Design Spotlight - Burlap
Case Study® Furniture Arm Shell - Burlap - courtesy Modernica
Burlap is a course, woven fabric made from jute plants. It was a popular choice in mid century modern design because it is durable, economical and also because of its simple, clean lines.
Decor and furniture made from this fabric can add texture and warmth to your home.
As proof of burlaps enduring appeal, I recently received a postcard from Modernica featuring their Burlap Case Study chair. This fiberglass chair was designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1948 for The Museum of Modern Art’s International Design Competition that took place in 1950.
These burlap cups are very retro and look cool with their burlap interiors.
Modernica, founded in 1989 and based in Los Angeles, is a furniture company that specializes in reproducing classic mid century modern designs, particularly those by Charles and Ray Eames. Although they are not officially licensed by Eames Office, they can produce the chairs because they acquired the original molds and machinery used to produce them. We have purchased multiple chairs from Modernica.
The chair has a fiberglass shell and a Spyder base made of 16 layer of North American wood. Each chair is different because of the variations in the burlap. Modernica produces both an arm chair and side chair. The process of making a Modernica Burlap Chair involves embedding burlap into the front and back of a fiberglass resin shell. Check out this video Modernica produced for a fascinating look at how they manufacture the chair.
We own several pieces of mcm burlap decor such as glasses and serving trays.
Burlap serving tray and bowls.
While it is pretty easy to find these affordable items at vintage stores, it is a bit harder to find vintage teak and burlap wall art and lamps.
We call this piece Dogwalla. It is a wood llama with a burlap background.
We found this piece at Scout Living located in midtown Sacramento. In this piece the burlap has been dyed.
This vintage Hans Wegner designed lamp is beautiful.
Mid Century teak lamp with burlap lampshade.
Less pricey alternatives are available from West Elm including this vintage inspired lamp.
West Elm Burlap Lamp
If you want to add a bit of texture to your mcm home, consider seeking out new or vintage pieces. We featured our favorite Sacramento area mcm vintage shops in this article.
