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Shop on AmazonThe iconic mid-century pieces, for less
Six design classics that make a room look curated, what to look for in a convincing dupe, and my pick for each.
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The lounge chair
Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, it's the chair that signals "a designer lives here" in any photo. Originals cost several thousand dollars.
What makes a good dupe: Molded plywood shells in a walnut or rosewood tone, real or good-quality faux leather, a five-star swivel base, and the low, reclined tilt. Skip versions that sit upright.
The sculptural coffee table
Isamu Noguchi's 1947 table, a thick glass top resting on two interlocking wood pieces, is the ultimate coffee-table-as-sculpture.
What makes a good dupe: A thick glass top (around 3/4 inch) and a solid wood base, not hollow. A walnut or ebonized finish looks the most like the original.
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Shop on AmazonThe paper lantern lamp
Noguchi's Akari light sculptures, made of washi paper on bamboo ribbing, soften a modern room like nothing else.
What makes a good dupe: Real rice or mulberry paper with irregular ribbing and slim black wire legs. The more handmade it looks, the better.
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Shop on AmazonThe wishbone chair
Hans Wegner's 1949 dining chair, with its steam-bent Y back and woven cord seat, is warm and quietly elegant.
What makes a good dupe: Solid wood (oak or beech), a natural paper-cord seat and a smoothly curved back rail. Avoid painted or plastic-looking finishes.
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Shop on AmazonThe tulip table
Eero Saarinen's 1957 pedestal table cleared away the "slum of legs" under dining tables. It still looks futuristic.
What makes a good dupe: A heavy, weighted base that flares smoothly and a matte marble or marble-look top. A round top in 36 to 48 inches suits most breakfast nooks.
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Shop on AmazonThe sputnik chandelier
The starburst fixture of the late 1950s, inspired by Italian lighting design and the space age, is instant mid-century drama.
What makes a good dupe: A brushed brass or aged gold finish, enough arms to suit the room, and compatibility with a dimmer. Exposed bulbs should be warm, around 2700K.
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