The Brasilia furniture line by Broyhill holds an esteemed position among Mid-Century Modern furniture fans, famed for its warm walnut wood finishes and iconic parabolic swoops. Launched in 1962, the collection draws inspiration from the architectural style of Oscar Niemeyer’s City of Brasilia, Brazil. Popular throughout the years, this unique furniture line has gained a loyal following of collectors and enthusiasts.
Crafted with precise attention to detail, Broyhill Brasilia pieces boast top-quality craftsmanship, such as dovetailing on all drawers and smooth drawer rails to ensure seamless movement and alignment. The extensive collection includes a vast range of items, from stylish dining chairs to elegant credenzas, suitable for various specifications and interior designs. As versatile as it is visually appealing, Broyhill Brasilia furniture continues to captivate design aficionados with its blend of form and functionality.
Broyhill Brasilia History
Broyhill Brasilia is an iconic line of mid-century modern furniture that drew its inspiration from the architecture of Brazil’s capital city, Brasília. Designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, the city’s distinct architectural elements influenced the unique and revolutionary design of the Brasilia furniture line.
The history of Broyhill Brasilia dates back to the 1960s when Broyhill, a well-established furniture manufacturer based in Lenoir, North Carolina, envisioned a new furniture collection that embraced modernism. In collaboration with Niemeyer, Broyhill brought together a talented team of designers, including Paul Broyhill as the executive visionary and Mel Smith as the lead designer.
Introduced at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, the Brasilia line by Broyhill gained immediate popularity due to its striking design and architectural influence. The furniture was characterized by sweeping parabolic shapes and supporting columns that were reminiscent of the buildings found in Brasília, which had been designed by Oscar Niemeyer between 1956 and 1961.
Over the years, the Broyhill Brasilia furniture line grew to include a variety of pieces such as bedroom sets, dining tables, credenzas, and chairs. Although production of the line ceased in the early 1970s, the impact of this innovative collection on American furniture design remains significant.
Today, Broyhill Brasilia furniture is highly sought after by collectors for its distinctive design, history, and connection to modern Brazilian architecture. The line serves as a testament to the creativity and collaborative spirit that marked this iconic period in furniture history, resulting in a lasting legacy that continues to be admired and appreciated by enthusiasts.
Furniture Design and Style
Influence of Modernist Architecture
Broyhill Brasilia’s furniture design finds its inspiration in the mid-century modern era, particularly influenced by the city of Brasilia – the capital of Brazil. This city is known for its modernist architecture, which emphasized minimalist and sleek design elements. As a result, Broyhill Brasilia furniture pieces embody a combination of vintage appeal and innovative design.
During this time, designers such as Paul McCobb, Milo Baughman, Charles and Ray Eames were also at the forefront of the mid-century furniture movement, shaping the preferences of the American market with their immaculate designs. While Broyhill Brasilia’s furniture aligns with many design principles established by these designers, it also stands out due to its unique connection to the architectural influence of Brasilia.
Key Design Elements
Broyhill Brasilia furniture series primarily utilized rosewood and walnut materials, accentuating the rich and warm tones that were characteristic of mid-century furniture. One of the key design elements is the incorporation of subtle curves and angular elements, giving the furniture a distinct, modern look.
Some recognizable features include:
- Sculpted pulls: Dramatic brass or wooden pulls are commonly seen on dressers and credenzas, adding a visually striking element to the overall design.
- Tapered legs: The furniture pieces often boast tapered legs that create a sense of lightness and elegance while maintaining stability.
- Geometric patterns: Inspired by Brasilia’s modernist architecture, geometric patterns and shapes are seamlessly integrated into the design, contributing to the unique signature of Broyhill Brasilia furniture.
These design elements not only showcase the artistic craftsmanship of the era but also result in timeless, versatile pieces that still find a place in contemporary interior design. The distinct characteristics and enduring appeal of Broyhill Brasilia furniture continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts of mid-century modern design.
Broyhill Brasilia Product Range
The collection features a variety of furniture pieces crafted from high-quality materials like walnut and brass. In this section, we’ll explore the different types of products available within the Broyhill Brasilia range, including seating options, tables, and storage solutions.
Seating Options
Broyhill Brasilia offers a diverse selection of seating options to suit any space. Most notable among these are the lenoir chairs and dining chairs, designed with comfort and elegance in mind. The walnut dining chairs often come in sets and can perfectly complement a matching dining table. For those who prefer a pop of color, the green lenoir chair side serves as an attractive and unique choice. Some pieces even take inspiration from famous designers, like Hans Wegner, while still preserving the signature Brasilia aesthetic.
