As we navigate the realm of design, there’s a certain geometric shape that consistently captures our attention – the humble square. This simple yet profound shape, defined by its equal sides and right angles, has had an enduring influence on furniture design, enhancing aesthetics and functionality in equal measure.
The Square in History: A Foundation of Simplicity
Historically, squares have been the cornerstone of architectural and furniture design (Vasileiou, 2018). The ancient Greeks revered the square, viewing it as a symbol of earthly existence and perfection. This influence is apparent in their monumental architecture and furniture design, with squares often the foundation of the form and structure.
Square and Modernism: The Birth of Function and Form
The influence of the square is particularly apparent in the modernist movement of the 20th century. Modernist designers, like Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe, leveraged the square to create furniture that reflected their “less is more” philosophy (Bürdek, 2005). The square’s simple, streamlined structure resonated with its focus on function and minimalism.
Le Corbusier’s iconic LC2 chair, a paragon of modernist design, exemplifies the square’s influence. Its cubic form, created using a series of squares and right angles, prioritizes comfort while making a bold visual statement (Bürdek, 2005).
Contemporary Application: The Square in Multifunctional Furniture
In today’s dynamic world, furniture must adapt to the ever-evolving needs of consumers. Designers often employ the square shape in multifunctional furniture pieces, capitalizing on its versatility and modularity (Fairs, 2019).
A prime example is the modular cube storage system, which can be tailored to fit different spaces and uses. This ingenious utilization of the square shape allows for numerous configurations, meeting the needs of diverse living spaces (Fairs, 2019).
Sustainability and the Square
In the era of sustainable design, the square plays a crucial role. Its easy reproducibility and minimal waste production align well with eco-friendly practices (Papanek, 2009).
Squares simplify the cutting process, resulting in less material wastage. They also allow for efficient flat-pack furniture design, reducing carbon emissions during transportation (Papanek, 2009).
The Square – A Timeless Influence
From the simplicity of ancient Greek furniture to the streamlined modernist designs and versatile contemporary solutions, the square has been an enduring influence in furniture design. Its equal sides and right angles represent a testament to symmetry, functionality, and aesthetics, offering infinite possibilities in furniture design.
References
Bürdek, B. E. (2005). Design: History, Theory, and Practice of Product Design. Birkhäuser.
Fairs, M. (2019). Design of the Times. Dezeen Publishing.
Papanek, V. (2009). Design for the Real World: Human Ecology and Social Change. Academy Chicago Publishers.
Vasileiou, I. (2018). Geometric Shapes in Design: Their History and Evolution. Bloomsbury.
More on Furniture Design
-
Embodying the Art of Catalan Modernisme: Gaudí’s Sillón Calvet
Trace the Sillón Calvet’s journey from its original location in Calvet House to its current residence in the Inter-American Development Bank. Uncover the reasons behind its enduring appeal and its contribution to the ongoing relevance of Catalan Modernisme.Read More →
-
Eclipse Minimalist Lighting from Lee Broom
Eclipse Minimalist Lighting from Lee Broom. One of four new lighting collections to be launched during Salone del Mobile (2018). Read MORERead More →
-
Experimental Acrylic Side Tables from Nortstudio
These side tables are the outcome of an acrylic resin experiment. Acrylic is a two-part substance made up of mineral powder and water-based acrylic resin.Read More →
-
Distinctly retro furniture by Masquespacio
Because of the studio’s trademark lively aesthetic, its hospitality and retail fit-outs are the stuff of design bloggers and Instagrammers’ dreams.Read More →
-
Interlübke: A Legacy of German Furniture Craftsmanship
Discover Interlübke, a renowned German furniture manufacturer known for its craftsmanship and innovative designs. From the revolutionary ‘endless cupboard’ storage unit to the internally illuminated EO system, Interlübke continues to redefine space utilization. Collaborating with top designers, their modern furniture solutions offer versatility and functionality. With a recent acquisition by Domovari, Interlübke remains a trusted…
-
Angaraib: An Avant-Garde Masterpiece by Danny Lane
