About Eye Opener
Eye Opener is a Phoenix based dealer of fine twentieth century modern furnishings, ceramics, textiles, and surprising objects.

Established in 20201stDibs seller since 2022
Featured Pieces
American Of Martinsville 9 Drawer Dresser
By American of Martinsville
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Custom Oak Lattice Front Nine-Drawer Dresser by American of Martinsville
Discover the perfect blend of craftsmanship and mid-century style with this exquisite nine-drawer dresser by...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Oak
Don Shoemaker Style Mexican Modern Coffee Table
By Don S. Shoemaker
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Restored 1970s Don Shoemaker Style Walnut and Cane Coffee Table with Glass Top
This beautifully restored walnut and cane coffee table, crafted in the 1970s, exemplifies the timeless...
Category
Vintage 1970s Mexican Other Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Rattan, Glass, Walnut
Mid Century Velvet Green Tufted High Back Sofa
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Blurring the lines between mid-century modern and Victorian styles, this high-back sofa is a perfect fusion of eras. Upholstered in luxurious green velvet with classic tufted detaili...
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Teak
Forms+Surfaces "Heroic Sunburst" Double Sided Doors
By Billy Joe Mccarroll and David Gillespe, Forms and Surfaces
Located in Phoenix, AZ
These remarkable Heroic Sunburst double-sided doors, designed by Billy Joe McCarroll and David Gillespe for Forms+Surfaces, are a striking example of mid-century modern artistry. Fea...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Doors and Gates
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Mengel Drop Front Secretary Desk by Raymond Loewy
By Raymond Loewy, Mengel Furniture Co.
Located in Phoenix, AZ
This fully restored drop front secretary desk is an iconic piece designed by Raymond Loewy for Mengel Furniture, dating back to the 1950s. Renowned for his sleek, industrial designs,...
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Iron
Rare Set of 8 Mies van der Rohe for Knoll MR10 and MR20 Chairs
By Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Rare Set of 8 Mies van der Rohe for Knoll MR10 and MR20 Chairs
This exceptional set of eight chairs by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for Knoll represents the epitome of modernist design. Comprising six MR10 and twor MR20 chairs, this collection showcases Mies' commitment to simplicity, functionality, and elegance in both form and material.
Style & Usage in Interior Design
These chairs belong to the Bauhaus and International Style, characterized by clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and an emphasis on the use of modern materials. The MR10 chairs are armless, offering a sleek and unobtrusive silhouette perfect for dining or office spaces where a minimalist aesthetic is desired. The MR20 chairs, featuring a distinctive curved armrest, provide additional comfort and a more commanding presence, making them ideal as statement pieces in living rooms, lounges, or reading nooks.
In interior design, these chairs are best used in spaces that celebrate the beauty of industrial materials like steel and leather. They complement open-plan layouts, where their airy structure can be fully appreciated, and they pair well with other iconic mid-century modern pieces.
Key Differences: MR10 vs. MR20
MR10 Chairs: Armless design, characterized by a continuous steel frame that supports the seat and back. Their simplicity allows them to fit seamlessly into various spaces, from dining rooms to offices.
MR20 Chairs: Include curved armrests, adding both aesthetic and functional value. These chairs provide more support and comfort, making them suitable for longer periods of sitting or as standalone accent pieces.
Mies van der Rohe: A Brief History
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, born in Germany in 1886, was a pioneering figure in modern architecture and design. He began his career in his family's stone-carving business, later studying architecture and working under the influential architect Peter Behrens. Mies was a leading member of the Bauhaus movement, which emphasized the integration of art, craft, and technology.
In 1938, Mies emigrated to the United States, where he became the head of the architecture school at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT). His work in America solidified his reputation as one of the most influential architects of the 20th century.
Architectural Legacy
Mies van der Rohe's architectural philosophy is encapsulated in his famous dictum, "Less is more." His buildings are renowned for their clarity of form, open spaces, and use of modern materials such as glass and steel. His approach sought to create structures that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing, stripping away unnecessary ornamentation to reveal the essence of the design.
Notable Works:
The Barcelona Pavilion (1929): A masterwork of modern architecture, showcasing Mies' minimalist approach with its flowing spaces and use of glass, marble, and steel.
The Farnsworth House (1951): An iconic example of his philosophy, this glass and steel structure is celebrated for its simplicity and seamless integration with the surrounding landscape.
The Seagram Building (1958): Located in New York City, this skyscraper is a landmark of the International Style, known for its clean lines, bronze facade, and innovative use of space.
This rare set of MR10...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Bauhaus Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Steven Kokinis Chrysler Building Chairs, A Pair
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of Studio Made Chrysler Building Arm Chairs in Maple by Artist Steven Kokinis.
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Corner Chairs
Materials
Maple
Large Scale Robert Whitton Prototype Coffee Table
By Robert Whitton
Located in Phoenix, AZ
This large-scale coffee table, designed by the esteemed architect Robert Whitton, is a stunning example of craftsmanship and design excellence from the late 20th century. Constructed...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Large Scale Robert Whitton Prototype Coffee Table
By Robert Whitton
Located in Phoenix, AZ
This large-scale coffee table, designed by the esteemed architect Robert Whitton, is a stunning example of craftsmanship and design excellence from the late 20th century. Constructed...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Architect Robert Whitton Prototype Coffee Table
By Robert Whitton
Located in Phoenix, AZ
This Robert Whitton coffee table, crafted from aluminum and glass, is a striking example of design excellence from the late 20th century. Produced during the 1980s and early 1990s, t...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Robert Whitton Prototype Coffee Table
By Robert Whitton
Located in Phoenix, AZ
This Robert Whitton coffee table, crafted from aluminum and glass, is a striking example of design excellence from the late 20th century. Produced during the 1980s and early 1990s, t...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Aluminum
Architect Robert Whitton Prototype Coffee Table
By Robert Whitton
Located in Phoenix, AZ
This Robert Whitton coffee table, crafted from aluminum and glass, is a striking example of design excellence from the late 20th century. Produced during the 1980s and early 1990s, t...
Category
Vintage 1980s American Post-Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Aluminum