subject: 1940s Furniture: A Product of the War's Aftermath [print this page] 1940s Furniture: A Product of the War's Aftermath
The 1940s may have been initially known as the decade when most of the Second World War took place, but it later became known for the 1940s furniture that were developed at that time. It must be said that the war effort was a major influence in the design and manufacturing of this furniture, making interior design during that time indebted to the political landscape.
When the Second World War began, the production of several commodities and domestic products had to be stopped to give way to the manufacturing of war-related goods. Fortunately, furniture designers and manufacturers decided to be resourceful; they utilized the materials and production processes used for wartime commodities to be used for consumer products. Hence, innovative 1940s furniture was born.
There were many different materials used in the creation of 1940s furniture. Metal was a popular choice: people during that time decorated their home with cupboards, patio furniture and cabinets made of metal. Aluminum was also used. Other materials used include wood, fiberglass and rubber.
The 1940s furniture would not be the same without Charles Eames. This furniture design genius became a household name for the amazing pieces he designed and created during the 1940s. His chairs were the most notable to the purchasing public. In 1945, he and his wife created the LCW, or the lounge chair wood. Made from molded and bent birch-faced plywood as well as rubber, this chair was designed with the growing post-war population in mind. It was light and compact, yet sturdy and comfortable.
1940s furniture is proof that things can turn out for the better. The Second World War was indeed devastating, but at least in resulted in something beautiful. The outcome of the global conflict resulted in ingenuity and originality that would give birth to stunning 1940s furniture.
