The design of the period was characterised by the Utility scheme. In 1941 the government took control of all major areas of design. Since materials like wood and metal were needed for military use, there was a shortage of materials for domestic design. To solve this problem, the Government set up the Utility Scheme to produce cheap furniture.

It was headed by the manufacturer Gordon Russell, who created 30 initial designs that were simple in form and easy to assemble. As the name suggests, Utility furniture was utilitarian. The pieces designed for quick construction and used the bare minimum of materials. The scheme was supported by government subsidy.

The Utility scheme was based on simple wooden furniture that was practical and durable, and had a plain simple dignity. This was an ethos that had grown out of the English Arts and Crafts movement. However, Utility furniture was also influenced by European Modernism: everything was austere and functional. The government thought that plainness and simplicity of design would produce furniture that was eminently practical and durable. Almost by necessity, then, Utility furniture adopted European Modernist principles.