Eames Sofa from Herman Miller – 3 Seat

When a sofa is synonymous with its designer, you know it represents the best in modern furnishings. This iconic couch was the final design from Charles and Ray Eames’ studio, completed after Charles’ death (1978). The thoughtful design showcases a rich palette of materials: Seat and back supports of solid walnut hand-finished with gunstock oil, a polished, die-cast aluminum frame and legs, and cushions upholstered in black leather. The cushions’ undersides are nylon-covered to provide ventilation. For any well-appointed lounge or office, it’s a luxurious place to settle in and relax. Made in the USA by Herman Miller®, a manufacturer in MoMA’s collection.

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.