By Lynn Byrne.  Much of the furniture that people today consider “contemporary” was designed more than 50 years ago, and in many cases, more than 80 years ago.  Take a look:

Marcel Breuer table and chair, 1928-1929.

Marcel Breuer Wassily chair, 1926. Le Corbusier chaise, 1928.

Le Corbusier Gran Comfort chair and sofa, 1928.  

George Nelson platform bench, 1946.

Harry Bertoia Diamond chair,  1950-1952.

Charles and Ray Eames plywood chair, 1945.  

Charles and Ray Eames, Eiffel Tower base chair, 1948-1950.  

George Nelson Marshmallow Sofa, with Jacob’s Coat textile by Alexander Girard,1956.  

Eero Saarinen Womb series, 1947-1948.

Hard to be “au courant” these days, isn’t it?

All photos from Taschen’s Design of the 20th Century.