Story of Eero Saarinen’s Iconic Womb Chair

Imagine a comfortable chair you could nestle into, feeling like diving into a pile pillows? Believe it or not, this iconic mid century modern furniture piece already exists, and it’s known as the enveloping Womb Chair.It was masterfully designed by mid century architect and designer Eero Saarinen to do exactly that: mimic the cosseting of a womb.

Prone to experimentation, Saarinen investigated how comfort was defined by a chair's shape, not by overstuffed cushions as it was in the mid century.Taking cues from fiberglass boat builders, he decided to use fiberglass, a material unheard of back then.According to Architectural Digest, the sculptural enveloping Womb Chair is the most recognized representation of the organic modernism movement and Saarinen’s legacy.

Man Behind the Design Icon

Both a furniture designer and architect, Finnish/American Eero Saarinen is a pioneer of the mid century design industry. He has created a myriad of groundbreaking furniture pieces and iconic buildings during his life.Saarinen’s legacy is filled with projects perfectly portraying his out-of-the-box thinking. Even to this day, the unique aesthetics of the TWI Terminal in the JFK Airport remains a study in style.

His uncluttered, sleek Tulip Table, first pedestal table ever, has sprouted an array of alterations and reproductions over the past five decades. Sarineen was so talented that, somehow, his brilliant eye was able to devise comfortable furniture pieces and ambiances.His fascination with shapes and materials defined his pieces as ‘trailblazers.’He reinvented the conventional in innovative ways, just as he did with the iconic Womb Chair.

More About the Design Icon

Florence Knoll requested her friend to create a chair “like a great big basket of pillows that I can curl up in,” according to Decoist. And that’s when he came up with the womb shaped chair in 1946! It became an instant hit.Not only was it incredibly comfy, it also supported different body positions in an agreeable and snug way. Obviously, ever since their mother’s womb, no one may have experienced a more comfy place.

Eero Saarinen himself stated “…The chair is an attempt to rectify this maladjustment in our civilization.” Therefore, he successfully dethroned the overstuffed cushion lounge chair that was featured in interiors at that time,with the visually pleasant and subtle Womb Chair.

The purpose of the womb shaped chair was to deliver the best resting positions out there, with no need of compromising its unique aesthetics.The highly enveloping shape of the chair did just that by offering a relaxing way to rest the user's body. At the same time, it's incredibly sculptural shape set precedent for a timeless look. Its single-piece body is still a mid century classic now, and Saarinen’s chair has quickly become a coveted accent piece of many all over the globe.

About the Design Icon’s Material

Don’t you find an artistic expression about the shape of Saarinen’s Womb Chair replica?The cozy form of the seat is molded from fiberglass, while the wool is upholstered on a foam spread over the entire shell. The base of this chair is made out of stainless steel rods with a lovely polished chrome finish.There is a myriad of trendy wool colors available when it comes to the upholstery, depending on the needs of the user.

The internal skeleton of the ottoman is expertly molded from plywood on whicha thick cushion has been upholstered.Its base is made out of stainless steel rods with a polished chrome finish. The color of the soft wool upholstery may be selected by the owner in order to fit their interior decor.

Last Thoughts

As you can see, the sophisticated organic shape of the womb shaped chair is incredibly eclectic in visuals. Even though this masterpiece has a clean, sleek aesthetic of a mid century modern design, it is not conventional in numerous ways. Before you decide to purchase Saarinen’s creation, it’s imperative to ensure it perfectly fits your desired ambiance. It must also complement your interior decor and current surroundings.

So here’s all you need to know about Saarinen’s iconic Womb Chair reproduction. We hope this info inspires you and helps you further understand its magnificent story and distinctness. Don't forget to visit Manhattan Home Design! We have an extensive catalog of mid century modern furniture pieces.