Form and Function in Furniture

When it comes to objects for everyday use, the modern man should take advantage of existing good designs made by expert artisans. Loos says that the architect should concern himself for the building while the craftsman should worry about the furniture. He never used “modern” furnishings nor styles that were not useful. He preferred the style of a Chippendale and a Hepplewhite, the New Shaped Easy Chair by Hampton & Sons and chairs with wickerwork. He used Liberty and Co. chairs, Biedermeier armchairs and Chesterfield sofas, Turkish-inspired tables, Egyptian stools and oriental rugs. Some of his furniture settings confirm this eclectic view of things, his decidedly postmodern perspective.

“At present we demand from a chair not only that we may rest while sitting on it, but moreover that we may become rested quickly while sitting on it. Time is money. Resting thus had to become a specialised field.”
Adolf Loos

“We are quite happy to let ourselves be physically abused by these pieces of furniture in antique styles. We bash our knees, and etch complete ornaments into our backs. The different handles on our bowls, jugs, and vases have given us in turn Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo calluses on our hands.”
Adolf Loos