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
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
Dieter Rams Lounge Chair and Ottoman Model 602 by Vitsoe for Restoration
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
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
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 + 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
1980s Vintage Dieter Rams for Vitsoe 620 Red Leather and Black Lounge Chair
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
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
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
$4,500 / set
H 26.5 in W 30 in D 32 in
Mid-Century Modern Barrel Back Swivel Club Chairs or Lounge Chairs Walnut Base
By Milo Baughman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A super comfy matching pair of barrel back lounge chairs circa 1960's. These feature swiveling walnut base with blue fabric. Fabric is old and should be replaced.
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of Eugen Schmidt Soloform Lounge Chairs, Cognac Leather
By Finn Juhl, Eugen Schmidt
Located in Miami, FL
Very rare chairs! Great form, steel legs with teak tips. Original leather is distressed. One chair has the original ES Soloform label.
Steel
Masculo Lounge Chair, Swivel Base
By Gubi
Located in Berkeley, CA
Designed by the design duo GamFratesi, the Masculo lounge chair is characterized by the contradiction between Scandinavian elegance and Italian dy...
Metal
$9,995 / set
H 29 in W 31 in D 35 in
Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Black Leather Swivel Barrel Lounge Chairs by Preview
By Preview
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Offering one of our recent Palm Beach Estate fine furniture acquisitions of a Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern black leather swivel barrel lounge chairs by Preview Spectacularly designed chairs with a style that will never go out of fashion and made of very high-grade leather which will last many lifetimes. They swivel from side to side and will return to their original start position automatically. Preview Furniture Company...
Leather
Edward Wormley Model 5701 Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Highland, IN
This spectacular design by Ed Wormley from his Janus collection for Dunbar, the model 5701 lounge chair and ottoman is a generous chair with a relaxing, deep seat and sumptuous cushi...
Upholstery, Mahogany
$3,500
H 41 in W 23.5 in D 62 in
Mid Century Scandinavian Modern Black Leather & Chrome Base Chaise Lounge Chair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek, simple modern lounge probably Scandinavian circa 1990's. It features fine black leather with large chrome X base. Very good condition and ready for use.
Chrome
Classic Eames Swiveling Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Charles Eames
Located in Tinton Falls, NJ
A most recognizable piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture, the Eames Lounge Chair w/ Ottoman was conceived/crafted by Charles and Ray Eames and remains one of the most significant an...
Steel
$2,900 / set
H 39.5 in W 31.75 in D 36 in
Sven Ivar Dysthe Model 7001H Rosewood Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Sven Ivar Dysthe, Dokka Mobler
Located in Lutz, FL
An uncommon High Back Rosewood and Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman set designed by Sven Ivar Dysthe for Dokka Mobler Norway. A well documented design however as no tags are present....
Metal
Folke Ohlsson Model 71-C Teak Lounge Chair w/ Ottoman for Dux
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Upholstery, Foam, Teak
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
Leather Lounge Chair & Ottoman by HENREDON
By Henredon
Located in Lake Worth, FL
For FULL item description click on More Details below. Shipping Quote Information The shipping quote stated in the listing was from 1st Dibs and they normally set all the costs and handle all the shipping details. However, if you let us know what 1st Dibs is quoting you and give us your zip code, we can sometimes ship it for less and get it to you faster. For a shipping quote, click on "ASK THE SELLER" under the purchase button and provide your zip code. Offering One Of Our Recent Palm Beach Estate Fine Furniture Acquisitions Of A Highly Stylized Top Grain Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Henredon Leather...
Leather, Mahogany
$1,909Sale Price|30% Off
H 35.44 in W 31.5 in D 29.53 in
Leather Reclining Swivel Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Tetrad, England circa 1970
By Tetrad
Located in London, GB
Leather reclining swivel lounge chair with ottoman by Tetrad, England, circa 1970. Very good vintage condition consistent with age. No rips or tears. Tilt and swivel mechanism fully ...
Chrome
Sold
H 25.99 in W 59.85 in D 31.5 in
Dieter Rams Model 620 three Seater Sofa in black Leather For Vitsoe 1980s
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Amazing model 620 three seater sofa in black leather with white outer shell by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, Germany 1980s. The white outer shell is made from a hot-pressed sheet-moulding...
