Side table by Charles Eames for Herman Miller 50s
About the Item
- Creator:Herman Miller (Manufacturer),Charles Eames (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 16.34 in (41.5 cm)Diameter: 28.35 in (72 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1950
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
- Seller Location:PARIS, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7180235591842
Charles Eames
The legacy of Charles Eames looms large in design. In partnership with his wife, Ray, Charles was at the forefront of pioneering innovation in the use of molded plywood for furniture making. The Eameses’ cheerful and inviting work has endured among the most important advancements in the history of 20th-century design.
Together, visionary mid-century modern duo Charles and Ray Eames introduced a wide range of renowned furniture to the postwar market, including iconic designs such as the Eames lounge chair and ottoman, the wildly colorful birch plywood-and-plastic-laminate Eames storage unit, the Eames compact sofa and more. The designers were trailblazers in molded plywood furniture and brought lively organic form to metal and plastic.
Charles Eames studied architecture at Washington University in St. Louis. He traveled to Mexico and Europe, and experienced firsthand the work of designer-architects Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. In 1930, upon returning to Missouri, Eames opened an architecture practice with Charles M. Gray but later moved to Michigan in 1938. He received a fellowship at Cranbrook Academy of Art, which would become a breeding ground for the stars of mid-century design. Eames continued his architecture studies at Cranbrook and also taught in the design department.
In 1940, Eames met his future wife, artist and designer Beatrice Alexandra "Ray" Kaiser, who was studying at Cranbrook under Abstract Expressionist painter Hans Hofmann. Charles teamed up with another Cranbrook instructor, Finnish-American designer Eero Saarinen, to explore the possibilities of plywood for use in furniture design.
With support from Ray, Charles and Eero created chairs and case pieces and submitted them to the “Organic Design in Home Furnishings” competition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City — among them was the groundbreaking organic Side chair made of molded plywood with maple legs. It was upholstered by Heywood-Wakefield. This exhibition is considered critical by many to the popularization of what is known as mid-century modernism. Eames and Saarinen won first place for their submissions to the competition.
Charles and Ray were married in 1941 and soon after moved to Los Angeles, California, and lived in an apartment building designed by architect Richard Neutra. Charles worked on set design at MGM, and at night, in a humble workshop they established in the guest bedroom, he and Ray experimented with molded plywood on a homemade device they called the “Kazaam!” machine. In 1942, the couple won a U.S. Navy contract to create molded plywood leg splints that would be used to support wartime medical efforts. Soon, the Evans Product Company was making the splints and the Eameses opened the famed Eames Office and studio.
The Eameses’ innovative use of wire framing, molded plywood and applied fabrics caught the attention of many notable figures in interior design and architecture, including George Nelson, director of design at Herman Miller, a now-legendary modern furniture manufacturer. The company enlisted the Eameses’ talents and was eventually home to the couple’s classic pieces such as the Eames DCW chair and the DCM chair.
Find an extensive array of vintage Charles Eames seating, tables and case pieces on 1stDibs.
Herman Miller
No other business of its kind did more than the Herman Miller Furniture Company to introduce modern design into American homes. Working with legendary designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Alexander Girard, the Zeeland, Michigan-based firm fostered some of the boldest expressions of what we now call mid-century modern style. In doing so, Herman Miller produced some of the most beautiful, iconic and, one can even say, noblest chairs, sofas, tables and other furniture ever.
Founded in 1923, Herman Miller was originally known for grand historicist bedroom suites: heavily ornamented wood furniture that appealed to a high-minded, wealthier clientele. The company — named for its chief financial backer — began to suffer in the early 1930s as the Great Depression hit, and D.J. De Pree, the company’s CEO, feared bankruptcy. In 1932, aid came in the form of Gilbert Rohde, a self-taught furniture designer who had traveled widely in Europe, absorbing details of the Art Deco movement and other modernist influences. After persuading De Pree that the growing middle class required smaller, lighter household furnishings, Rohde set a new course for Herman Miller, creating sleek chairs, tables and cabinetry that were the essence of the Streamline Moderne style.
Rohde died suddenly in 1944. The following year, De Pree turned to George Nelson, an architect who had written widely about modern furniture design. Under Nelson’s leadership, Herman Miller would embrace new technologies and materials and audacious biomorphic forms.
Some of the pieces the company produced are now emblems of 20th century American design, including the Eames lounge chair and ottoman and Nelson’s Marshmallow sofa and Coconut chair. Such instantly recognizable furnishings have become timeless — staples of a modernist décor; striking, offbeat notes in traditional environments.
