Blog
MARCEL BREUER AND THE FOUNDATIONS OF MODERN FURNITURE
Few designers have shaped modern furniture as profoundly as Marcel Breuer. A pioneer of modernism, Breuer's work challenged traditional furniture construction by introducing tubular steel, cantilevered forms, and a radical emphasis on function paired with clarity of design.
His furniture remains highly relevant today, celebrated for its structural innovation, material honesty, and timeless aesthetic. At Gabriel Ross, we curate key Marcel Breuer designs that continue to define modern interiors.
CESCA CHAIRS: CANTILEVERED INNOVATION
The Cesca Chair is one of Marcel Breuer's most influential designs. Defined by its cantilevered tubular steel frame and woven seat and back, the Cesca Chair introduced a new way of thinking about seating — lighter, more flexible, and visually open.
Explore the iconic Cesca Chair
For counter-height seating, the Cesca design extends seamlessly into the Cesca Stool, maintaining the same architectural clarity while adapting to dining and kitchen environments.
View the Cesca Stool
The Cesca Armchair adds supportive arms while preserving the chair's signature cantilevered structure, offering enhanced comfort without sacrificing visual lightness.
Discover the Cesca Armchair
WASSILY CHAIR: A MODERNIST ICONOriginally inspired by the frame of a bicycle, the Wassily Chair is one of the earliest examples of tubular steel furniture. Its exposed structure and suspended leather panels exemplify Breuer's belief that furniture should reflect modern industrial materials and methods.
The Wassily Chair remains a statement piece, equally at home in living spaces, offices, and design-forward interiors.
Explore the Wassily Chair
MB LOUNGE CHAIR: SCULPTURAL COMFORTThe MB Lounge Chair showcases a softer, more sculptural side of Breuer's work while remaining grounded in modernist principles. With its enveloping form and thoughtful proportions, the MB Lounge Chair offers comfort alongside visual impact.
Explore MB Lounge Chair
LACCIO TABLES: FUNCTIONAL GEOMETRY
The Laccio Tables demonstrate Marcel Breuer's mastery of proportion and geometry. Designed to complement his seating collections, these tables feature clean lines, tubular steel bases, and restrained surfaces that integrate effortlessly into modern spaces.
The Laccio Coffee Table offers a low-profile surface ideal for living areas, balancing functionality with understated elegance.
View the Marcel Breuer Laccio Coffee Table
The Laccio Side Table provides the same design language in a more compact format, making it well suited to lounge seating, bedrooms, and reading areas.
Discover the Marcel Breuer Laccio Side Table
WHY MARCEL BREUER'S DESIGNS ENDUREMarcel Breuer's furniture continues to resonate because it:
Introduced groundbreaking use of tubular steel Prioritized structure, function, and material honesty Maintains relevance across decades of changing interiorsThese designs are not only historically significant but remain practical, comfortable, and visually compelling today.
EXPLORE MARCEL BREUER AT GABRIEL ROSSFrom cantilevered chairs to iconic lounge seating and refined tables, Marcel Breuer's designs represent the foundations of modern furniture.
Explore the curated selection of Marcel Breuer furniture at Gabriel Ross
MODERN STORAGE SOLUTIONS
VITRA ACCESSORIES – ICONIC DESIGN OBJECTS THAT MAKE MEMORABLE GIFTS
When you're looking for a gift that goes beyond ordinary, one that blends design history, craftsmanship and playful character, the Vitra Accessories collection stands out. Whether it's an iconic elephant, mid-century clocks, decorative pendants by Girard or quirky wooden dolls — these pieces are not just decorative, they tell a story. Explore the full collection here: Vitra accessories brand page.
WHY VITRA ACCESSORIES MAKE IDEAL GIFTS
Design heritage meets everyday dwelling — Vitra accessories feature objects from 20th-century designers such as Charles & Ray Eames, George Nelson and Alexander Girard. The collection offers a way to bring a piece of design history into homes.
Functional and decorative — Many items serve a purpose (e.g., clocks) while still working as sculptural objects.
Giftable scale — Accessories are typically smaller and more affordable than large furniture pieces, making them accessible yet still premium.
Conversation-starters — Each object has a story or design idea behind it. Giving one means offering more than an object: you're gifting a narrative.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT GIFTConsider the space: Are they into minimalism? Go for the bird or a clean clock. Do they enjoy colour and play? Wooden dolls or Girard ornaments might resonate.
Think about functionality: A clock gives utility plus style. An elephant or bird is more purely decorative.
Scale and placement: Accessories work well on shelves, side tables, desks or walls. Choose size accordingly.
Story value: Sharing the designer's background or the origin of the piece adds value — make it part of the gift.
Mix and match: If budget allows, combining two items (e.g., a wooden doll + Girard ornament) can create a themed gift set for the design-lover.
SPOTLIGHT ITEMS AND WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL L'OiseauL'Oiseau evokes folk-art roots and minimalist abstraction. It's a subtle nod to design fans and an elegant object that sits beautifully on a shelf or desk.
Wooden DollsCreated by Alexander Girard in the 1950s, Vitra Wooden Dolls are whimsical, hand-painted characters rooted in folk art and mid-century design. Each one has personality and charm, offering a unique gift option for those who appreciate design that's both art and humour.
Eames ElephantThe sculptural Eames Elephant is a celebration of form, material and whimsy. Originally conceived by the Eameses as a plywood experiment, it has since become a collectible rather than merely a toy.
It's perfect as a gift for someone who appreciates playful design with serious craft.
Clocks by George NelsonGeorge Nelson clocks are excellent gifts for people who appreciate timeless style and want a statement piece for their home.
Girard OrnamentsDecorative metal pendants designed by Alexander Girard (motifs like Heart, Sun, Moon, Dove, Mouse) combine graphic playfulness and elegance.
FINAL THOUGHTSThe Vitra Accessories collection offers a rich range of objects that blend design prestige, craftsmanship, and gifting appeal. Whether you select the Elephant for its sculptural presence, the L'Oiseau for its elegant simplicity, one of the Nelson clocks to anchor a living space, a Girard ornament for whimsical accent, or a Wooden Doll full of character — you'll be giving more than a gift. You'll be giving a piece of design history.
Shop all Vitra
ST. GENEVE LUXURY BEDDING AND HOME TEXTILES
LOUIS POULSEN VL RING CROWN LAMPS – TIMELESS DANISH LIGHTING ICONS | GR SHOP
ANGLEPOISE 90 MINI MINI VIVID COLLECTION
In-Stock Gifts for the Modern Home
Best Design-Savvy Gifts
Louis Poulsen Portable Lamps: Timeless Design Meets Modern Functionality
