German industrial designer Dieter Rams is revered for the pared-down, intuitive electronics and consumer goods he created for Braun — where he worked from 1955 to 1997, most of that time as chief design officer — and his timeless furniture for Vitsœ, a company with which he continues to collaborate today.
Less well known are Rams’s longstanding focus on sustainability and uneasy relationship with contemporary technology, even as Silicon Valley designers like Apple’s Jonathan Ive follow in his rational footsteps.
During Germany’s postwar rebuilding period, Rams and his team of designers at Braun, inspired by the Bauhaus and the Ulm School of Design, focused on extreme simplicity and usability while conceiving products with a modern, forward-looking appearance.
Among Rams’s most iconic designs is the SK 4 phonograph and radio, created in 1956, which had a compact white metal case topped by a revolutionary-at-the-time transparent Plexiglas lid that revealed simple gray controls inside (it was nicknamed Snow White’s Coffin). But it is the T3 portable radio, from 1958, that gets design aficionados most excited today: A white rectangular box with a perforated square for the speaker and a circular-dial control, it bears an unmistakable resemblance to Apple’s original iPod. (Many people also note that the iPhone’s calculator app looks remarkably similar to the Braun ET 66 calculator, with its circular color-coded buttons.)
In the late 1970s, Rams laid out his widely studied 10 principles for good design: It is innovative, makes a product useful, is aesthetic, makes a product understandable, is unobtrusive, is honest, is long lasting, is thorough down to the last detail, is environmentally friendly and is as little design as possible.
One of Rams’s principles that hasn’t translated to our contemporary era is his emphasis on longevity. “The time of thoughtless design and thoughtless consumption is over,” he said in 1976, stressing the need to conserve natural resources — even as he was busy designing plastic products.
Rams has also expressed reservations about how electronics have evolved in recent decades from tools for improving life to time-sucking obsessions. “Every time he crosses a street and sees people glued to their phones, he just can’t conceive of how we got to this point,” says filmmaker Gary Hustwit, whose feature-length documentary on Rams debuted in 2018. “I think he’s a little bit saddened by all this work they did in the fifties and sixties, which had a very idealistic point of view, being a stepping stone to where we are now, and the current lust for technology.”
If digital devices sometimes seem to be making life more complicated, Rams’s precept remains the same as always: “Back to purity, back to simplicity.”
Find vintage Dieter Rams furniture on 1stDibs.
Dieter Rams RZ 62 High-back chair from the chair program 620
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in Den Haag, NL
This beautiful high back chair from the 620 range was designed by Dieter Rams. for Vitsoe in the 1960s It has a black shell made of fiberglass reinforced plastic. It is covered with ...
Leather
Braun Audio wall mounted audio system designed by Dieter Rams
By Dieter Rams, Braun
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Braun wall mounted audio system designed by Dieter Rams for Braun, 1960's/70's. Equip with Braun Audio 300/310, L46 wall speakers, and vintage Vitsoe shelf/e-tracks. Everything incl...
Metal, Aluminum
Braun SK 61 Phonosuper Radiogram by Dieter Rams & Hans Gugelot, Germany, c. 1962
By Hans Gugelot, Dieter Rams, Braun
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Braun SK 61 Phonosuper Radiogram by Dieter Rams & Hans Gugelot, Germany, c. 1962 A rare and iconic Braun SK 61 Phonosuper Radiogram, designed by Dieter Ra...
Metal, Aluminum, Enamel
Sofa 620 by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in Vienna, AT
Design Dieter Rams from 1962. Produced by Vitsoe Model 620 Two seat modular sofa which can be on request extended to 5 seat, price for the additional segment is 3300usd. Frame made o...
Velvet, Plastic
Hight Back Swivel Easy Chairs 620 by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in Vienna, AT
Designed by Dieter Rams in 1962. Produced by Vitsoe Model 620 Modular system. Frame made of grey-white lacquered, glass fibre reinforced plastic on a swivel base. Seat cushion and ba...
Velvet, Plastic
Dieter Rams for Braun Black Wall Mount Stereo System "Wandanlage"
By Dieter Rams
Located in Seattle, WA
The wall-mounted system is one of the most sought-after hi-fi systems from the 1960s. The combination of the amplifier with radio, reel-to-reel machine, matching speakers, and the re...
Metal, Aluminum
Dieter Rams 620 Lounge Chair Swivel Base by Vitsœ black Leather 1962 Mid Century
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in Munster, NRW
Lounge Chair from the chair program 620, designed by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, Germany in 1962. The pictured lounge chair was purchased around 2000 and has since been in the second ho...
