Milo Baughman was an American modern furniture designer. His career began during his service in World War II, designing officer’s clubs. After returning from war, he went on to study at the Art Center School of Los Angeles and Chouinard Art Institute. He then established his own design practice while also designing for other manufacturers, such as Glenn of California, Pacific Iron, Drexel, and most notably with Thayer Coggin. This collaboration lasted for 50 years and include some of Baughman’s most well known designs.
Baughman’s designs are without frills: the interest and excitement is baked into the forms and materials he employs. Using rich wood, upholstery, lucite, and chrome, his pieces are practical enough to fit into any home but almost sculptural enough to be works of art. The lines are intentional and bold with sleek curves or perfect right angles. In avoiding extra details, every element of his designs are carefully chosen and elegantly considered. Even his most adventurous pieces are appropriate in scale and usability. For example, the rosewood coffee table top appears to hover with its lucite legs, or the rosewood credenza looks as if three wooden cubes are suspended in air with the chrome body. Baughman’s furniture pieces have remained timeless due to the use of classic materials and simple design.
