Eames© Molded Plywood Coffee Table from Herman Miller©, Wood Base

Formed through Charles and Ray Eames’s breakthrough technique of molding lightweight plywood veneer into gently curved shapes, this coffee table makes a strikingly simple centerpiece for any space. With a white ash veneer, round, slightly indented top, and sweeping wood legs, it’s an elegant example of early Eames design, a variant of which is included in MoMA’s collection. Like many designs by the duo, this piece is the result of a philosophy that views design as an ongoing journey of evolution, insight, and delight. For the Eames, everything was a process and an exploration. Produced by Herman Miller®, a manufacturer in MoMA’s collection, from the Eames’s 1946 design. Made in the USA.

Fueled by a passion for addressing everyday human needs and a boundless enthusiasm for experimentation, husband-and-wife design team Charles (1907-1978) and Ray (1912-1988) Eames were among the most influential designers of the twentieth century. Their landmark contributions include furniture, architecture, film, and graphics. They were pioneers in the molding of plywood, which was developed from their experiments and projects for the U.S. Navy during World War II. Their association with the Museum goes back to 1940, with a joint entry with Eero Saarinen in the MoMA competition “Organic Design in Home Furnishings.” Since then, nearly 100 examples of their work have entered the Museum’s design collection.