaces without taking up too much space. These chairs are especially useful in smaller areas, where heavier furniture is known to make the area feel more cramped.  

The Platner Chair Model 1725 A by Warren Platner – 1966

Warren Platner was an icon of mid-century modern design. He is best known for the beauty of his craftsmanship, innovation of form and design simplicity. 

“A classic design is something that every time you look at it, you accept it as it is and you see no way of improving it.”

Plater paved the way toward designing with more of a decorative purpose, rather than focusing on function alone. He first showcased this idea in his 1966 wire collection, in which, the Platner Chair Model 1725 A, demonstrated it perfectly.  

The Model 1735 A was crafted using hundreds of curved, vertical steel rods, which were welded together into circular frames. These organic shapes, formed using such a rigid material as metal, invoke a sense of whimsical grace. This chair is exceptionally comfortable, and durable, whilst also providing you with more than adequate seating space, due to its unique shape. 

The seat and backrest are filled with dense polyurethane foam and upholstered with top-grain Italian leather. The versatile backrest doubles as an armrest, adding even more comfort.