The concept of "modularity" wasn't in the popular lexicon when Charles and Ray Eames designed their innovative Storage Units (1950) that can be configured to fit a space or need. Suitable for office and residential use, these units were designed as storage and display spaces, with two color schemes. The design resulted from work the Eameses did for a 1949 exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts, and the molded plywood and wire supports echo other items designed by the Eameses, such as their wire base tables and chairs. The "multi" color scheme includes birch fronts and a blue side panel. The "natural" color scheme includes birch fronts and a tan side panel. The shelves in both color schemes are black. The nylon glides are easy on floors.

Materials:

Zinc-coated steel supports and perforated panels; nylon foot glides; dimpled plywood cabinet fronts; molded plywood drawer fronts and shelves; painted hardboard case sides and back panels. 

 image credit:  Narisa

 A product introduced before its time, the Eames Desk Unit is emblematic of the grace and vision Charles and Ray Eames used in solving home furnishing problems.

A result of work they had done for a 1949 exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts, Eames Desk Units and Storage Units reveal the "machine aesthetic" and Japanese influences important to the Eameses at the time. Long before "modularity" and "high tech" entered the language, Charles and Ray combined standardized parts in many ways to create practical furnishings that suit a variety of uses at home and the office.

The wire cross supports used in Eames Desk Units echo other classic Eames designs, including Eames Storage Units, wire chairs, and wire-base tables.

 Dimensions:

 H 29" W 60" D 28"

Materials:

Plywood; painted hardboard sides and panels; zinc-coated steel; nylon glides.