Leather
Mid-Century Lounge Sofa or Couch by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, German Design, 1960s
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: Sofa: 218 × 75 × 69 × 42 cm (85.8" × 29.5" × 27.2" × 16.5") Width × Depth × Height × Seat Height This original mid-century sofa was designed by Dieter Rams in the 1960s ...
Upholstery, Fiberglass, Suede
606 Shelving system, Dieter Rams for Vitsœ
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in Neuss, NW
Modular 606 shelving system by Dieter Rams for Vitsœ from the 1960s. High-quality construction consisting of two aluminium E Tracks, four shelves and one container with up and over d...
Aluminum
Pair of Dieter Rams for Vitsoe 620 High Back Lounge Chairs, Cognac Leather 1962
By Niels Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Dieter Rams for Vitsoe 620 High Back Lounge Chairs in Cognac Leather, 1962 A classic example of Dieter Rams’ modernist design ethos, this pair of Model 620 lounge chairs feat...
Stainless Steel
Dieter Rams Lounge Chair and Ottoman Model 602 by Vitsoe for Restoration
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in München, BY
Very elegant Dieter Rams Lounge Chair with high backrest and Ottoman of the RZ 60 601/602 armchair range. This Model 602 was designed in 1961 and executed by Vitsoe. Chair and ottoma...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern RZ62 Sofa Set by Dieter Rams For Vitsoe, 1962
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in Rosendahl, DE
For sale is a seating group consisting of a three-seater sofa, a lounge chair, and a rare stool, designed by Dieter Rams in 1962 and produced by Vitsœ. Part of the modular 620 seat...
Fabric, Fiberglass, Down
Plexiglas Stands from Braun Electric by Dieter Rams, 1960s Germany
By Braun, Dieter Rams
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
The buyer of this set gets the four alarm clocks for free. Most go, but are just free of charge and not to complain :). Thanks.
Acrylic
BRAUN "RT 20", Tischradio, Dieter Rams
By Braun, Dieter Rams
Located in Neuss, NW
Design classic RT 20 by Dieter Rams for BRAUN from 1961. Table radio with veneered wooden corpus in ash and grey lacquered metal front. Made in Germany. The front has been repainted...
Wood
Space Age Vintage Authentic Plastic Lounge Chair Dieter Rams 1960s Germany
By Dieter Rams
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age vintage authentic lounge chair from plastic and leather in brown and ivory color tone by Dieter Rams, 1960s Germany. A fantastic and freestanding vintage lounge chair desig...
Ultrasuede, Plastic
Mid-Century Lounge or Armchair by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, German Design, 1960s
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: 86 × 80 × 69 × 42 cm (33.9" × 31.5" × 36.6" x 27.2" × 16.5") Width × Depth × Height × Seat Height This original mid-century armchair was designed by Dieter Rams in the 1...
Upholstery, Fiberglass, Suede
Dieter Rams Lounge Chair + Ottoman Swivel Base by Vitsœ Leather 1962 Minimal
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in Munster, NRW
Lounge Chair + Ottoman from the chair program 620 - designed by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, Germany in 1962. The pictured Lounge Chair and its Ottoman were purchased around 2000 and ha...
Leather
BRAUN Wall system, Dieter Rams, TS45, 1960s, Vintage
By Braun, Dieter Rams
Located in Neuss, NW
Unique wall system by Dieter Rams for Braun & Vitsœ from the 1960s. High-quality construction consisting of five aluminum E-profiles, two shelves, two L450 speakers, a TG60 tape reco...
Metal
Mid-Century Lounge or Armchair by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, German Design, 1960s
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: 86 × 80 × 93 × 42 cm (33.9" × 31.5" × 36.6" × 16.5") Width × Depth × Height × Seat Height This original mid-century armchair was designed by Dieter Rams in the 1960s and...
Suede, Upholstery, Fiberglass
1980s Vintage Dieter Rams for Vitsoe 620 Red Leather and Black Lounge Chair
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 620 Chair, originally designed by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe in 1962. This particular example was produced in the UK and dates back to the 1980s. The chair shells are made from...
Foam, Leather
60s 70s Dieter Rams for Vitsoe Armchair Program 620 Design Couch Fabric
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
60s 70s Dieter Rams for Vitsoe armchair program 620 design couch fabric Object: 2-seater sofa Manufacturer: Vitsoe Condition: good - vintage Age: around 1960-1970 Dime...
Fabric, Plastic
$3,048
606 by Rams for DePadova
By DePadova 1, Dieter Rams
Located in Milano, IT
Designed by the iconic Dieter Rams in 1960 and produced under license by De Padova, this wall-mounted 606 Universal Shelving System drawer unit is a paragon of functionalist purity. ...
