Mid-Century Modern refers to the style of furniture, art, and architecture popularised during the mid-20th century, the term being cemented by Carla Greenberg in her 1983 book "Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950's". It is seen as one of the most popular, collectible and dynamic periods in international design history.

Designs from the mid-century period combine beauty, innovation, and function for an aesthetic that is utterly timeless. Characterised by their pared-down forms, sweeping clean lines, variety of colour, unique materials, and superb quality, the modern-day popularity of these mid-century pieces is a testament to the talent of designers of the time such as Charles and Ray Eames, Hans J Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Eero Saarinen, and Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe

Shop the entire Mid-Century Modern range now at Utility

Vitra Eames EDU Desk

The Eames Desk Unit from Vitra was created in 1949 when Charles & Ray Eames developed a new system of free-standing multi-functional shelves and writing desks which - similar to the Eames House that dates from the same time - were constructed strictly in keeping with the principles of industrial mass production; the Eames Storage Units (ESU) complements the family.

Shop the Eames ESU at Utility today.

Knoll Saarinen Tulip Chair

Designed by Eero Saarinen, the Tulip Side Chair epitomises 1960s styling. Still manufactured by Knoll this chair looks as equally stylish today as it did back then and goes particularly well with the Tulip Table.

Shop the Knoll Saarinen Tulip Chair at Utility today.

Vitra Eames LTR Side Table

Charles & Ray Eames designed the LTR Side Table as a small, variable side table and even had several different versions of them in the Eames House. Even today there are many of these tables standing there, individually or in groups, decorated with objects from the Eames collection or simply acting as side table next to armchairs and sofas.

They look particularly good with the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman - perfect to place your dry martini on - and are available in black or white laminate, cherry or walnut or with a gold leaf top.

Shop the Eames LTR at Utility today.

Knoll Barcelona Lounge Chair

The Knoll Barcelona Chair was designed by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe in 1929 for the German Pavilion at the Exposicion Internacional de Barcelona, though was actually used as a throne for King Alfonso XIII at the exhibition's opening ceremonies.

Shop the Barcelona Lounge Chair at Utility today.

Knoll Womb Chair & Ottoman

The Knoll Saarinen Womb Chair is a 1946 design by Eero Saarinen and was designed at Florence Knoll's request for "a chair that was like a basket full of pillows, something I could really curl up in." Still manufactured by Knoll this groundbreaking chair is designed to facilitate a relaxed sitting posture providing emotional comfort and a sense of security - hence the name "Womb".

Shop the Womb Lounge Chair at Utility today.

Flos Arco Floor Lamp

Designed in 1962 by Achille Castiglioni, the Flos Arco Floor Lamp is a design classic – an enduring piece of design. It’s sweeping stainless steel telescopic stem is balanced by a white Carrara marble base. For an instantly recognisable and enviable design, the Flos Arco Floor Lamp is a worthy investment piece.

Shop the Arco Lamp at Utility today.

Flos Snoopy Lamp

The Snoopy Table Lamp, by Pier Giacomo and Achille Castiglioni, was designed in 1967 inspired by the profile of Charlie Brown’s dog. With a friendly expression, this lamp is ideal for use as a bedside light or reading light – the contrast of the white marble base and enamelled reflector is truly stunning.

Shop the Snoopy Lamp at Utility today.

Vitra Sunburst Clock

This gorgeous Vitra Sunburst Clock by George Nelson embodies the spirit of the day when it was first designed. With wooden 'rays' and a central metal case the Sunburst Clock still look as modern today as it did then. This one comes in a walnut finish.

Shop the Vitra Sunburst Clock at Utility today.

Alexander Girard Wooden Doll No. 4

Designed by Alexander Girard, Wooden Doll No.4 - now re-produced by Vitra - was one of a series he created for his own home in Santa Fe which was inspired by his own extensive collection of works of popular art. 

Shop the Girard Wooden Doll collection at Utility.

Vitra Hang It All

The Vitra Hang It All is the original 1953 Charles and Ray Eames designer colourful coatrack. With vibrant glossy coloured spheres mounted on a white steel frame, Hang It All makes a colourful addition to any home or office.

Shop Vitra Hang It All at Utility today.

Time for more? Spotlight On Magis - Celebrating 45 years Of Innovative Design | Flos Mayday: A 90's Icon | At Home With Graphic Designer Connie Barton