Discover the ‘Angaraib’ chaise longue, an avant-garde masterpiece by Danny Lane. This extraordinary piece of furniture blends glass and tree branches in a visually stunning composition. Explore Lane’s unique creative process and his commitment to pushing design boundaries. ‘Angaraib’ transcends traditional notions of furniture, functioning as both a captivating art object and a comfortable seating…
-
Pedestal Table inspired by 🏛️ classical architecture
A pedestable table is originally the base support of a column, in classical architecture. A pedestal in furniture may have one of four definitions: Read More →
-
Kaare Klint’s “KK47000” Safari Chair: A Refined and Iconic Design
Kaare Klint’s “KK47000” Safari Chair is a refined and iconic design that combines historical influences with modern sensibilities. Inspired by British campaign furniture, the chair features a simple ash wood frame, exquisite leather components, and visible joinery. Read More →
-
No. 22 Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia
No. 22 Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia. Many would argue that this is more of a sculpture than a chair. READ MORERead More →
-
Introducing the Lexicon Elle Accent Chair: Elevate Your Living Room with Style and Comfort
Discover the Lexicon Elle Accent Chair in Blue. This rustic-style chair combines elegance and comfort, with its cushioned back, armrests, and solid pattern. Crafted with high-quality materials, including wood, foam, and polyester upholstery, this chair offers durability and easy maintenance. Perfectly sized and designed for relaxation, it’s an ideal addition to any living room. Order…
-
Gottlieb Eliel Saarinen: Shaping 20th Century Architecture
Gottlieb Eliel Saarinen (1873-1950), a Finnish-born architect and city planner, significantly shaped 20th-century architecture with his distinctive blend of national Romanticism and modernism. Known for his holistic approach to design, Saarinen made major contributions to both European and American architecture, including the iconic Helsinki Central Railway Station and the masterful campus plan for the University…
-
Elevate Your Space with the Edenbrook Carlton Exposed Wooden Arm Accent Chair
Are you searching for the perfect accent chair to bring style and comfort to your living room? Look no furtherRead More →
-
Fibreglass exciting early design medium
Known as glass-enhanced plastic (GRP) in Britain, fibre-enhanced plastic (FRP) in the USA or by the trade name fibreglass (after the manufacturer Fibreglass Ltd.), GRP has been used for a wide range of applications from car body panels and boat hulls to furniture and tennis rackets. Read More →
-
Exploring the Enigmatic Beauty of the Dantesca Chair
The Dantesca Chair is a remarkable piece of furniture inspired by Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. Its intricate design, featuring ornate carvings depicting scenes from the epic poem, pays homage to Dante’s imaginative journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the chair incorporates symbolic motifs and materials like fine woods and…
-
The Curious History of the Writing Desk
The writing desk or bureaux originated in the early seventeenth century from old fashioned Bible boxes. They were flat boxes just large enough to hold the family Bible, which was the most treasured possession. These boxes were almost always kept upon a shelf in the living room. The boxes flat surface and conveniently high form,…
-
Grethe Meyer (1918 – 2008) Danish architect, & designer of furniture & glassware
She worked on the editorial staff of The Building Manual from 1944 to 1955. She was a crucial figure in Borge Mogensen’s research on the standardisation of consumer product sizes, and she collaborated with him frequently. They created the Boligens Byggeskabe (BB) and resund cabinet-storage systems in 1957.Read More →
-
The Influence of the Square in Furniture Design
Squares have influenced furniture design, enhancing aesthetics and functionality, with their roots in ancient Greek architecture and modernist furniture. The square shape is a timeless influence in furniture design, offering versatility, modularity, and sustainability through its equal sides and right angles.Read More →
-
Metal Desk Lamp – with Adjustable Gooseneck
This lamp features a high-quality metal lampshade and base that is heavy-duty, long-lasting, and attractive, brightening your living space, bedroom, or study room.Read More →
-
Hille Modernist British Furniture Manufacturer