Aluminum
$7,525Sale Price|22% Off
DIETER RAMS 1973 Braum Cubism Desk Lighter In 18Kt Yellow Gold And Lapis
By Dieter Rams
Located in Miami, FL
Fabulous desk lighter designed by Dieter Rams for Braum. This is a fabulous ultra-modernist T3 Domino desk lighter, created in West Germany by the architect and designer Dieter Rams...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold
Mid-Century Lounge Sofa or Couch by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, German Design, 1960s
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: Sofa: 218 × 75 × 69 × 42 cm (85.8" × 29.5" × 27.2" × 16.5") Armchair: 86 × 80 × 93 × 42 cm (33.9" × 31.5" × 36.6" × 16.5") Table: 65x 65 x 36 cm (25.6" × 25.6" × 14.2") W...
Suede, Upholstery, Fiberglass
606 wall unit by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, 1960s Germany.
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in Landgraaf, NL
606 wall unit by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, 1960s Germany. The 606 is a well-known modular shelving system that became a benchmark of modernist design. The system is based on a simple a...
Aluminum
60s 70s Dieter Rams for Vitsoe Armchair Program 620 Design Couch Fabric Object
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
60s 70s Dieter Rams for Vitsoe armchair program 620 design couch fabric Object: 2-seater sofa Manufacturer: Vitsoe Condition: good - vintage Age: around 1960-1970 Dime...
Fabric, Plastic
1980s Vintage Dieter Rams for Vitsoe 620 Red Leather and Black Two Seat Settee
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a rare Dieter Rams for Vitsoe 620 two-seater loveseat with gorgeous red leather upholstery and black casing. This is a favorite of ours, ...
Leather
Ship's Porthole Transformed into a Wall Mounted Mirror
Located in Norwell, MA
Authentic aluminum ship's porthole fitted with a mirror. Affixed to a hardwood backboard with a rich dark finish. Quite large. Door can open. Dimensions: 5''H x 37 1/2''W x 32''D We...
Aluminum
$5,080
H 7.09 in W 8.47 in D 12.6 in
Americano Single-Ended, Stereo Amp by Toolshed Amps for Original in Berlin
By Original in Berlin
Located in Berlin, DE
Americano single-ended, Stereo Pentode Amplifier 5 watts per channel Input sensitivity: 1.03v to full output Input impedance: 50K Inputs: 2, switchable by Front Panel Mounted Carling Switch Output: 8 Ohm Via 5-Way Binding Posts Bias: No user adjustment necessary Tube compliment: 6973 power tubes (X2) Other compatible power tubes as follows: 6CM6/6CZ5/6EM5 (Performance Varies), EZ81/6CA4 Rectifier Tube (X1), EF91/6AM6 Driver Tubes (X2) Other compatible driver tubes as follows: M8083/CV4015 (Performance Varies). Original in Berlin...
Copper
1970s 2-Seater Maralunga Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
By Cassina, Vico Magistretti
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Mid-Century Modern Italian "Maralunga" two-seater sofa / armchairs by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. This sofa features the original knitted wool upholstery in ivory. Head /...
Wool
Milo Baughman High Back Chair with Ottoman
By Milo Baughman
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic high back lounge chair with matching ottoman. Designed by Milo Baughman for James Inc, High Point, NC. This chair is very comfortable and stylish at the same time. Beautifu...
Upholstery, Walnut
Danish High Back Leather Lounge Chair, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great Danish high back leather lounge chair in well-aged red leather with down cushions and teak legs.
Leather, Teak
$795Sale Price / set|33% Off
H 15 in W 31.5 in D 11.75 in
Electro Voice EV SP8B Speakers for Poul Cadovius Royal System
By Electro Voice
Located in Littleton, CO
A pair of 1970s Electro Voice EV SP8B speakers in walnut cabinets custom made for the Poul Cadovius Royal System. Cabinets are notched for perfect fit into the vertical rails of th...
Walnut
$18,000
H 28.35 in W 27.96 in D 30.71 in
"La Stringa" by Gae Aulenti for Poltronova Sofa of Two Armchairs 1960s
By Poltronova, Gae Aulenti
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
"Stringa" sofa designed by Gae Aulenti for Poltranova in 1962. A tubular chrome frame holds leather seats on top of felt upholstered cushions. The leather cushions are attached wi...
Chrome
BRAUN "RT 20", Tischradio, Dieter Rams
By Braun, Dieter Rams
Located in Neuss, NW
Design classic RT 20 by Dieter Rams for BRAUN from 1961. Table radio with veneered wooden corpus in ash and grey lacquered metal front. Made in Germany. The front has been repainted...
Wood
"Beosound 3200" & "Beolab 8000" Audio System, Bang Olufsen
By Bang & Olufsen, David Lewis
Located in Neuss, NW
Legendary design classic "BeoSound 3200" designed by David Lewis for Bang & Olufsen in the 1990s. Stereo compact system with CD player, remote control, stand with glass table top, an...
