Above: The ‘Compact Sofa’ designed by Charles and Ray Eames and first produced by Herman Miller in 1954. Photo: Herman Miller
Perhaps ‘Compact’ is a bit of an odd name for a sofa that’s still six feet long, but the name refers to the fact that the back can fold down making it easier to ship and move as well as being better suited to spaces of a smaller scale.
Designed by Charles and Ray Eames the Compact sofa started out as a custom built-in sofa they designed for themselves in their home in the Pacific Palisades – a house also known as Case Study House Number 8. Finding the design to be both comfortable and effective they embarked on developing a freestanding version. The resulting sofa was introduced by Herman Miller in 1954 and has been in continuous production since.
The 'Compact Sofa' designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1954. Click on image for full view
Moving away from the bigger, plusher, traditional design for a sofa resulted in a piece well-suited to smaller rooms yet still maintains a high level of comfort. It’s open and airy design works well for both home and office environments with many being used in the more nicely appointed lobbies throughout the world. The Compact sofa is one of Charles and Rays Eames’ most successful and enduring designs (one of many) and is considered today an icon of American Modernism.
The 'Compact Sofa' introduced in 1954 and in continuous production since. Click on image for full view
Early promotional image for the ‘Compact Sofa’ designed by Charles and Ray Eames and first produced by Herman Miller in 1954. Photo: The Eames Foundation
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