The furniture world has long been dominated by men, with female designers often overshadowed by their work or life partners, dismissed by critics, or excluded from major design movements. Yet, despite these challenges, many women have made lasting contributions to furniture design with their vision, creativity, and innovation. Here are some of their incredible stories.
Florence Knoll
Florence Knoll revolutionised modern office design with her innovative approach. As both an architect and designer, she played a pivotal role in shaping the mid-century corporate aesthetic, creating functional, sleek furniture that balanced style with efficiency. Beyond her design contributions, she demonstrated exceptional leadership when, in 1955, she assumed control of Knoll International after her husband's death, attracting and guiding talented designers like Richard Schultz, whose iconic dining chairs became a key piece in the firm's collection.
Left image: Florence Knoll by The New York Times
Right image: Richard Schultz Dining Chairs for Knoll International sold by Vampt on Bazaa
Hella Jongerius
Hella Jongerius, a contemporary Dutch designer based in Berlin, founded the Jongeriuslab studio in 1993 and began collaborating with Vitra in 2004. She has contributed extensively to the Vitra Home Collection and the Vitra Colour & Material Library. One of her standout designs is The Worker chair, which combines modern industrial production with traditional craftsmanship.
Left image: Hella Jongerius by Cooks&Poets
Right image: 'The Worker' Chair by Hella Jongerius for Vitra sold by Enjoy Seconds on Bazaa
Ray Eames
Although her husband, Charles Eames, was more well-known, he consistently emphasised the collaborative nature of their work and the crucial role Ray played in their designs. Together, they shaped mid-century modernism, with Ray’s artistic vision infusing many of their pieces, such as the iconic LCW chair, with a playful yet functional spirit. Thanks to Charles’ steadfast recognition of her contributions in a male-dominated industry, Ray Eames has rightfully secured her place as one of the most celebrated female furniture designers of all time.
Left image: Ray Eames by The New York Times
Right image: LCW By Charles and Ray Eames sold by Cultivated on Bazaa
Elsa Solheim
Elsa Solheim, a renowned Norwegian furniture designer and interior architect, spent nearly 40 years collaborating with her husband, Nordahl Solheim. Initially grounded in Norwegian tradition, their designs evolved over time, embracing a more modern aesthetic. A key example of this transformation is the iconic Pirate Chair, which stands as a timeless marker of their innovative approach.
Left image: Elsa Solheim by Mats Linder
Right image: Pirate Chair by Elsa & Nordahl Solheim for Rybo (1973) sold by Clavel on Bazaa
Mary Featherston
Mary Featherston is an Australian designer who built a legacy of innovation alongside her husband, Grant. Though he is often solely credited, their work together shaped modern design. The famous Expo Sound Chairs, often attributed solely to Grant, were in fact a product of the deep collaboration and shared vision that defined the couple’s work.
Left image: Mary Featherston by Herald Sun
Right image: Featherston Expo Sound Chair Mark II sold by Clavel on Bazaa
Afra Scarpa
Although searching 'Scarpa' on the web will mostly show results about Tobia Scarpa, Afra, his wife, and he, have always worked as a couple. Designing for iconic brands like B&B Italia, Flos, and Cassina, they have collaborated on a wide range of projects, from postmodern furniture, such as the Erasmo Leathers Armchairs designed for B&B Italia in the 1970s, to historic building restorations. Their work has received widespread acclaim, with pieces even being showcased at prestigious venues such as Paris's Musée du Louvre and London's Victoria and Albert Museum.
Left image: Afra Scarpa by Molteni
Right image: Erasmo Leathers Armchairs sold by Mood Objects on Bazaa
Anna Castelli Ferrieri
A well-accomplished architect and industrial designer, Anna Castelli Ferrieri led a remarkable career. She began as an editor of an architecture magazine, went on to establish her own architectural practice, and later collaborated with her husband's company, Kartell. Pioneering the use of plastic as a material for high-end furniture, she created the world-famous Componibili Unit, a versatile and stylish modular system that continues to be a timeless staple in modern interiors.
Left image: Anna Castelli Ferrieri by From+Field
Right image: Kartell Componibili Unit on Castors in Purple sold by Didi&Dora on Bazaa
Patricia Urquiola
Patricia Urquiola started challenging the male-dominated narrative in the design world when in 2001 she co-founded her studio with her partner, Alberto Zontone, yet named it 'Studio Urquiola'. Since then, she has become a powerful voice in contemporary furniture design, known for her innovative use of materials and sleek, contemporary lines. Among her notable works is the Lazy Chair for B&B Italia, part of a wider collection inspired by rest and relaxation, where soft, inviting shapes and easily removable covers merge comfort with practicality.
Left image: Patricia Urquiola by Yellowtrace
Right image: Lazy Chair for B&B Italia by Patricia Urquiola sold by Nordic Shop on Bazaa
These incredible female designers, along with many others, despite the barriers faced, have left an undeniable mark on the world of furniture. Their creations continue to shape modern interiors and challenge conventional design norms.
To explore more pieces by visionary women, visit the dedicated collection on Bazaa.