Since the late 1950s, Vitra has been manufacturing furniture for small spaces by top-tier designers from Charles and Ray Eames to Frank Gehry. Looking through their catalog, there's a lot to be learned about small-space decorating. And, unlike many other modern furniture manufacturers, they show realistic settings with stacks of books and cluttered desks...
Top: Modular systems (like the Self Shelves) allow for flexible arrangements that can be reconfigured when needed. In this photo, the translucent shelving system is also used as a space divider.
Multi-purpose furniture is important in a small space. The classic Panton Chair (shown at the table) is stackable, can be used indoors or outside, and works as a dining chair or an occasional chair.
Furniture that you can see through makes a room look lighter. The Standard Chair by Jean Prouvé has an open back with slender front legs.
Simple shapes and materials won't overwhelm a small space. This is the Jasper Morrison Cork Family of stools and side tables.
Stackable stools (like the Elephant Stool) have a low profile, but they can provide extra seating or side tables when needed. These also work indoors or outside.
The horizontal lines of the Polder Sofa XS (scaled for a small space) contrasts nicely with the walls of shelves.
One or two large-scale pieces can sometimes have a positive impact in a small space. For instance, these large black-and-white photographs are a nice compliment to the small-scale Organic Chair.
To find a Vitra furniture dealer, click here.
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Love the post! I think I'm going to buy some of these pieces for my new place!
view ekoshyun's profile
I NEED that white credenza!
view Bridget212323's profile
I left one of myElephant Stools outside on the patio for a year, and it is completely ruined from the sun.
I suggest keeping those inside or storing them in a protected place when not in use. I suspect the same is true of the Panton chair, which is made from the same polymer.
Otherwise, my other Elephant Stool is incredibly useful and a wonderful jolt of bright red.
view austinjohn's profile
Good one.
view Gustaf's profile
According to the Vitra site, the Polder sofa is 115" long and 39" deep. How is that small scale?
view Shawn's profile
The polder *xs* is only 89" wide - only 19" wider than a Klippan loveseat. It is however 25x as much as the Klippan.
The white credenza btw is a Prouve reproduction and slightly above $10k
view particlebored's profile
something tells me that the price of the ikea kilppan versus vitra/ jongerius polder sofa is not based on a 19" size difference. i think we all know that other factors come into play - for example innovative design? quality? construction? fabric?
view danae's profile