Vitra is a Swiss furniture brand established by Willi and Erika Fehlbaum in 1957, with the licensed production of furniture from renowned brands such as Charles & Ray Eames, Alexander Girard, George Nelson and Isamu Noguchi. Known for its commitment to forming lasting relationships with talented designers, the company is famed for enhancing living, office and public spaces.
Bringing together the best in iconic, contemporary design, Vitra’s modernist products and concepts are installed worldwide by architects and companies to create inspirational living spaces. Luckily for us, we can celebrate and incorporate its designs into our homes.
Here are five classic Vitra furniture pieces you can add to any home:
Eames Lounge Chair
The Eames lounge chair was designed by husband and wife duo, Charles and Ray Eames and has been in production for over 60 years. It’s one of the – if not the – most iconic designs of the 20th century. Since 1956, when both design and designer debuted on national television, this classic chair has remained true to the handcrafted details that define its luxurious design. Today, the Eames lounge chair is a staple in any contemporary furniture collection. Made from soft leather and sturdy plywood, it’s still regarded as the most comfortable seat of its time.
Eames Plastic Chair
The Eames plastic chair range is another iconic collection by Charles and Ray Eames. Introduced to the market in 1950 with the launch of the plastic armchair and plastic side chair, these designs were the very first mass-produced plastic chairs in the history of furniture. The chairs epitomise the playful functionality of mid-century American design, created to fit the contours of the human body.
The plastic chairs fully exploit the advantage of the material they’re crafted in: rigid, durable and easy to mould. Only one feature from its original design has been changed, with the replacement of the fibreglass shell to a more environmentally friendly polyproline seat.
The Eames plastic chair also introduced a new furniture typology: the multifunctional chair whose shell can be joined with different bases to serve diverse purposes.
Today the seat is manufactured in multiple variations, so whether you’re looking for a curvaceous chair that provides back support, a rocking armchair or an office chair on wheels – Vitra has the plastic piece for you. There are a multitude of bases, colours and upholstery options, which will work in everything from dining rooms, living rooms and home offices to outdoor terraces and gardens.
Vitra Utensil Silo
In 1969, Dorothee Becker designed and brought to market the first wall-mounted organiser, followed by a smaller model a year later. The Vitra utensil silo has since been deemed an icon of plastic design and has become a staple in design-savvy homes, particularly in Europe and the US.
This wall-mounted organiser keeps your household utensils neatly together in one place – making it easier to find everyday objects. It features different-sized and shaped containers, metal hooks and clips, and it offers a practical storage space for all your odds and ends.
The utensil silo is very versatile, allowing it to be easily added to different rooms in the house including the kitchen, office, bathroom and children’s rooms. Offered in black, red and white, this holder is a stylish way to get your bits and bobs organised.
Vitra Noguchi Coffee Table
Designed in 1944 by Isamu Noguchi, this mid-century design is renowned for its free-form, unpredictable and flowing appearance. “Everything is sculpture,” said the Japanese-American sculptor – renowned for his ability to make sculptures out of anything that was available to him including clay, wood, stone, metal, paper and bone.
The organic formed Noguchi coffee table boasts a solid wooden base that consists of two identical pieces. These create symmetry and stability, while supporting an elegantly-shaped glass top.
Offered in a choice of black ash or walnut,it’s the perfect centrepiece for a mid-century modern style living area.
The Vitra Home Desk
The iconic home desk was originally designed as a women’s working table by George Nelson in 1958. It’s manufactured today by Vitra, bringing the colourful, curvy station to a new audience. More than 50 years since it was first produced, the sophisticated home piece still has many uses as a small workstation in any modern home.
This Vitra desk is detailed with attractive divider finishes and features swooping lines and chrome feet that support classic walnut panelling. Its vibrant rainbow-coloured compartments are sure to bring your home office to life. This sought-after compact piece adds an inspired accent, perfectly suited to any contemporary, mid-century style workspace.
Although these quintessential designs were established over 60 years ago, their popularity and reputation are sustained by the power of good design. From the understated Eames lounge chair and Ottoman to the exciting Vitra clocks, Vitra consistently produces timeless designs. Explore our collection of furniture and incorporate Vitra’s classic and contemporary lighting and accessories into your home.
Come in store at Tottenham Court Road to visit our Vitra showroom, the largest in the UK.