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MARCEL BREUER AND THE FOUNDATIONS OF MODERN FURNITURE

MARCEL BREUER AND THE FOUNDATIONS OF MODERN FURNITURE

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 ICON

Originally 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 COMFORT

The 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 ENDURE

Marcel 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 interiors

These designs are not only historically significant but remain practical, comfortable, and visually compelling today.

EXPLORE MARCEL BREUER AT GABRIEL ROSS

From 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

MODERN STORAGE SOLUTIONS

MODERN STORAGE SOLUTIONS: DESIGNER PIECES THAT COMBINE FORM AND FUNCTION

In contemporary interiors, storage is about more than organization. Well-designed storage furniture helps define how a space functions while contributing to a clean, cohesive aesthetic. The best modern storage solutions balance flexibility, durability, and visual clarity, adapting seamlessly to evolving needs. At Gabriel Ross, we curate storage designs that combine purposeful engineering with timeless form, offering solutions that work across residential and professional spaces.

Explore our full collection of modern shelving and storage furniture.

MODULAR STORAGE ICONS

Few systems represent modern storage design as clearly as USM. Known for its modular construction and architectural precision, the USM system allows configurations to grow and adapt over time, making it a long-term investment in both form and function.

MOBILE AND FLEXIBLE STORAGE

Adaptable interiors benefit from storage pieces that can move effortlessly between spaces.

The Rotate SC73 Trolley by &Tradition is a compact, cylindrical storage solution designed for versatility. Its rotating form allows it to function as a side table, bar cart, or mobile organizer while maintaining a strong sculptural presence.

CLASSIC STORAGE DESIGNS THAT ENDURE

Some storage designs achieve iconic status by balancing modularity, proportion, and longevity.

The Eames Storage Unit from Herman Miller is a flexible cabinetry system designed to evolve alongside changing needs. Its mix of open and closed compartments supports customized organization while maintaining a distinctly modern aesthetic.

STORAGE WITH SEATING AND MULTI-USE DESIGN

Multi-functional furniture plays a key role in contemporary living, especially in spaces where efficiency and adaptability matter.

The Go Forth Storage Bench by Blu Dot combines concealed storage with integrated seating, making it ideal for entryways, bedrooms, and open-plan interiors where form and function must work together.

WALL AND VERTICAL STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Wall-mounted storage helps maintain openness while offering practical organization.

The Corniches by Vitra act as both storage and sculptural wall elements, allowing everyday objects to be displayed while keeping surfaces clear.

For playful yet highly functional wall organization, the Eames Hang-It-All provides a recognizable design solution for coats, bags, and accessories in entryways, bedrooms, and workspaces.

EXPLORE MODERN STORAGE SOLUTIONS AT GABRIEL ROSS

From modular systems and mobile trolleys to wall-mounted storage and multi-use furniture, modern storage solutions help create interiors that feel intentional and refined.

Explore all storage solutions.

VITRA ACCESSORIES – ICONIC DESIGN OBJECTS THAT MAKE MEMORABLE GIFTS

VITRA ACCESSORIES – ICONIC DESIGN OBJECTS THAT MAKE MEMORABLE GIFTS

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 GIFT

Consider 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'Oiseau

L'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 Dolls

Created 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 Elephant

The 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 Nelson

George Nelson clocks are excellent gifts for people who appreciate timeless style and want a statement piece for their home.

Girard Ornaments

Decorative metal pendants designed by Alexander Girard (motifs like Heart, Sun, Moon, Dove, Mouse) combine graphic playfulness and elegance.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The 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

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Louis Poulsen’s legacy in lighting is one of precision, balance, and timeless beauty — and the VL Ring Crown collection is a perfect embodiment of that philosophy. Originally designed by Danish architect Vilhelm Lauritzen for the Radiohuset Building (the former Danish Broadcasting House) in ...
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