What is designer furniture?

What is designer furniture?

Everyone has a general idea of what designer furniture is. It's high quality chairs, uniquely shapedcupboards and tables that immediately attract attention because of their colour or material. They are also a little more expensive and not very common. But what makes a piece of furniture designer furniture?

Designer furniture is made by a designer or a brand that is praised and appreciated for its unique approach to design, materials and style. As well as the often distinctive and original shapes, the choice of materials is very important in the manufacture of designer furniture. High-quality, solid, natural materials such as leather, wood, rattan, wool and cotton are often used, ensuring that the furniture will last for a very long time. Designer furniture is also often produced in limited editions, making it rarer and therefore more expensive.

All these factors are taken into account in the generally higher price you pay for a unique piece of designer furniture. You are paying for the craftsmanship, materials and unique design of the designer or brand.

Some of the best-known furniture designers include Gerrit Rietveld, Charles and Ray Eames, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Eero Saarinen. Their design classics have been described as legendary icons and timeless designs.

Legendary furniture designers

Charles and Ray Eames

A number of names have already been mentioned. Charles and Ray Eames, for example. They were an innovative American design duo who made a considerable contribution to architecture, designer furniture, graphic design and even film and the fine arts. They experimented with three-dimensional folding of plywood, and later plastic, to create comfortable and, above all, affordable chairs. With the war putting an end to this process, they began producing leg braces for the US Navy, then entered the Moma's 'Low Cost Furniture' competition in 1948 and won second prize. Their innovative project consisted of unlined plastic chairs, a first at the time. This simple but creative concept had a major influence on twentieth-century architecture. Charles and Ray Eames left an indelible mark on the world of furniture design. The name Eames Lounge Chair is bound to ring a bell. It is, of course, one of the duo's true design classics, still in production at Vitra.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

German-American architect and furniture maker Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and his iconic Barcelona chair are also inseparable, and it's impossible to imagine the world of designer furniture without them. He opted for clean lines, clear shapes and intelligent constructions. Ludwig Mies used a lot of glass, steel and concrete in his designs and wanted a "clean look". His world-famous statement "Less is More" is a very pleasant and characteristic summary of his designs. What's more, he didn't just design furniture, but buildings too. He designed the Seagram Building, a 157-metre-high, 38-storey skyscraper in New York.

Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand

Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret cannot be overlooked in this list of design celebrities. They designed the famous classic LC4 Chaise Longue. Produced by the leading Italian brand Cassina, it is still a highly coveted interior design object today. French designer and architect Charlotte Perriand became famous at the age of 24 with "Bar sous le toit", furniture in chromed steel and anodised aluminium. She worked with Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret for almost 10 years and left an indelible impression on the world of design, both solo and with others.

Iconic design furniture

Eames Lounge Chair

The Eames chaise longue, produced by Vitra, has already been mentioned. This design classic is instantly recognisable by its sleek silhouette and is one of the world's most famous recliners. But it's more than just a recliner - its quality and comfort are obvious even before you sit down. Designed by the dream duo Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, it is made from durable, high-quality wood and premium leather. This design gem has also appeared in a number of TV series and films, such as Frasier, Iron Man and Tron Legacy.

Barcelona chair

Less is more", Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's famous phrase applies to his most legendary design: the Barcelona chair. This refined chair exudes elegance despite its sober design. The chrome frame and foam-filled leather seat are the result of exceptional craftsmanship and modern design. Produced by Knoll, this "old lady" has been around since 1929 and still looks good in any interior today. Because of its timeless appeal, you'll find this unique design in hotel lobbies, designer interiors and countless films.

LC4 Lounge Chair

Who hasn't heard of it? The LC4, designed by Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret and produced by Cassina. It comes in several versions, the best known of which are black leather and cowhide. If you have this adjustable chaise longue in your home, it will be a real eye-catcher. You may have to save a little, but you'll have a design icon in your home. Investing in designer furniture is well worth it, because it lasts a lifetime (often longer) and is therefore durable.

A style for every interior

Mid-century modern

You can decorate your home in a variety of styles. For example, do you like the style of the 1950s to 1970s? Then mid-century modern is for you. Vintage wooden floorboards with hairpin legs, mixed with plastic chairs with soft, colourful upholstery. This style emphasises functionality and simple shapes. A mid-century modern interior is comfortable, welcoming and warm.

Space Age

This style is actually a sub-style of mid-century modern, but its elements are so iconic that it has become a genre in its own right. Think of the famous Sputnik lamps, designed after the first artificial satellite to be launched into orbit. Ghyczy's Egg chair is another fine example of the avant-garde style of the space age. Fluid, futuristic shapes inspired by spaceships and rockets. The frequent use of red and white and the use of plastic and stainless steel are characteristic of the Space Age style.

Post-modern

Today's post-modern style uses many organic shapes, combines well with other styles and makes extensive use of neutral colours. Warm" materials such as wood and fabric predominate, giving an impression of "comfort". On the other hand, you will also find many other styles in post-modern interiors. Think of a Sputnik lamp, a colourful chair that catches the eye and a fun mirror. In fact, post-modern is an eclectic mix of different styles, giving an interior its own character.

Why buy second-hand designer furniture?

Of course, you can buy new designer furniture. But why do so, when there is already so much beautiful furniture out there waiting for a second, third or perhaps fourth round? Designer furniture is made from high-quality materials and can therefore last a very long time. By buying second-hand designer furniture, you're helping to protect the environment, because you're not buying a product that's just been made. You're not taking part in the "fast furniture cycle", but you're giving new life to older furniture. It's good for the environment and for your wallet, because second-hand designer furniture is much cheaper than new.

(Buy and sell your second-hand designer furniture via Whoppah!

Do you have a beautiful piece of designer furniture or a work of art that you've seen enough of or that no longer belongs in your home or interior? Then sell your precious object via Whoppah. All you have to do is create an ad and find the right buyer. Even if you're looking for a second-hand item, Whoppah is the place to go. From art to sofas, beds, armchairs, tables and wardrobes. There's always something beautiful for every wallet. Have fun shopping!