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 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 + Ottoman Swivel Base by Vitsœ Leather 1962 Minimal
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
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
1970s Vintage 620 Leather 2-Seater Sofa by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
Located in Wesseling, DE
Iconic timeless design: 2-Seater sofa model 620 by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, circa 1970/1980s. The black hand-lacquered shell is made from hot-pressed sheet molding compound, similar ...
Leather
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
$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
Three-Seater Sofa for Mobilgirgi by Mario Marenco, 1970s
By Mobil Girgi, Mario Marenco
Located in Roma, IT
Outstanding three-seater sofa designed by Mario Marenco for Mobilgirgi in 1970s. Walnut and leather. Original upholstery in excellent condition.
Leather, Wood
Vintage Montana Leather Sofa 3-Seater by Ekornes, 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
Norway looked at the sofa and decided it wasn't doing enough. The result was the Montana: a solid teak frame, clean Scandinavian lines, and cushions so well engineered that "Stressle...
Leather, Teak
$1,500
H 40 in W 32 in D 21 in
Vintage Ekornes Stressless Brown Leather Reclining Swivel Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Ekornes
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Ekornes Stressless Brown Leather Reclining Swivel Lounge Chair & Ottoman....
Leather
$4,285 / set
H 40.56 in W 23.63 in D 26.78 in
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
$1,894Sale 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
$3,450
H 28 in W 81 in D 36.5 in
1980s Cognac Leather Piumotto 3 Seat Sofa by Arrigo Arrigoni for Busnelli 1980s
By Busnelli, Arrigo Arrigoni
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cognac leather Piumotto 3S sofa designed by Italian architect Arrigo Arrigoni for Busnelli in the 1980s. Three generously scaled back cushions sit above three deep seat cushions, all...
Leather
$6,171
H 28.35 in W 65.36 in D 15.36 in
"Maralunga" Two Seater Blue Leather Sofa by Vico Magistretti for Cassina, 1970s
By Vico Magistretti, Cassina
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage "Maralunga" Two Seater Blue Leather Sofa realized by Vico Magistretti for Cassina in 1970s. Adjustable headrests. Cassina label and mark o...
Metal
$11,370 / set
H 35.83 in W 33.86 in D 33.86 in
Bwana Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Finn Juhl, Black Leather, 1962
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaanderen
This stunning 'Bwana' lounge chair and ottoman is designed by Finn Juhl in 1962 for France & Son. Known for its sleek lines and elegant design, this chair is a perfect example of...
Leather, Teak
1970s Danish Brown Leather 3-Seater Sofa
Located in Praha, CZ
- good/very good condition with minor signs of use - sturdy and stable.
Leather
$4,799 / set
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 Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Iconic pair of model 620 lounge chairs in black leather with black outer shell by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe, Germany 1980s. The black outer shell is made from a hot-pressed sheet-mould...
Leather, Fiberglass
Sofa 620 by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe
By Dieter Rams, Vitsoe
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...
Plastic, Velvet
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
Original Dieter Rams Zweisitzer Sofa Vitsoe RZ 620 Bauhaus
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Zweisitzer von Vitsoe aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt von Dieter Rams, einem der bekanntesten Designer der Bauhaus Epoche und w...
Leather, Fiberglass
Dieter Rams RZ 62 Two seat Sofa from the chair program 620
By Castelijn, Dieter Rams
Located in Den Haag, NL
This beathiful low back two seat Sofa 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 cover...
Leather
1st Gen Dieter Rams RZ620 Sofa for Vitsoe 1962
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in Aachen, NW
This timeless iconic sofa was made in the early 60s by Vitsoe and designed by Dieter Rams. The sofa comes from the iconic RZ620 series and is a first generation example. The sofa is upholstered in an amazing super smooth Mid Brown leather and comes with a fantastic patina. The cushions are filled with duck feathers. Overall the piece is in a good condition with some kinds of useage. The sofa features a wonderful warm Mid Brown colour. Absolutely stunning and timeless piece made from the highest quality. Worldwide shipping is possible! Please ask before purchase for a shipping quote if you are based outside of Europe. You have more questions?! Feel free to send us a message and we will try our best to help. We have many years of experience in logistics and shipping will be done neatly and with clear communication. Your dream sofa...
Leather
Sold
H 25.99 in W 86.62 in D 27.56 in
Lounge sofa by Dieter Rams for Wolfgang Feierbach Vitsoe RZ62, Germany 1962
By Dieter Rams
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Amazing lounge sofa designed by Dieter Rams upholstered with cowhides. This sofa is in excellent condition.
Cowhide, Polyester
Sold
H 27.56 in W 59.85 in D 31.5 in
Dieter Rams Model 620 Two Seater Sofa In Black Leather For Vitsoe, 1980s
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Nice two seater sofa 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 stronger than fibe...
Leather, Fiberglass
Sold
H 27.56 in W 85.83 in D 31.11 in
Dieter Rams Black Leather Model 620 3-Seater Sofa For Vitsoe 1980s
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Nice three seater sofa 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 stronger than fi...
Leather, Fiberglass
Dieter Rams two seater sofa for Vitsoe, Germany 1980s
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Amazing model 620 two seater sofa in cognac alcantara upholstery and white frame, designed by Dieter Rams in 1962 for German manufacturer Vitsœ. The shells are made of A hot-pressed sheet moulding compound that sits on six chromed wheels. This design is a stunning and highly comfortable edition to any space! PS: We have two more matching lowback sofas in stock...
Fiberglass
Dieter Rams Two Seater Sofas for Vitsoe, Germany, 1980s
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Amazing model 620 two seater sofa, in cognac alcantara fabric and white frame, designed by Dieter Rams in 1962 for German manufacturer Vitsœ. The shells are made of A hot-pressed she...
Fiberglass
Sold
H 27.56 in W 59.85 in D 31.5 in
Dieter Rams 620 Sofa and Lounge Chairs in Black Leather for Vitsoe, 1980s
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Amazing set of model 620 lounge chairs and sofa in black leather and white frames, designed by Dieter Rams in 1962 for German manufacturer Vitsœ. The ...
Leather
Sold
H 27.56 in W 85.83 in D 31.11 in
Dieter Rams Cognac Leather Model 620 3-Seater Sofa for Vitsoe, 1980s
By Vitsoe, Dieter Rams
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
Iconic sofa by Dieter Rams for Vitsoe. The black outer shell is made from a hot-pressed sheet-moulding compound, which is similar to, but stronger than fiberglass. Originally upholst...
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