3 Enchanting Mid Century Modern Interiors Showcasing the Iconic Shell Chair

Mid century modern buff? Today we’ll be discussing Hans Wegner’s Shell Chair, a Danish masterpiece. It’s architectural beauty makes it a statement worthy piece! Even if Wegner designed many jaw-dropping pieces, the most iconic one is the molded plywood Shell Chair, a.k.a. smiling chair due to its arch-shaped seat.

Wegner debuted the Shell Chair at the 1963 Furniture Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen, but only small amounts were produced. In fact,production was halted as the design seemed too avant-garde at the time even if critics adored it, according to Forbes.

Fortunately, furniture retailers started producing Shell Chair replicas in the late 90s due to increased demand. It has quickly grown into an internationally recognized Danish mid century modern classic!

Did you know designers today praise mid century modern aesthetics? The world is obsessed with it! According to Curbed, if you flip through the latest issue of Elle Décor, and you'll find a majority of the featured interiors prominently include mid century pieces including the avant-garde Shell Chair.

Mid century modern style refers to architectural works and furniture pieces from the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s pushing the limits of innovation and engineering.

That's why right after WWII, mid century designers desperate for creativity took new materials and molded them into iconic tables and groundbreaking chairs like the Shell Chair. This curvy beauty is expertly built of molded walnut plywood and upholstered in Aniline leather.

Thanks to its timeless appeal, it's became a highly sought after piece that's still being produced. This classic is suitable for combination design “looks” and is also compelling enough to be used as a stand alone piece in any contemporary residence out there.

For inspiration, we’ve come up with three enchanting mid century modern interiors boasting the Shell Chair plus brilliant tips on incorporating MCM furnishings into your space.

1. Merge Modern and Classic Styles

In this inviting home in Aspen, Colorado, we can see a successful merge of modern and classic styles when it comes to furniture pieces and decor items. To effectively achieve this look, we recommend using the classic warm woods of the mid century modern aesthetic, but add some charcoal and distressed bare floorboards into the mix.

Bring the classic look with a brown Shell Chair, wooden window frames, a packed bookshelf and mid century console with Nordic vibe. Make the space even more modern with intriguing wall art pieces, black pendant lights, an upholstered couch and a neat area rug.

Perhaps you may go for a faux fur area rug in a trendy muted tone for added texture!

2. Rely on the View

In this enchanting glass house in Los Angeles, we see a ceiling-held mid century modern fireplace next to a pure white Shell Chair. We recommend perfectly centering the space. Here it was done with a wood coffee table with metal legs on a textured area rug in a muted tone.

A pair oflight brown Papa Bear Chairs also by Hans Wegner let users cuddle up in style next to an off white ottoman. A leather couch in the same muted tone provides even more space for comfortably snuggling.

Enhance your interior with natural grass views through glass windows just as it was beautifully done here. Don't you just love the industrial, masculine vibe of this interior?

3. Mix Statement Pieces with Practical Materials

In this mesmerizing art filled The Hamptons, New York vacation home, statement furniture pieces and practical materials were used by interior designer Danielle Roberts for the living room.

She sought aplush wide-wale corduroy CB2 sofa,reclaimed wood coffee table and a magical combination of molded plywood and Aniline leather for the Wegner Shell Chair. Doesn't this Danish beauty exude luxury?

To expertly mix practical materials with statement pieces as it was done here, consider warm woods charis, coffee tables or credenzas and pair them with leather couches, leather lounger chairs or wool accent chairs. I’ll look lovely!

Last Thoughts

As you can see, beautifully combining high design and functionality, the Hans Wegner Shell Chair replica, the mid century modern design icon, is perfect for every interior decor style. This three legged beauty is gorgeous from every angle, increasing its accent capacity.

This iconic lounge chair can be yours regardless of style. Ready to purchase your Shell Chair reproduction at Manhattan Home Design? Browse our catalog!