Know like a pro: Charles and Ray Eames


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Design for life: The Eames' had a new perspective after WWII

If modern design has ever been a catalyst for social change, Charles (1907-1978) and Ray (1912-1988, American) Eames probably spearheaded the revolution. The hugely influential couple made use of furniture design to convey the way they understood the world around them.

What are they famous for?

Their scooped fibereglass chairs used mass-production techniques to bring: “The most of the best to the greatest number of people for the least.” Charles and Ray's pieces capture the spirit of global expansion that followed American culture after the Second World War. Up your style stats with a DAR chair from £238. For corporate execs they created the quintessential Eames EA219 office chair, and for the ultimate in chill-out chic, their stylish 1956 Lounge Chair and Ottoman (from £4125) has remained one of the most enviable pieces of 20th century design.

Keep a lookout for…

Everything from children's toys, puzzles, furniture and accessories to films and exhibitions. Their multi-coloured Hang It All coat rack (£155.10) was designed to attract kids and is an iconic addition to any hallway. You'll be reluctant to cover it with winter warmers.

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Colourful balls: the Hang It All

Insider fact

The couple began their design career by making plywood leg splints for the US Navy in the 1940s.

Sentence to drop in at a dinner party?

The Eames House, which the couple designed in Southern California in 1949 to serve as both their home and studio, has been widely regarded as a landmark in mid-20th century modern architecture. Film producer and Eames scholar, Daniel Ostroff, has described it as, “the most important innovation in home design since the tepee”. So there.

Get to know some other icons. Alvar Aalto was also a hugely influential modernist architect, and the Eames' are often compared to British designers Robin and Lucienne Day.

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