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Modern Icons: The Womb Chair
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
This week's modern icon is the Womb Chair, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll in 1948. Many modern icons emerged from the collaboration and friendship between Eero and Florence Knoll. For those of you who only know his name as a popular crossword puzzle answer, Eero was an architect and the son of the architect Eliel Saarinen (another popular crossword answer). Some of Eero's best known projects include the Saint Louis Arch, the TWA Terminal at JFK, and Dulles airport. Yes, he's to blame for the "moving waiting room" shoebox shuttle thingees you have to take to the gates. However, he's not responsible for the stupid expansion from a few years back that completely ruined the vertical drama and original proportions of the building.
by CWB Architects
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O.K., I've jumped off my Dulles soapbox, let's get back to business. The womb chair came about after Florence Knoll stated her desire for a chair she "could curl up in, like a basket of pillows."
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The chair consists of a molded fiberglass shell which is covered in foam. The cushions on the ottoman, seat, and back are separate pieces.
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Although great for curling up in, a pair of Womb Chairs are also great for relaxed conversation. They are perfect for a therapists office!
by Colvin Design
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The chair comes in three sizes - Standard (the largest), Medium and Small. Standard and Medium size have the coordinating ottoman option.
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The base can be finished in chrome or black matte powder coat.
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In my humble opinion, one of the attributes of this chair that makes it so great is the bright color options. This green one is dreamy.
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| When designing this chair, Eero experimented with new materials, and had his eyes on the prize: Ergonomics. In simpler terms, comfort! |
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| Here the Womb Chair is paired with another Saarinen invention: The Tulip Base. |
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The chair has a sculptural quality which allows it to stand on its own and really command a corner.
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It also fits in well as the one side chair in a room dominated by a sectional.
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by FORMA Design
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| My favorite use of the Womb Chair is when it's used as the comfy chair for reading in a library or study, as it is placed here. |
Ideabook updated on Oct. 26, 2010.
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Jennifer, let me know when you see that sale happening!
I love your ideabook! I agree with you. The great thing about the Womb Chair is the versatility with all of the fabric. Leather, Knoll Boucle, Cato and Velvet are some to name a few. The color opportunities are endless as well! One new one in particular is the Sonnet fabric. It brings a great texture and coziness to any mid-century space.
Best,
Jill@DWR