Metal
$6,570
H 29.53 in W 20.08 in D 23.23 in
Easy Chair by Pierre Jeanneret for Chandigarh, India, Circa 1955-56
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Tokyo, JP
An authentic mid-century piece from Pierre Jeanneret’s legendary Chandigarh commission. Teak frame with hand-woven bamboo-rattan seat & back. Letter : P.S.A./CH/149 (Punjab Secretar...
Cane, Teak
$6,570
H 29.53 in W 20.08 in D 23.23 in
Easy Chair by Pierre Jeanneret for Chandigarh, India, Circa 1955-56
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Tokyo, JP
An authentic mid-century piece from Pierre Jeanneret’s legendary Chandigarh commission. Teak frame with hand-woven bamboo-rattan seat & back. Letter : P.S.A./CH/178 (Punjab Secretar...
Cane, Teak
1930's Bobbin easy chair - High back
Located in BE
This distinctive vintage bobbin chair originates from France and dates to the interwar period, The design is defined by its sculptural turned ele...
Rush
Dieter Rams 606 Series Floating Credenza for Vitsoe, 1960s Design
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare, iconic "606 Series" unit, designed by the legendary Dieter Rams in his signature minimalist style for Vitsoe, is a wall mounted floating credenza, consisting of two out o...
Metal
Braun PC3 Record Player by Wilhelm Wagenfeld and Dieter Rams
By Braun, Dieter Rams, Wilhelm Wagenfeld
Located in Vienna, AT
Record player Braun Pc3 Design in Germany in 1950s by Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Dieter Rams for Max Braun AG, Frankfurt a. M., Fully restored by a Brun specialist.
Steel
Dieter Rams Wall unit for Vitsoe, 1970's
By Dieter Rams
Located in LYON, FR
The 606 universal shelving system is truly timeless. The bookcase is made of black satin laminate. Each element, whether a shelf or module, is screwed to aluminum plates that hold ...
Aluminum
Sold
H 27.56 in W 59.85 in D 29.93 in
DIETER RAMS for Vitsoe. black on black Sofa / two-seater 'RZ 62', 1960s
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in The Hague, NL
This elegant low-back two-seat sofa from the iconic 620 range was designed by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe in the 1960s. Exemplifying Rams’ timeless principles of clarity and functionality...
Leather, Fiberglass, Wood
Dieter Rams Black '606' Wall Mount Shelving Unit for Vitsoe
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large, wall-mounted '606' shelving system by visionary German designer Dieter Rams for Vitsoe. This legendary system is known for its timeless minimalism and flawless functionality...
Aluminum
Dieter Rams Wall Mount 606 Shelving Unit for Vitsoe in Black
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large black "606" wall mount shelving system by the incomparable and highly influential Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, Germany. Stunning, timeless design features black laminate shelves wit...
Aluminum
Sold
H 78.75 in W 72.05 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Black Shelf System 2 By Dieter Rams Vitsoe, Model 606, 1960s
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in Rosendahl, DE
The modular shelving system "606", designed by Dieter Rams in 1960 and manufactured by Vitsœ. This iconic design is in good vintage condition with light, age-appropriate signs of wea...
Aluminum
Sold
H 78.75 in W 72.05 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Black Shelf System By Dieter Rams Vitsoe, Model 606, 1960s
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in Rosendahl, DE
The modular shelving system "606", designed by Dieter Rams in 1960 and manufactured by Vitsœ. This iconic design is in good vintage condition with light, age-appropriate signs of wea...
Aluminum
Sold
H 9.65 in W 23.04 in D 11.42 in
SK4/1 record player by Dieter Rams and Hans Gugelot for Braun, 1950s Germany.
By Dieter Rams, Hans Gugelot, Braun
Located in Landgraaf, NL
SK4/1 record player by Dieter Rams and Hans Gugelot for Braun, 1950s Germany. In the mid-20th century, the world of domestic audio equipment witnessed a revolutionary transformation with the introduction of the Braun SK...
Metal
Dieter Rams Wandregal 606 Vitsoe Holz schmal Design Bauhaus
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir beiten ein wunderschönes modulares Wandregalsystem von Vitsoe aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt von Dieter Rams, einem der einflussreichsten Möbeldesigner d...
Aluminum
Original Dieter Rams Wandregal 606 Vitsoe Holz Design Bauhaus
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes modulares Wandregalsystem von Vitsoe aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt von Dieter Rams, einem der einflussreichsten Möbeldesigner d...
Aluminum
Original Dieter Rams Wandregal 606 Vitsoe weiß Design Bauhaus
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes modulares Wandregalsystem von Vitsoe aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt von Dieter Rams, einem der einflussreichsten Möbeldesigner d...
Aluminum