Modern Icons: Eero Saarinen's Executive Chair
Classic, Comfy Chairs Add Big Mid-Century Style to the Dining Room
As far back as 1937, Eero Saarinen and his pal Charles Eames were working with fiberglass to create chairs that worked with the body to provide comfort. All of this ergonomic research eventually resulted in Saarinen's Executive Collection for Knoll in 1957. Choices include chairs with tubular or wood legs, with arms and without, and even a few office chairs. Of them all, the wood-leg armchair version seems most popular among Houzz designers. Let's take a look at how these curvy chairs have added big Mid-Century Modern style to today's designs.
Here the wood-legged Executive armchairs are paired with the Saarinen tulip table. The choice of a black table plays well off the oversized artwork.
Because of its successful combination of form and function, the chair won the Museum of Modern Art Award and the West Germany Federal Award for Industrial Design in 1969.
Sometimes when it comes to sunporches, I cannot imagine beyond wicker furniture, but the upholsterd chairs just work here. The light table surface matches the chair legs and light flooring. The massive vase with the large branch helps create even stronger relationship with the great outdoors.
The table was designed by Eero's pal Florence Knoll. Interestingly enough, it was also designed for executives, as she intended to modernize office furniture.
The table was designed by Eero's pal Florence Knoll. Interestingly enough, it was also designed for executives, as she intended to modernize office furniture.
The chairs can also fit right into an all-white kitchen. Note how the armless version of the chairs take up less space and can tuck right under the table. This helps save space and keep the view out those large glass doors as open as possible.
Another icon in this room we've covered is the Logico Lamp; this is the ceiling mounted version.
Another icon in this room we've covered is the Logico Lamp; this is the ceiling mounted version.
Here this toasty upholstery works well with the wood floor and the darker wood legs; as the eye goes up toward the ceiling, everything gets lighter and whiter, all the way up to the oversized Random Light.
I about fell off my chair last week when Houzz Contributor Vanessa Brunner featured this incredibly curated Eichler home. It includes other modern icons like the PH5 Light and the George Nelson Marshmallow Sofa.
It's just so good; let's check out these chairs out from one more angle! Oh, and from here it's easier to see that these chairs have the tubular metal legs, which coordinate well with the table base and other finishes in this home.
By the way, when looking for the real deal, make sure these chairs are Knoll. Of course, you can find gently used and vintage versions on sites like eBay and 1stdibs.
Next: 3 Executive chairs and sources
By the way, when looking for the real deal, make sure these chairs are Knoll. Of course, you can find gently used and vintage versions on sites like eBay and 1stdibs.
Next: 3 Executive chairs and sources
Saarinen Executive Armchair, Swivel Base
The armchair also makes a great deskchair, but sometimes we want wheels! This version has casters so you can zoom around the room in your iconic chair.
Saarinen Executive Side Chair w/Metal Legs Fabric - Design Within Reach
There's no rule that says you have to surround the table with the armchair version. This is the side chair with tubular metal legs version; perhaps you'll put these down the long sides of a dining room table and use the arm chairs for the host and hostess. Personally, I'd keep the legs consistent though, whether I chose tubular or wood, and perhaps switch up the upholstery so that the armchairs and side chairs are different.
Saarinen Executive Side Chair with Plastic Back
This version has a plastic back and an upholstered seat. I love the contrast but I think the upholstered versions are probably more comfortable.
More ideabooks: Eero Saarinen’s Womb Chair
More photos: Get ideas from hundreds of modern dining rooms
More products: Browse more modern chairs
More ideabooks: Eero Saarinen’s Womb Chair
More photos: Get ideas from hundreds of modern dining rooms
More products: Browse more modern chairs