Hille, a British furniture manufacturer, is known for its Modernist chairs and has collaborated with renowned designers like Robin Day and Fred Scott. The Poly Side chair, introduced in 1963, is renowned for its innovative use of materials and functional, minimalist design. Made from molded polypropylene, it is durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. The…
-
Nightstand with Charging Station
The OKD square nightstand features a rustic & industrial combination of beauty and functionality with a distressed rustic finish and dark iron-tone metal accents. It is equipped with 2 smooth-gliding 2 drawers and strong powder-coated metal pulls to get essentials quickly. It can be used as an end table, office supplies storage, or in the…
-
SOOWERY End Tables with Charging Station
Side Tables with Charging Stations feature two AC outlets, USB ports, and a 6.5 ft cord each, with a well-considered design and curved design. They fit tight spaces and are easy to assemble.Read More →
-
Louis Midavaine (1888 – 1978) French Furniture Designer
Louis Midavaine (1888 – 1978) was a French accessories and furniture designer. He was born in Roubaix. He studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Roubaix.Read More →
-
Georges Champion (1889 – 1940) French Furniture Designer
Georges Champion, a French decorator and furniture designer, was known for his sleek lines and modern aesthetic. Influenced by the Art Deco movement, Champion’s furniture featured geometric shapes and bold colors. He worked on high-profile projects, including Parisian hotels and restaurants. Champion’s designs are highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts worldwide.Read More →
-
Butterfly Dining Chair in Green from Armen Living
The Armen Living Butterfly Dining Chair in Green Fabric and Walnut Wood Finish offers a stylish and comfortable dining experience. Its unique butterfly design and durable construction make it perfect for families with children or pets. Easy to clean and maintain.Read More →
-
Classic Furniture Morocco Dining Chair with Cushion
Dining chair: dining chairs expertly constructed from Walnut, rubberwood solids, and veneers for high-quality, long-lasting dining room furniture Read More →
-
Sofa, Borge Mogensen, 1945
This sofa’s straightforward execution and regular silhouette reflect characteristics that were considered essential for advanced design at the time. Nonetheless, the turned spindles, stretchers, and exquisite details owe a lot to Borge Mogensen’s use of the lexicon of traditional furniture forms—especially American Shaker and English Windsor—in his wRead More →
-
Womb chair – Eero Saarinen 1946
Its name expresses its purpose: “It was designed on the theory that a great number of people have never felt secure and comfortable since they have left the womb.”Read More →
-
Plia Folding Chair by Giancarlo Piretti
Giancarlo Piretti’s “Plia” is a unique folding chair that combines form, function, and aesthetics in perfect harmony. It is reasonably priced, takes up little room, has a visible folding mechanism, and can be used both inside and outside.Read More →
-
Shaker Style of Furniture – Simplicity and Functionality
The Shaker furniture style is characterised by simplicity and functionality, made from high-quality materials and features clean lines and minimal ornamentation. It fell out of favour in the early twentieth century but is now appreciated for its timeless elegance and practicality.Read More →
-
Billy Wilder Chaise Lounge by Charles and Ray Eames
The Wilder Chaise 1968 Lounge is a masterpiece of design created by Charles and Ray Eames, featuring a nylon-coated cast aluminium frame and base with a leather-covered polyurethane foam upholstered seating section. It is functional and adds elegance to any living space.Read More →
-
LL2 Lounge Chair- Elegant Modern Design
LL2 Lounge Chair – designed by BonnettiKozerski. This beautiful elegant lounge chair was first exhibited in New York in 2011. Read MoreRead More →
-
Josef Pohl (1894 – 1975) Czech lighting designer
Josef Pohl (1894 – 1975) was a Czech lighting designer. He designed the 1929 precursor of the adjustable lamp. Gerd Balzer produced his model. As part of its Kamden collection, Korting und Mathieson created a similar lamp. Pohl and others at the Bauhaus also executed the prototype adjustable wall lamp illustrated in Staaliches Bauhaus, Weimar…
-
The P40 Articulated Lounge Chair – Machine for Sitting
Osvaldo Borsani Armchair (P40) 1955, articulated chaise longue. The rubber-armed chair was a sophisticated ‘machine for sitting’ that could it was claimed, assume 486 positions.Read More →
-
