Iconic furniture in the history of design

We make a list of the most influential pieces that stood out for both their design and functionality in 20th century furniture.

Timeless. It alludes to that which is beyond time; this is how we can describe these pieces that have become true icons of design.

Which furniture pieces have become part of design history?

Side table E1027 – Eileen Gray (1926-29)

With a completely unmistakable design, it is considered one of the most timeless designs of the 20th century. It takes its name from the summer house E 1027 Maison en bord de mer , which Eileen Gray built for herself and her Partner Jean Badovici. Height adjustable and made of steel tubes and clear glass.

Tulip table – Eero Saarinen (1956)

Created by one of the great masters of 20th-century architecture, and designed with a focus on pure lines , it eliminated legs in favor of a pedestal supporting a marble top. This design, according to the designer, removed elements that created cluttered and uncomfortable interiors.  

Coffee table – Isamu Noguchi (1944)

He was a designer who influenced 1950s design through his pursuit of organic forms and his talent for sculptural design. It was created with sculptural inspiration, and its two identical wooden elements support a glass base.  

Lounge chair & Ottoman – Charles and Ray Eames (1956)

A symbol of elegance and comfort, always linked to the highest quality materials. Its design was inspired by traditional English club chairs.

Table LC6 – Le Corbusier (1928)

Another of the great emblems of the studio of Le Corbusier, Jeanneret and Perriand. It was inspired by the wings of biplane airplanes , and contains 4 attachment points with height-adjustable threads.    

Maralunga Sofa – Vico Magistretti (1973)

One of the great Italian designers, whose pieces are unmistakable in the world of design. He is characterized by because of its flexible backrest that bends to adapt to different postures.  

Coffee table D.555.1 – Gio Ponti (1928)

Designed for the author’s home and based on original drawings from the Gio Ponti archives. Made with a metal frame , hand-painted grille, and a glass top.  

Chaise Lounge LC4. – Le Corbusier (1928)

It didn’t reach its peak popularity until 1965, but it’s another of the designer’s key pieces due to its organic and futuristic forms . The steel structure allows the chair to move with the body’s weight, enabling it to be positioned at different angles.

Stool 60 – Alvar Aalto (1933)

Considered the quintessential example of functionalist furniture design , this unmistakable piece by a Nordic designer showcases his mastery in creating curved wooden pieces. A magnificently simple yet timeless work of art, it is now considered a classic.

Eccentrico side table – Angelo Mangiarotti (1979)

Considered one of the great furniture designers of the 20th century, the Eccentrico Table is considered a milestone structural . The table consists of an elliptical design embedded asymmetrically in an inclined cylindrical leg, which blocks any vertical sliding by means of friction, using its own weight to push down and completely close the opening.