The Egg Chair - a History of the Arne Jacobsen Groundbreaking Design

Brimming with personality, the Egg Chair is sculptural, stunning, while offering exceptional comfort. As a result, it has achieved the status of a timeless design classic.This, in turn, has granted the furniture piece its longevity.

And, it means every new generation may discover the craftsmanship of this iconic design. Arne Jacobsen, the designer, imbued his Egg Chair with an expression of empowerment. Today the piece of furniture is incredibly famous.

This is thanks to its groundbreaking design that dates from 1958! Because Jacobsen is a celebrated figure in the worlds of design and architecture, he has made a considerable contribution to the industry of modern design.

The History

Jacobsen designed the leather Egg Chair for the lobby and reception areas of Copenhagen’s Royal Hotel. When he won the commission to design every aspect it included the facade, the lighting, furnishings and even the cutlery.

The airline SAS (Scandinavian Airlines System) owned the building. Constructed back in 1960, it was a grand opportunity for Jacobsen which allowedhim to apply his integrated architecture and design theories.

Of course, the Egg Chair leather was one of the triumphs of this total project by Jacobsen. It was in sculptural contrast to the rest of the building’s horizontal and vertical lines.And, he was the first designer ever to use a foam inner shell underneath the upholstery.

Working as a sculptor, Jacobsen tried to discover the shell’s ideal shape. The unique shape he conjured up is what allows the Egg Chair Arne Jacobsen to guarantee privacy. And this even in what could otherwise be busy public spaces.

As a result, the Egg Chair fabric is utterly ideal for reception areas, VIP waiting areas in addition to lounges at home. The Egg Chair was just one of the visionary designs emerging from the mastermind’s imagination! Others include the Swan Chair, Drop Chair and Series 7 Chair.

The Designer

A revolutionary architect and designer, at a very early age Jacobsen demonstrated he was truly ahead of his time. It’s no surprise that for more than five decades of the 20th century, he shaped the Danish design landscape.Besides, it’s no sock to discover his influences rippled out from Nordic nations.

Even if he touched architects and designers all over the world, his inspiration came from some of the great mid century organic modernist designers, including Eero Saarinen whose enveloping Womb Chair inspired the Egg Chair. After this piece, the designer became prolific.

He directed many projects, ranging from simple buildings to complex ones, including but not limited to Denmark’s National Bank.Each and every one of his projects, whether building or furnishing, showed Jacobsen’s strict consideration of detail.

The Chair

The Egg Chair came out of what was Jacobsen’s largest commission to date. Its curved shape was quite unusual for its time. The revolutionary creator wanted to make sure the hotel’s interior was in complete contrast to its modernist exterior.

In order to offer a refuge from the harsh steel and glass, he came up with the Egg Chair’s soft, organic lines. And when the furniture piece was first exhibited in the hotel, the Egg Chair quickly forged its reputation, becoming a Danish masterpiece.

It instantly became a landmark in modern furniture design! It wasn’t just the shape that marked it out, it was also the revolutionary construction and new materials used. The upholstery covered a foam shell - this unique technique opened up myriad possibilities for other contemporary designers!

We hope this truly inspires you and you loved learning about this groundbreaking design.Did you like understanding the compelling story of the Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair? We’d love to know your feedback! For Egg Chair replicas, visit Manhattan Home Design. Browse our catalog!