Leather, Fiberglass
Sold
H 27 in W 34 in D 30 in
1960s Model 620 Lounge Chairs designed by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe - a pair
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A pair of lounge chairs in fiberglass and cognac leather. Designed by renowned industrial designer Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, these model 620 chairs are as timeless as they come. When ...
Leather, Fiberglass
Sold
H 25.99 in W 59.85 in D 31.5 in
Dieter Rams Model 620 Two Seater Sofa In Black Leather For Vitsoe, 1980s
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Nice two seater sofa with ottoman in black leather by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe. The black outer shell is made from a hot-pressed sheet-moulding compound, which is similar to, but stron...
Leather, Fiberglass
Sold
H 25.99 in W 59.85 in D 31.5 in
Dieter Rams Model 620 Two Seater Sofa In Black Leather For Vitsoe, 1980s
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Beautiful two seater sofa in black leather by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, Germany 1980s. The white outer shell is made from a hot-pressed sheet-moulding compound, which is similar to, bu...
Leather, Fiberglass
Sold
H 25.99 in W 33.86 in D 33.86 in
Pair Of Dieter Rams Model 620 Armchairs In Black Leather For Vitsoe, 1980s
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Amazing pair of model 620 lounge chairs in black leather with white outer shell by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, Germany 1980s. The white outer shell is made from a hot-pressed sheet-mould...
Leather, Fiberglass
Sold
H 27.56 in W 34.65 in D 31.5 in
Pair Of Dieter Rams Model 620 Lounge Chairs In Black Leather For Vitsoe, 1980s
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Amazing pair of model 620 lounge chairs in black leather by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe. The black outer shell is made from a hot-pressed sheet-moulding compound, which is similar to, but...
Leather, Fiberglass
Sold
H 28.35 in W 33.86 in D 29.93 in
Dieter Rams, 620 Lounge Chair - rare Swivel Base by Vitsœ in black Leather, 1962
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
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
Sold
H 28.35 in W 33.86 in D 29.93 in
Dieter Rams, 620 Lounge Chair - rare Swivel Base by Vitsœ in black Leather, 1962
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
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
Sold
H 28.35 in W 33.86 in D 29.93 in
Dieter Rams, Lounge Chair & Ottoman Rz 620 by Vitsœ, Cream-Coloured Leather 1962
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in Munster, NRW
Lounge Chair & Ottoman from the 620 chair programme, designed by Dieter Rams for Vitsœ, Germany in 1962. the set pictured was purchased around 2000 and has been in the second home since then and has therefore hardly been used - a really very beautiful condition. the haptically extremely pleasant and cream-coloured leather is the best quality you can order from vitsœ. the wheels run smoothly, you sit very comfortably. all parts are individually labelled with vitsœ! this offer includes1x Lounge Chair and its Ottoman, the other pieces of the set can be found in our other offers. The 620 chair programme is a kit of parts that adapts to your changing life. Separate chairs can become a sofa – or vice versa – at any time in the future. 620 has been designed and built to last a lifetime and more. The highest-quality materials have been used at every level to achieve the ideal balance between comfort and longevity. The outer shell is made from a hot-pressed sheet moulding compound, which is similar to, but stronger than fibreglass. The chair base is a traditional coil-sprung structure overlaid with a rubberised-coir pad (a mixture of torn coconut husks...
Leather
Sold
H 35.83 in W 33.86 in D 31.89 in
Dieter Rams Set of 2 Black Leather Lounge Chairs Model-620 for Vitsœ, 1970s
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in The Hague, NL
Black leather lounge chairs designed by Dieter Rams back in 1962 for German manufacturer Vitsœ. Model-620. High-back armchair features swivel legs, black leather upholstery and fib...
Steel
Sold
H 36.25 in W 34 in L 36.25 in
Vintage Dieter Rams Model 620 for Vitsoe Black Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in San Antonio, TX
This vintage lounge chair and ottoman are in overall good condition. Designed by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe. It's the first version of thi...
Leather
Sold
H 35.83 in W 33.86 in L 35.83 in
Dieter Rams Black Leather Lounge Chair Model-620 for Vitsœ, 1970s
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in The Hague, NL
Black leather lounge chair designed by Dieter Rams back in 1962 for German manufacturer Vitsœ. Model-620. High-back armchair features swivel legs, black leather upholstery and fibe...
Steel