From timeless classics to contemporary statements, we reveal the iconic pieces that have defined a quarter-century of authentic design.
Thank you for shaping our list of Top 25 design icons
As we mark 25 years of Living Edge, we reflect on the timeless appeal and distinct character of authentic design, celebrating the pieces that continue to inspire and endure. Guided by the votes of our community of architects, designers and design enthusiasts, we reveal the top 25 Living Edge pieces that have defined the contemporary design landscape, each a testament to the craft, innovation and thoughtful design intent that shape the spaces around us.
25
Knoll Saarinen Dining Table
Eero Saarinen’s Tulip Table reimagines the dining table with a single, elegant pedestal base, eliminating the clutter of multiple legs. A sculptural classic that continues to define modern interiors.
24
BassamFellows Daybed
Crafted in solid timber, down-filled cushions are paired with dense foam to balance comfort and structure. A detachable headrest adds versatility, making it as functional as it is sculptural.
23
Herman Miller Airia Desk
Designed by designed by Ayako Takase and Cutter Hutton, the Airia Desk balances sculptural form with intuitive function with cord management, storage drawers and a durable work surface.
22
Vitra Panton Chair
Danish designer Verner Panton created the Panton chair as a one-piece, stackable plastic chair, its fluid silhouette and vivid colours emblematic of Pop-era design.
21
Knoll Womb Chair
Eero Saarinen designed the groundbreaking Womb Chair at Florence Knoll's request for "a chair that was like a basket full of pillows—something she could really curl up in."
20
Knoll Barcelona Daybed
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe designed the piece for the 1929 German Pavilion in Barcelona, featuring a polished chrome frame and individually welted leather cushions.
19
Oluce Atollo Lamp
Designed in 1977 by Vico Magistretti, Atollo has become the archetype of the table lamp, winning the Compasso d’Oro in 1979 and completely revolutionising the way we imagine the classic bedside lamp.
18
Herman Miller Eames Moulded Plastic Chair
Charles and Ray Eames’ moulded plastic chair was designed on principles of adaptability and ergonomics, offering a lightweight form available in a range of vibrant colours.
“Iconic design is timeless, simple, and instantly recognisable, uniting form and function to inspire emotion, tell a story, and leave a lasting impression.”
17
Vitra Eames La Chaise
Inspired by the 'Floating Figure' sculpture by Gaston Lachaise, Charles and Ray Eames designed the elegant lounge chair for a competition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1948.
16
Vitra Eames Elephant
Following years of developing techniques for shaping plywood, Charles and Ray Eames created the @Vitra Eames Elephant for their daughter, Lucia, functioning as both a decorative object and a children’s toy.
15
Gufram Cactus
Italian designers Guido Drocco and Franco Mello imagined the Gufram Cactus in 1972 as an oversized, playful coat stand, with its colour cyclically reinterpreted according to the style of the moment.
14
Herman Miller Eames Turned Stool
Crafted to last a lifetime - and the next. The Eames Turned Stool is a sculptural, versatile piece of American design history, destined to be passed down through generations.
13
Flos Taccia
Designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, the lamp uses a blown-glass reflector atop a flared stem to direct light, available in anodised matte black or sandblasted natural finishes.
12
Knoll Barcelona Chair
Meticulously handcrafted with a polished chrome frame and individual leather panels cut, sewn, and tufted by hand, the Barcelona Chair reflects an extraordinary level of attention to detail.
11
Flos Snoopy Table Lamp
The playful personas of the Castiglioni brothers are evident in their Snoopy design, named after the beloved cartoon character and featuring a distinctive, light-hearted shape.
10
Herman Miller Eames Hang-It-All
Designed by Ray and Charles Eames to bring playful functionality to a household staple, featuring a powder-coated steel frame topped with colourful solid wood spheres.
“Iconic design transcends trends — it’s timeless, functional, and emotionally resonant. It tells a story, inspires connection, and effortlessly enhances how we live and feel.”
9
Knoll Wassily Chair
Inspired by the tubular steel of a bicycle frame, Marcel Breuer broke new ground by pairing seamless steel with taut leather straps creating a chair that was visually light yet structurally bold.
8
Vitra Eames House Bird
A minimalist wooden sculpture by Charles and Ray Eames, designed as a decorative object for their own home.
7
Brionvega Radiofonografo
More than six decades after its original release by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, the Brionvega Radiofonografo is a multifunctional piece, incorporating a turntable, AM/FM radio and speaker system.
6
Flos Arco Floor Lamp
Since its introduction in 1962, Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni’s floor lamp has remained in production, with its Carrara marble base fitted with a practical lift hole for easy placement.
5
Herman Miller Nelson Bubble Pendants
Designed by George Nelson in 1952, these elegant fixtures are fashioned from a sturdy, lightweight steel frame yet have a delicate, floating quality.
4
Vitra Noguchi Coffee Table
The fluid, interlocking wooden base supports a thick glass top that appears to float above it, creating a visual interplay of weight and transparency that feels both grounded and airy.
3
Herman Miller Aeron Chair
Engineered in a first-time seating collaboration between American designers Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick, the Aeron features a mesh seat and adjustable frame that adapts to a wide range of bodies.
“To me, iconic design transcends trends - it’s memorable, meaningful, and perfectly balanced between form and function, leaving a lasting mark on culture and imagination.”
2
Herman Miller Eames Moulded Plywood Lounge Chair LCW
Description
1
Herman Miller Eames Lounge and Ottoman
A modern take on the 19th-century club chair which redefined luxury seating by blending moulded plywood, premium leather and impeccable craftsmanship into a timeless modern classic.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our 25 Years, 25 Icons campaign.