Sofa Compact. Compact Sofa. You say potato. I say potahto. Whichever you call it you can call it awesome, iconic, and fabulous! This incredible sofa was designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1954. Its first iteration however was a built-in sofa in their home in Pacific Palisades, California. They were so happy with the way it sat, its lines, and the comfort it provided, that they designed a freestanding version. First construction was in wire, then this current model, which has been in continuous production since. It gets its name from the fact it can fold for easier less expensive shipping plus the fact you get all that a traditional sofa offers but in a much crisper and lightly scaled silhouette. It is perfect for smaller spaces but holds its own in a large room while providing ample seating for three. This mid-late 20th century example is upholstered in its original deep blue almost Navy polyester crepe covering its foam cushions which are supported by resilient webbing and perched on a chromed steel and black enameled base. If you are looking for a classic mid-century modern designed sofa…you have found it. Make it yours!
Charles Eames was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1907. Ray Kaiser Eames was born in Sacramento, California in 1912. They met at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan and were married in 1941. They moved together to California and continued their design work they began together at Cranbrook. A commission, which they acquired from the government during WWII to produce molded plywood splints and stretchers, launched a career producing iconic mid-century modern furnishings which are still fresh and sought after today. The Eames and their association with Herman Miller were the partnership of the century. If you want to learn more about Charles and Ray please visit Eames Office, the Eames Official website.
Herman Miller started life as Star furniture Co. in Zeeland, Michigan in 1905 a producer of high-quality furniture. Becoming Michigan Star Furniture Co in 1919, and then in 1923, when long time employee Dirk Jan De Pree and his father-in-law purchased 51% of the company stock, it was renamed Herman Miller Furniture Company. And remained so until the 1960s when it became Herman Miller, Inc. Until the 1930s they produced only traditional wood furniture, but the Great Depression caused a need for change and they hired modernist Gilbert Rohde who took the company in a new successful direction. Upon Rohde’s death in 1944 he was replaced by none other than the renowned George Nelson. Working with the likes of not only Charles and Ray Eames but Isamu Noguchi, Alexander Girard, and Robert Propst, to name just a few, Nelson lead Herman Miller to became one of the finest names in furniture and design.
If you are looking for a classic mid-century modern designed sofa…you have found it. Make it yours!
