That's a wrap!

 This time on the blog, we'll explore the furniture styles of the early to mid 20th century.  

First up is the Stenographer Chair designed by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright.  Wright designed this chair in 1956.  It was manufactured by the Blue Stem Foundry in Oklahoma.  The geometric shape and sleek design were common during the Art Deco period.  

Above is a Furniture Suite by French designer Louis Majorelle in 1900.  It was manufactured by Atelier Majorelle in Nancy, France.  Majorelle was inspired by Louis XVI of the 18th century, but the wood frame carved with vines, leaves and fruit, is a classic Art Nouveau style. 

Below is a chair commonly known by its nickname "Fried Egg Chair".  It was designed by Hans Olsen in 1956 and manufactured by Verner Birksholm in Denmark.  The round, organic shape is a trademark of the modern movement.  

This China Cabinet (No. 452) was designed by Charles Limbert in 1905.  Manufactured by the Charles P. Limbert Company.  A corbel, a bracket that supports the overhang, is a trademark of the Arts & Crafts movement.  

This Buffet (No. 3321) was designed by Gilbert Rhode in 1933 and manufactured by the Herman Miller Furniture Company.  The use of multi-colored wood veneers and the square bent metal legs are characteristic of the Art Deco movement.  

I love the gossip/telephone bench!  They were designed soon after the invention of the telephone and were endlessly restyled throughout the 1930s and 1950s.  The Floral City Furniture Company (later known as La-Z-Boy) was the first manufacturer to be successful in selling the gossip bench.  I think they are so iconic and really speak to how furniture is often created out of necessity.  The gossip bench is a great example of combining the needs and styles of the time.