Eight iconic mid-century modern designs that never went out of production

More than 50 years later, mid-century modern design remains both relevant and fascinating. Here, author Jenna McKnight selects eight pieces that have been in production ever since they were designed in the 1950s and 60s.

These works have not only influenced generations of designers but have also remained popular themselves, staying in continuous production for decades.

"Mid-century modern (MCM) is one of the most enduring design styles in history," said McKnight, a Dezeen contributor whose new book Design: Mid-Century Modern tracks the development of the style.

"I live in California and see examples of MCM every day — in homes, offices, libraries, museums, and beyond. Even my dermatologist has mid-century modern decor in her office, from the Barcelona Chair to the Panton Chair," she told Dezeen.

"By combining good design with mass production, the mid-century modern style gained widespread popularity in the mid-20th century and it continues to resonate today."

"The style is suitable for a variety of spaces, from the living room and children's nursery to the corporate office," McKnight said.

"In addition, due to their clean lines and unfussy appearance, MCM pieces can be mixed with other design styles. They blend well with other decor."

Some of the designs featured in the book are stand-out, while others have been quietly shaping decor for the better part of a century – essential ingredients in interior atmosphere.

Most of the brands that originally produced these designs still do today, many at scale.

Read on for eight designs that are still in production today, and check out the comprehensive Mid-Century Modern series released on Dezeen last year.

Stool 60, by Alvar Aalto, 1933

"Finnish designer Alvar Aalto started experimenting with bending wood in the 1920s, leading to the creation of the L-Leg Stool – the original is known as Stool 60. With three curved legs, the chair utilised a patented technique Aalto had developed to cut and steam birchwood, and it represented a break from longstanding furniture-making traditions.

"The stool has become an elemental piece of furniture with multiple uses, serving as a seat, table, or display stand. According to manufacturer Artek, the stool has remained in continuous production since its arrival nearly a century ago. "

Ant Chair, by Arne Jacobsen, 1952

"Consisting of a single shell of laminated plywood set upon slender legs, the Ant Chair was created by Danish designer Arne Jacobsen in 1952. Its name stemmed from its resemblance to the shape of an ant with its head raised.

"The simple, lightweight chair debuted at a factory for pharmaceutical company Novo Industries, now known as Novo Nordisk, where it was placed within a canteen. The chair quickly gained popularity, and it has remained in continuous production by Danish company Fritz Hansen ever since."

Diamond Chair, by Harry Bertoia, 1952

"The Italian-American designer Harry Bertoia was known for using industrial materials to create graceful designs. In the 1950s, he developed a series of wire-mesh pieces that became known as the Bertoia Collection for Knoll, with the most notable piece being the Diamond Chair.

"The airy, sculptural chair featured a lattice-like steel body with an optional seat pad. Bertoia reportedly said the lounge chair was 'mainly made of air'. The chair has been in constant production by Knoll since its debut in 1952."

Eames Lounge Chair, by Charles and Ray Eames, 1956

"Introduced in 1956, the Eames Lounge – and its designers, Charles and Ray Eames – have become synonymous with the mid-century modern era. While the design duo was mainly focused on creating affordable furniture, the Eames Lounge was created for a high-end market.

"A modern take on the traditional English club chair, the chair is made of moulded plywood and leather upholstery. Its construction entails 47 different steps, many done by hand. Since its release 70 years ago, the chair has been in continuous production by Herman Miller in the United States. Vitra produces the chair for the European and Middle Eastern markets."

PH 5 Pendant Lamp, by Poul Henningsen, 1958

"Designer Poul Henningsen created the PH 5 Pendant Lamp in response to a clear problem: Incandescent bulbs had little consistency in terms of size and shape, making it difficult to create fixtures that could minimise glare.

"Henningsen created a three-shade fixture that could accommodate various bulbs and was able to emit soft and evenly distributed light that was glare-free. The fixture became popular in Denmark and beyond, appearing in both public venues and private homes. It has been in continuous production by Danish manufacturer Louis Poulsen since its official release in 1958. "

Tulip Table and Chairs, by Eero Saarinen, 1958

"Architect Eero Saarinen took inspiration from a drop of liquid while designing the Tulip Table and Chairs, which were originally part of a series called the Pedestal Collection. Released in 1958 by Knoll, the pieces featured a single, sculptural base rather than four traditional legs, allowing for more legroom.

"Saarinen reportedly said his designs were a solution to the unpleasant condition found underneath the typical dining set, which is described as an 'ugly, confusing, unrestful world'. Knoll has produced the Tulip collection ever since its arrival nearly 70 years ago."

Egg Chair, by Arne Jacobsen, 1960

"Another iconic chair designed by Arne Jacobsen was The Egg, considered a masterpiece of Scandinavian design. The sculptural chair was created in 1960 as part of Jacobsen's design of the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen.

"It utilised a new technological approach, as it was shaped with a firm foam material rather than steel and wood. Furniture company Fritz Hansen bought the rights to this furniture-construction method in the 1950s, and Jacobsen is considered the first designer to unlock its full potential. The chair has been in continuous production by Fritz Hansen since its launch in 1960."

Arco Floor Lamp, by Achille Castiglioni and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, 1962

"Designed by two Italian brothers – Achille Castiglioni and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni – the Arco Floor Lamp has become a design classic. The lamp features a spun-aluminium reflector, which is attached to an adjustable, curved stem made of stainless steel and a rectangular base made of Carrera marble.

"The lamp can extend nearly seven feet, allowing it to stretch over a couch or table. The designers' idea for the lamp came from a quotidian source: a street light. The lamp has been continuously produced by Italian lighting company Flos since its introduction in 1962."

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