Missi Sissi Table Lamp – A Whimisical Design
The Miss Sissi Table Lamp, replete with a mysterious name, is a signature Starck product: a clever reworking of anRead More →
-
Pavilion de l’Esprit Nouveau (1925) Looking into the Future
L’Esprit Nouveau. The pavillion was named after Le Corbusier’s magazine, L’Esprit Nouveau, which he started in 1920 to spread the word about his own work and that of other artists of the time.Read More →
-
Adeptus a British Furniture Firm (1969 – 1985) – London
Adeptus was a British Furniture Firm based in London. Background In its short lifespan, Adeptus revolutionized the furniture industry withRead More →
-
Knoll – American International Furniture Manufacturer
Knoll is an American and international furniture manufacturer. Background Knoll was established by Hans Knoll in 1938. Initially, the firmRead More →
-
Mario Botta (b.1943) Swiss Architect and Designer
While the space arrangements in this structure are inconsistent, its relationship to its site, separation of living from service spaces, and deep window recesses echo his stark, robust and towering style. Read More →
-
La Danese Italian domestic goods manufacturer
La Danese was founded in Milan by Bruno Danese and Jacqueline Vodoz. The company specialised in editing, designing, and marketing well‐designed everyday products with a modern aesthetic. There were three significant focus areas: domestic and office products, artistic editions, and children’s games and creative play stimuli. Read More →
-
Garriri Chair a nod and wink to Mickey Mouse
This black leather and metal-framed chair was designed by the Spanish artist, designer, and cartoon enthusiast Javier Mariscal.Read More →
-
Kartell Milanese Furniture Manufacture | High Quality Plastic
Kartell is a Milanese furniture manufacturer founded in 1949. It specialises in high-quality plastic injection mouldings and the early fiftiesRead More →
-
Jardiniere Ornamental Stand Definition and Meaning
A jardinière is a large ornamental stand or holder to display potted plants or cut flowers. The jardinière first appearedRead More →
-
Fun and Funky Novogratz Cache Metal Locker – Yellow End Table
Novogratz recommends adding pops of colour with accessories, such as pillows and curtains, to make the room feel more alive. The Novogratz Cache Metal Locker End Table adds storage and style to the living room, with two shelves and a lock to keep items secure.Read More →
-
Alexander Girard Designs for Herman Miller – Hardcover
Alexander Girard, one of Herman Miller’s famous designers in the 1950s and 1960s, added creative textiles to Eames’ and Nelson’s furniture. He produced some of the most vibrant and vibrant fabrics available anywhere as the head of Herman Miller’s Textile Division since its inception in 1952. He also created the Girard Group, a 25-piece modern…
-
Archizoom avant-garde Italian design studio
Four architects—Andrea Branzi, Gilberto Corretti, Paolo Deganello, Massimo Morozzi—and two designers—Dario Bartolini and Lucia Bartolini—founded Archizoom this Italian avant-garde design studio in 1966 in Florence, Italy. They focused on exhibition installations and architecture and designing interiors and goods as part of the Italian Anti-Design or Radical Design movement.Read More →
-
Quinta armchair (1985) designed by Mario Botta
Mario Botta’s chair Quinta (Fifth) shares the same obvious structural rigour and continuous frame as tubular-steel chairs designed in the 1920s. Read More →
-
Acroter – a pedestal for a statue
Acroter is a plinth or pedestal for a statue or other ornament, placed at the apex or lower corners of a pediment. Read More →
-
Noguchi lamp space without clutter
Isamu Noguchi designed the first of his lamps to be produced by traditional construction methods in Gifu, Japan, known for its manufacture of lanterns and parasols made from mulberry bark paper and bamboo. Akari is handcrafted with washi paper from the inside bark of the mulberry tree and bamboo ribbing stretched across sculptural moulded wood…
-
By Lassen – Danish architecture and furniture design
The Lassen brothers’ archive of architecture and furniture design represents the finest qualities of the Danish design tradition and deserves a wider audience.Read More →
-
Chaise Lounge by Marcel Breuer
Marcel Breuer designed this chaise lounge during his influential period in England (1935-37). His work for the London-based design and architectural firm Isokon is the most recognizable of this period. The chaise was designed for the 1936 Seven Architects Exhibition for Heal & Sons Department Store.Read More →
