Archetype Forms Moulded Plywood Coffee Table: Wood Legs

The Moulded Plywood: Coffee Table Wood Legs was originally introduced by Charles and Ray Eames in 1946 as part of their innovative plywood furniture collection.

Initially produced by the Evans Molded Plywood Company, the CTW (Coffee Table, Wood Base) showcased advanced moulding techniques the Eameses developed during WWII. These techniques allowed plywood to be shaped into strong, lightweight furniture with minimal material waste—pioneering a new era in industrial design.

The table features a circular five-ply plywood top with a subtle indentation, supported by four elegantly curved eight-ply wooden legs. Its simplicity and efficiency of form reflect the Eameses’ philosophy of designing furniture that is both practical and beautiful.

The CTW was one of the earliest pieces to demonstrate their approach to creating versatile furniture with interchangeable components, a theme later expanded in their fiberglass designs.

The table remains a celebrated example of mid-century modern design, appreciated for its timeless aesthetic and structural ingenuity.

Key Features:

Material Innovation: Five-ply top and moulded wood legs showcase efficient use of materials.

Elegant Simplicity: Circular top and curved wooden legs offer a clean, minimalist design.

Versatile Placement: Ideal for living rooms, lounges, or office environments.

Historical Significance: Reproduction of the original Eameses’ groundbreaking 1946 Moulded Plywood Collection, featuring iconic designs like the LCW, DCW, and CTW coffee table wood. The Eameses eventually perfected the moulded plywood process for their iconic Lounge Chair.

Shop the Moulded Plywood Coffee Table: Wooden Legs, originally designed by Charles & Ray Eames, online in Canada and the USA. Also available in a Moulded Plywood Coffee Table: Metal Legs version.

Charles and Ray Eames were American designers who revolutionized 20th-century furniture, industrial design, and architecture. They began their collaborative career in 1941 after meeting at the Cranbrook Academy of Art. The Eames are known for their innovation with new materials and technologies in furniture design. Their iconic works include the Moulded Plywood series (1946), the classic Lounge Chair (1956), and the Aluminum Group and Soft Pad series office chairs (1958). The Eames' designs emphasize ergonomics, versatility, and innovation, earning them a permanent place in major museums and archive collections worldwide.

Tabletop: Wood veneer over moulded five-ply plywood with a slight indentation

Legs: Wood veneer over moulded eight-ply plywood

Veneer Finish: Custom selections available from Archetype Forms