Home
  • Architecture + Renovation
    • Curb Appeal
    • House Tours
    • Landscape Design
    • Preservation Corner
    • Retro Road Trip
  • Interior Design
    • Collecting
    • Designers + Craftsmen
    • Rooms + Essentials
    • Style Ideas
  • Cool Stuff
    • Art + Gifts
    • Entertaining
    • Everyday Life
    • Furniture + Décor
    • Seasonal
  • Real Estate
  • Retro Holiday




Home
Subscribe
Home
  • Architecture + Renovation
    • Curb Appeal
    • House Tours
    • Landscape Design
    • Preservation Corner
    • Retro Road Trip
  • Interior Design
    • Collecting
    • Designers + Craftsmen
    • Rooms + Essentials
    • Style Ideas
  • Cool Stuff
    • Art + Gifts
    • Entertaining
    • Everyday Life
    • Furniture + Décor
    • Seasonal
  • Real Estate
  • Retro Holiday
951 Chair design with black leather seat and metal arms
  • Designers + Craftsmen
  • Furniture Faves
  • Interior Design

Milo Baughman: MCM Spokesman and Furniture Designer

  • June 30, 2020
  • Victoria Van Vlear
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0
milo baughman portrait
Portrait of Milo Baughman
Image via Thayer Coggin, Inc.

For many, Milo Ray Baughman (1923-2003) was a the kind of furniture designer inextricable from the the mid century era. He worked with a variety of different furniture companies, the most famous being his decades-long relationship with Thayer Coggin, Inc. But Milo Baughman was more than that. He was also a spokesman for MCM design and lifestyle, and helped train up the next generation of modernists.

Early Start

Milo Baughman was born in Kansas in 1923, but grew up in Long Beach, California. At the early age of 13, his parents asked him to help redesign the family home (both interior and exterior). He both loved the challenge and excelled at the job. This small step set him in the direction of his life’s work.

black leather Milo Baughman recliner in a modern room
DWR produces new Baughman furniture like this recliner to this day.

Baughman served in the Army Air Forces during World War II, and furthered his love of design by helping to design officer’s clubs during that time. After returning from the war, he studied architectural design at the Art Center of Los Angeles and Chouinard Art Institute. Then it was time to start his career.

Circular sofa in tan with black pillows
Baughman’s 1224-303 Circle Sofa is a design from 1968 for Thayer Coggin, Inc., which the company still produces. It has unique, curved lines that would make it perfect for a sunken den. Image via Thayer Coggin

Varied Partnerships

Milo Baughman started by working for the Frank Brothers furniture store in Los Angeles as a custom furniture designer. In 1947, he established Milo Baughman Design Inc. and began to do commissions for various furniture companies. Some of these included The Info Company, Mode Furniture, Glenn of California, Murray Furniture of Winchendon and Drexel. He created the “California Modern” collection for Glenn of California in 1950. This helped focus the design style we now know West Coast Mid Century Modern. He used materials such as walnut, birch and aluminum to make functional and sleek pieces.

Milo Baughman cradenza design against white background
The Tambour-Door Credenza with lacquered drawers is one of the pieces Baughman designed for Glenn of California in the 1950s, and which contributed to the West Coast “California Modern” look. Image via 1st Dibs.

In 1953, Baughman struck the deal that would define the rest of his furniture design career: his long-time association with Thayer Coggin, Inc. “In a way, Thayer and Milo got their start together,” said Dot Coggin, Thayer’s wife. “Milo came here when the company was in its organizational stage. Thayer was looking for a designer and their relationship began with a handshake agreement.” He designed furniture for Thayer Coggin until his death in 2003, and the company still sells his famous designs.

951 Chair design with black leather seat and metal arms
Milo Baughman’s “951-103” chair was designed for Thayer Coggin in 1966, and uses the mixed materials of leather and metal to create a laid-back, yet sleek MCM look. Image via Thayer Coggin, Inc.

Form and Functionality

Milo Baughman’s furniture designs are best known for their functionality, and their subdued, yet sleek, aesthetics. One of his most famous  quotes is, “Furniture that is too obviously designed is very interesting, but too often belongs only in museums.” His design philosophy was to keep furniture affordable and usable, yet in a way which enhanced people’s lives.

Milo Baughman's Goodman sofa in a mid cengtury modern living room with a stone fireplace.
Milo Baughman’s Goodman sofa is one of those peiecs that today feels ageless thanks to his visionary design. Via DWR.

He took this philosophy not only into his designs, but into the classroom. After converting to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1965, he helped Brigham Young University in Utah establish their Department of Environmental Design in 1969. He became a guest lecturer there as well as other colleges and universities across the country.

“When I left Art Center, I thought Modern design would change the world,” he once said. “Now, I no longer have such lofty hopes, but perhaps the world is just a bit better off because of it. In any event, good Modern has already proven to be the most enduring, timeless and classic of all design movements.”