Find a range of vintage Herman Miller office chairs, desks, coffee tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: PARIS, France
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Diabolo planter 50sLocated in PARIS, FRDiabolo planter produced in the 50s. Its structure is made entirely of fibre cement. In good condition, with a few signs of wear from time and use.Category
Vintage 1950s Industrial Planters and Jardinieres
MaterialsCement
- Side table in chromed metal and glass 1970sLocated in PARIS, FRSide table in the style of Max Sauze. The designer is unknown. This table was produced in the 70s as part of the space age movement, which began in the 60s and is characterised by a ...Category
Vintage 1970s Space Age Side Tables
MaterialsMetal
- Coffee Table Model Sapo by Sergio and Giorgio Saporiti for Saporiti ItaliaBy Sergio and Giorgio SaporitiLocated in PARIS, FRSaporiti Italia was founded in 1950 by Sergio Saporiti himself with innovation and originality as its main theme. The identity of the brand is inspired by Scandinavian design with a ...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsConcrete
- Pepper Young Coffee Table by Philippe Starck for Disform Spain, 1978By Philippe Starck, DisformLocated in PARIS, FRPepper Young table by Philippe Starck for the Spanish company Disform. He designed this table in 1978, the particular name of this model is directly bor...Category
Vintage 1970s Spanish Futurist Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsMetal
- Ovoide armchair by Willy Guhl for Eternit 1950sBy Willy Guhl, EternitLocated in PARIS, FRThe Ovoid armchair designed by Willy Guhl in the 1950s illustrates this Swiss industrial design pioneer's interest in Eternit, the fibro-cement originally developed for roofs and pip...Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsCement
- Up 1 armchair by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia 1969By Gaetano Pesce, B&B ItaliaLocated in PARIS, FRIn the early 60’s, the chemist Bayer developed a polyurethane foam with a new resin, allowing the creation of various and simple shapes. In the middle of the decade, the Italian desi...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsFabric, Foam
- Vintage Charles Eames for Herman Miller Rectangular White and Black Side TableBy Herman Miller, Charles and Ray EamesLocated in Chattanooga, TNThis listing is for the side table alone. The chair and accessories pictured are NOT INCLUDED. Vintage Charles Eames white side table for Herman Miller. The rectangular end table rests on a black four-star base. The pedestal design allows for maximum leg room beneath the table. The table top is made of an easy to maintain and durable laminate material (Formica type). Leveling glides on the feet can be adjusted maintain balance on uneven floors. This white laminate top is original and features the Herman Miller label beneath. The Eames table was first designed in the Mid-Century Modern era and has endured through the decades with it’s timeless, versatile design. This table is well suited at home or in the office. Commercial settings, rentals, and homes with children benefit from the durable laminate surface. 22 7/8” Wide x 29.75” Deep x 17.75” High Condition: Original vintage condition with exceptionally clean table top. We also have a 32 inch square Eames table. A white marble Eames coffee table is also available. Complete your office with Charles Pollock Executive chairs (sold separately) in blue velvet...Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsMarble, Metal, Aluminum
- Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Round White Laminate Side TableBy Herman Miller, Charles EamesLocated in Countryside, ILEames for Herman Miller mid century round white laminate side table This side table measures: 29.75 wide x 29.75 deep x 25.5 inches high, ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsMetal, Chrome
- Charles Eames for Herman Miller Dining TableBy Herman Miller, Charles EamesLocated in Pasadena, TX36" Eames for Herman Miller dining table Laminated top with contract aluminum 4 star base. Great for dining or conference room ...Category
Late 20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsAluminum
- Eames for Herman Miller LTRT Table Anniversary Edition!By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman MillerLocated in Philadelphia, PAEames Blue top LTRT Table, part of Herman Miller "Select" Program. Produced in 2012 in red, yellow, and blue. In Clean condition!Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsMetal
- 1950s Gaming Table by Charles Eames for Herman MillerBy Herman Miller, Charles EamesLocated in Sagaponack, NYA square dining or game table with an ash top, on folding steel legs. Model DTM.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Game Tables
MaterialsSteel
- Herman Miller Eames 42" Round TableBy Herman MillerLocated in Pasadena, TXHerman Miller Eames Round Table Herman Miller Round top with walnut finish , the base is anodized in black with aluminum spider attachment. Great in and office or a home setting .Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
MaterialsLaminate
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
A Guide to Herman Miller’s Most Iconic Furniture
The prolific manufacturer has partnered with many of the world’s top designers since opening its doors in 1923. Here are some of the company’s greatest hits, which helped transform the American home and office.