Tables
The Broyhill Brasilia collection also boasts an impressive array of tables, including dining tables, end tables, and coffee tables. The dining tables showcase the brand’s dedication to quality craftsmanship, featuring solid walnut construction and brass accents. These tables are available in various sizes, making it easy to find the perfect fit for any dining room. End tables and coffee tables within the collection also exhibit the same attention to detail, with unique design elements and high-quality materials such as teak. The tables in the Brasilia range are not only functional but also serve as attractive pieces that elevate the overall décor of any space.
Storage Solutions
In addition to seating and tables, Broyhill Brasilia provides practical and stylish storage solutions. Their casegoods and storage products include room dividers, walnut credenzas, chests of drawers, dressers, and china cabinets. For those seeking versatile storage options, the room divider wall unit shelving is an excellent choice, as it can function as both a display and storage solution. The walnut credenza, which often comes with an optional hutch china cabinet, seamlessly blends style with functionality, offering ample storage space for various items. The brand’s dressers and chests of drawers feature smooth movement and alignment, thanks to dovetailing on all drawers and drawer rails. Furthermore, the brass drawer pulls add an elegant touch to these storage pieces.
Shopping and Pricing
When shopping for Broyhill Brasilia furniture, it’s important to consider factors such as the type of piece you’re looking for, its condition, and your budget. This iconic mid-century modern line of furniture offers a variety of options, from dressers and credenzas to side tables and dining chairs.
Broyhill Brasilia on Etsy
Etsy is a popular platform for buying and selling vintage furniture, including pieces from the Broyhill Brasilia line. With a wide range of products and prices, it’s an excellent resource for adding to your collection. Some key points to consider when shopping on Etsy include:
- New vs Vintage: While the majority of Brasilia furniture on Etsy is vintage, there may occasionally be newly refurbished or remade pieces. If it’s important to you that your purchase is an original vintage item, make sure to confirm this with the seller.
- Price: Prices for Broyhill Brasilia furniture on Etsy can vary significantly depending on factors such as the item’s condition, rarity, and shipping costs. For example, a set of five mid-century dining chairs may cost around $3,147 with free shipping.
- Credenza and Dresser Options: Broyhill Brasilia dressers and credenzas feature stylish storage solutions with characteristic parabolic shapes and distinctive drawer pulls. These pieces can range in price depending on size, materials, and condition.
- Side Tables and Drawers: Complement your larger Broyhill Brasilia furniture with matching side tables or nightstands featuring the same signature design elements. Prices for these smaller pieces can range from affordable to more expensive depending on the item’s condition and rarity.
- Shipping: Keep in mind that shipping costs for larger furniture items like credenzas and dressers can be substantial. Some sellers may offer free shipping, but it’s important to double-check and factor shipping fees into your budget.
By carefully considering these points, you can confidently shop for Broyhill Brasilia furniture on Etsy and find the perfect piece to add to your collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Broyhill Brasilia first produced?
Broyhill Brasilia was first introduced in 1962 at the Seattle World’s Fair. The line was inspired by the architecture of Brasília, the new capital city of Brazil designed by Oscar Niemeyer between 1956 and 19611.
What type of wood is commonly used in Broyhill Brasilia furniture?
The Broyhill Brasilia furniture line typically uses walnut as its primary wood. Walnut is known for its durability, strength, and warmth, making it an ideal choice for mid-century furniture pieces2.
How can I identify genuine Broyhill Brasilia pieces?
Genuine Broyhill Brasilia pieces often have distinctive sculptural forms and design elements that directly reference the architecture of Brasília. Additionally, authentic items may feature the Broyhill logo or patent numbers3. To confidently identify genuine pieces, it’s best to consult with a vintage furniture expert or dealer.
What is the difference between Broyhill Brasilia and Broyhill Sculptra?
While both Broyhill Brasilia and Broyhill Sculptra are mid-century modern furniture lines, they have distinct design aesthetics. Brasilia is known for its dramatic, sculptural forms and architectural influences, while Sculptra features simpler, more geometric shapes and clean lines.
Are Broyhill Brasilia and Broyhill Saga part of the same collection?
No, Broyhill Brasilia and Broyhill Saga are separate collections. Both fall under the mid-century modern category but are distinctive in their designs and inspirations.
What is the value of Broyhill Brasilia furniture?
The value of Broyhill Brasilia furniture can vary based on factors such as rarity, condition, and demand. Items in good condition, with original finishes and hardware, tend to command higher prices. The market for vintage furniture is always evolving, so it’s important to monitor current trends or consult with an expert to accurately assess the value of a specific piece4.