Replica George Nelson Bench
A Mid Century Modern Classic
My tiny and quite lovely home was built in 1949. I have always loved Mid Century Modern design so it's only natural that I have a few carefully selected replicas of pieces from that era.
These pieces blend perfectly with the architecture and our surroundings but are completely timeless design icons.
Why buy a replica?
I eventually realised that I am never going to be rich. I had held off buying replicas thinking 'one day...' but that day never materialised. But why should I deny myself great design in my home?
A reproduction is better than badly-made modern furniture, after all.
Designer's choice
I've been designer for many years and I work at home. This means that the goods and products I spend most of my time with need to get my personal seal of approval and my own personal design award. Yes, I am one of those nutcases who buy products because of their packaging and choose books depending on the cover!
But I suspect I'm not alone. Over the years most people have become much more design-conscious.
Practical designer furniture
When it comes to buying furniture though, I have to be practical. Design objects are all very well but especially in a tiny home, they have to be practical too. My three Mid Century Modern pieces certainly fulfil that criteria.
At present, my George Nelson bench holds our television. The television is black so looks terrific on the bench - the black coordinates and the light wood creates a contrast. We're hoping to get a wall-mounted TV soon and the bench will be put to another use. It would be wonderful in the bedroom at the bottom of the bed - it's just the right size.
Or I may do what my neighbour Nick does with his and keep it in the lounge simply holding a beautiful period ceramic piece.
The bench is available in three sizes and I can vouch for the quality - it must be eight or more years go that we bought ours and it is still as gorgeous as the day it was delivered.
It comes indifferent sizes too so you can choose exactly the size that is right for your own space.
Stunning.
Here are my other Mid Century pieces
See more
This is a wonderful Saul Bass style video showcasing Nelson's design. It was created by the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. As you will see, these items are now design icons. Isn't it wonderful that we can actually own these and enjoy them in our homes every day?
Replica Mid Century Modern furniture
There was a time when reproductions were largely frowned upon by the design world. But the original items became more rare, and therefore more expensive.
Stylish furniture manufacturers began to create replicas but because these pieces are true design icons, even the replicas were more expensive than common or garden furniture.
It seemed that in those days, design came with a premium. Why did the public have to pay more money for well-designed products?
There were three major influencers.The first was Sir Terence Conran who opened the Habitat stores. These stores sourced well-designed goods from all over the world. In the early seventies even I, an impoverished student, could afford to shop there.
Coming to Britain in 1997, IKEA had a huge effect too. There, we could buy goods that were stylish, in stock and affordable. The Design Within Reach stores - about a dozen years later - specialised in affordable classic replica pieces.
Now, there's no need to buy ordinary furniture. We too can own design classics.
© 2014 Jackie Jackson