Learn more about mid century designers  with Herman Miller’s story! And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more Atomic Ranch articles and ideas!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Victoria Van Vlear

Related Topics
  • furniture design
  • Furniture Designer
  • mid century designers
  • Milo Baughman
Next Article
Eames Era Witco-style art by Modern Retrograde
  • Art + Gifts
  • Cool Stuff

Mid Mod Art with A Retro Vibe

  • June 27, 2020
  • Surajpal Singh Bisht
View Post
Previous Article
walnut mid century inspired coffee table.
  • Cool Stuff
  • Furniture + Décor

Mid Century Modern Style Coffee Tables You’ll Love

  • July 1, 2020
  • Hritik Godara
View Post
You May Also Like
Mid Century Modern Constellation
View Post
  • Architecture + Renovation
  • Designers + Craftsmen

Mid Century Modern living in lively Austin, Texas

  • Dana
  • March 21, 2021
EvaZeisel  TalismanPHOTO
View Post
  • Collecting
  • Designers + Craftsmen
  • Interior Design

Modern(ist) Women: Eva Zeisel

  • Jolene Nolte
  • March 4, 2021
Mid Century Sofa
View Post
  • Architecture + Renovation
  • Guest Writers
  • Interior Design
  • Midcentury Lifestyle
  • Renovate + Refresh
  • Rooms + Essentials
  • Style Ideas

SacMod Makeover, Part 5:  A Place to Sit Down—a Mid Century Sofa Arrives

  • Patricia Kline
  • February 28, 2021
View Post
  • Interior Design
  • Style Ideas

Put Your Space to Work: A Roundup of Modern Home Offices

  • Jolene Nolte
  • February 27, 2021
View Post
  • Architecture + Renovation
  • Designers + Craftsmen

Adjaye Associates’ Exemplary Design of the National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Dana
  • February 25, 2021
Inca by Leon Polk Smith
View Post
  • Designers + Craftsmen
  • Midcentury Lifestyle

Shedding New Light on the Work of Leon Polk Smith

  • Jolene Nolte
  • February 24, 2021
Norma Sklarek's architecture
View Post
  • Architecture + Renovation
  • Designers + Craftsmen

Norma Sklarek: An Unprecedented Black Female Architect

  • Dana
  • February 18, 2021
Promontory Apartments Chicago
View Post
  • Architecture + Renovation
  • Designers + Craftsmen

Georgia Louise Harris Brown: An Intrepid Architect

  • Jolene Nolte
  • February 7, 2021

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


CAPTCHA Image
Reload Image
  • Russel Wright Designed American Modern Dinnerware

    Mod Products for Kitchen and Dining That Will Make Life Easier

    View Post
FOLLOW US


Subscribe Atomic Ranch
Newsletter
TRENDING POSTS
  • MCM-Inspired Decor from Black-owned Businesses 1
    MCM-Inspired Decor from Black-owned Businesses
    • February 26, 2021
  • Russel Wright Designed American Modern Dinnerware 2
    Mod Products for Kitchen and Dining That Will Make Life Easier
    • December 29, 2020
  • bullet planter portland split level 3
    Bullet Planter Basics + A Few Of Our Favorites
    • November 5, 2020
  • mid century modern storage 4
    Your Guide To Staying (Stylishly) Organized
    • October 9, 2020
  • smoke colored drinking glass set 5
    Get a Head Start on Fall With These Modern Tableware Finds
    • August 28, 2020
We’re dreaming of a Palm Springs getaway! The Orbit In features incredible original interior and exterior elements including pink tile bathrooms, Weldtex accent walls, and white metal kitchenettes. Built in 1955 by Herbert Burns, it was originally  called “The Village Manor.” Click on the link in our bio to learn more about the history of this boutique hotel, as well as the legacy of its hospitable caretakers over the years. Could this dream property be available for sale? ⁠
Here at Palm Springs' Orbit In, the poolside lounging atmosphere is right out of 1955. In the foreground to the right, note the original sandstone planter and vertical pole elements, common features in Herbert Burns architecture. Learn more about the history of the @orbitinhotel via the link in our bio. ⁠
Mid mod inspired  kid's spaces are perfect for the young and the young at heart.❤️ We love this play area in the home of @kevion and @AlanaDawn. If you're looking for more midcentury inspired setups for the mini members of the family, take the link in our bio to check out more. ⁠
Talk about a restful restroom! The subtle patterns on the tile add depth and visual interest set off by the contrasting colors of the countertop and slim mirror frames. See more of this home's serene palate via the link in our bio. ⁠
How does a MidMod enthusiast say "I love you?"⁠
Homeowners, DJ and Page Sigband, like to use this outdoor atrium space for entertaining on cool, Southern Californian nights. Their "desert oasis" style backyard blends a xeriscape  concept with tropical plants and palm trees. Take a tour of the space via  the link in our bio. ⁠
GET THE MAGAZINE

LEARN MORE
  • About Atomic Ranch
  • Write for Us
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Condition
  • Do Not Share My Personal Info
FOLLOW US
Get The Newsletter
© Atomic Ranch | Engaged Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Input your search keywords and press Enter.