Eames Walnut Stool

By SZInteriors, on October 14th, 2011

If you read my post yesterday, then you’ll know where the inspiration for this one came from!

Charles and Ray Eames…

The dynamic husband and wife duo of design in the twentieth century. Their contributions to the creative world are abundant and varied, but it’s the Eames’ philosophy and outlook on the world that fed the legacy of their ‘look’. Think lean and modern, sleek, sophisticated, simple… think playful and functional. In their words, “the uncommon beauty of common things.” And their success? Developing products that met the overlapping needs of client, society, and designer (read more).

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”You know what looks good can change, but what works works.”

-Ray Eames

And Ray’s design of the walnut stool is a testament to that statement.

In 1960, Ray Eames was asked to design occasional pieces for the lobby of the newly constructed Time-Life Building. At the time this was the tallest building in New York, and in keeping with the architectural phenomenon, Ray drew on her training as a sculptor to design an equally phenomenal occasional piece.

Working with several pieces of solid walnut, turned to create interesting shapes, laminated and pinned together, the walnut stool was born. At first glance they look like abstract chess pieces with the three unique sculptural shapes. But the timeless design is more than visual beauty. It is ultra functional too.

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Each stool stands 15″ h, and if you look closely you’ll see the surface is concave. If you turn the stool over, you’ll find the bottom is also shaped the same. The only difference, the top measures 13″ in diameter and the bottom measures 11″.

So not only can you use either end up, but these stools are versatile extraordinaire and can serve as low tables, display surfaces, or simply objects of art to be admired. Aren’t they exquisite?

I love this photo.

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Everything Eames, and the backdrop, perfect!

How about pairing the stool with the plywood chair?

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They go together like a wine pairing, don’t you think?

Gotta love the poodle.

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But it’s the craftsmanship of the stool that is breathtaking.

These vessels can bring any room to life in the sweep of an eye.

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How can you miss the incredible detail?

And there are times when three is just not a crowd…

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Apparently that’s how Ray felt too. The walnut stools became her favorite seats and were generously scattered throughout the Eames’ home.

Do you think one will do?

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Definitely. One will do.

I think this next little story says it all…

A museum curator once ordered two of these stools for his son and daughter. “Graduation gifts?” he was asked. “No,” he said, “the kids are only five and three. But I want them to have the experience of growing up with something truly good that they can keep all their lives.” (Source)

This is what it means to invest in things that will last… This is what Kelly Deck was talking about!

Are you tempted yet?