Who is Milo Baughman?
You see his name everywhere these days..."Milo Baughman"...."Baughman Style"...it is literally all over the place! And with good reason, his simple lines and chic style can be put in pretty much any space from contemporary to traditional.
Today, we are going to explore Milo Baughman's (it is pronounced "My-low Boff-man") background, some of his most iconic pieces and do a little detective work on what exactly is this "Baughman Style".
Background
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Born in Kansas, this modern furniture designer moved with his family at an early age to Long Beach, California. It is there that he grew up and eventually found himself in the Army Air Forces during World War II. After the war, he returned home and studied architectural design at The California Institute of the Arts.
Baughman designed for many different companies but he is most known for his long term partnership with Thayer Coggin Inc in High Point, NC. This association began in 1953 and lasted until his death in 2003.
From the Thayer Coggin Website:
"Baughman's uniquely American designs are forward-thinking and distinctive, yet unpretentious. The relaxed and timeless quality of his furniture has created a ready and consistent response, and his highly influential work continues to be collected and reinvented and revived by designers around the world.
Paramount to Baughman's design philosophy was that good design is enduring design. Baughman's characteristic restraint did not permit the look of mere novelty to enter in. Rather, he achieved a look that is uncompromisingly modern, but which never violates the timeless standards of classic good taste."
Iconic work
951-103 Chair (1962)
Here you see that combination of metal and textile that he is so famous for mixing so beautifully.
"820-400" Chaise (1954)
989-103 Lounge Chair
Similar to the 951 chair, these have that same metal and textile mix. This style is also evident in some of his sofa designs where the bottom and sides are metal (or chrome) such as this one.
One of things that makes Baughman stand out is how unpretentious and relaxed his designs are. This sofa, in my opinion, is the perfect example of this. This is quite literally not stiff with the round angles and stuffed cushions. Can't you see your entire family crawled up on this for movie night?!?
Parson’s Chair
Aaaaand....here we are to the Baughman Parson's chair. This bad boy is everywhere these days...with leopard lumbar pillows... and thank God for it!
“Baughman Style”
Very modern and sleek, Baughman can be easy to recognize with these common elements listed below.
Glass
Never one to take away from the beauty of the object, he often used glass on tabletops (obviously) but even in unique places like these nightstands.
Burled Wood (Burlwood)
This may be my most favorite of his trends. The swirl and texture of burled wood is simply unbeatable in my vintage loving opinion.
Chrome
Emily Henderson said it recently....chrome is coming back, yall. But to Baughman, it was always there.
Rich Textiles
He really hits me right in the happy zone with all of his use of mohair and velvet.
White Lacquer
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One of Baughman's famous quotes states that "Furniture that is too obviously designed is very interesting, but too often belongs only in museums." He very much believed that furniture should be both functional and beautiful. Look at how sturdy this dresser is. It built solidly and beautifully.
Acrylic
Acrylic, y'all. Is there anything more urban and chic and totally mid century?
Because of his classic and timeless style, MANY replicas have been made. If you are in the market for an original, the best way to tell is obviously if it is tagged. Otherwise, do some research online or reach out to Thayer Coggin to see if they can help verify the authenticity of the piece.
What is your favorite Milo Baughman piece or style?