Advertisements
Eero Saarinen Womb Chair 1946
Eero Saarinen Womb Chair 1946

Its name expresses its purpose: “It was designed on the theory that a great number of people have never felt secure and comfortable since they have left the womb.”

Saarinen further explained, “There seemed to be a need for a large and comfortable chair to take the place of the old overstuffed chair. . . . Today, more than ever before, we need to relax.”

The chair’s unique shape is inspired by the natural curves of a woman’s body, with a moulded fibreglass shell and plush upholstered seat. Its simple yet elegant design makes it a versatile addition to any interior space, whether used as a statement piece in a living room or as a comfortable reading chair in a bedroom. The Womb Chair’s popularity has endured for over 70 years, and it continues to be produced today by Knoll, the company founded by Saarinen’s friend and collaborator Florence Knoll. Its timeless appeal is a testament to Saarinen’s vision and skill as a designer, as well as his commitment to creating furniture that is both functional and beautiful.

More Chair Design

  • Robert Heritage: Pioneer of Mid-Century British Design

    Robert Heritage: Pioneer of Mid-Century British Design

    Robert Heritage, a prominent British designer, is renowned for his innovative mid-century furniture, notably the Hamilton sideboard and QE2 Restaurant Chair, blending functionality with refined aesthetics.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Space Age Furniture: A Revolution in Design

    Space Age Furniture: A Revolution in Design

    The Space Age furniture movement of the 1960s revolutionized design with bold colors, innovative materials, and ergonomic forms, led predominantly by Italian designers, leaving a lasting legacy.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Alvar Aalto’s 100/900 Tea Trolley (1937): A Masterpiece of Functional Elegance

    Alvar Aalto’s 100/900 Tea Trolley (1937): A Masterpiece of Functional Elegance

    The 100/900 Tea Trolley, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1937, exemplifies Scandinavian modernism with its innovative bentwood design, enhancing aesthetics and functionality in furniture.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • The Champagne Chair: A Toast to Timeless Modernism

    The Champagne Chair: A Toast to Timeless Modernism

    The Champagne Chair, designed by Erwine and Estelle Laverne in 1957, blends transparency and modern materials, symbolizing mid-century design innovation and timeless elegance.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Alessandro Becchi: Icon of Italian Furniture Design

    Alessandro Becchi: Icon of Italian Furniture Design

    The Anfibio Sofa, designed by Alessandro Becchi in 1971, exemplifies Italian radical design with its multifunctional, sculptural form, merging comfort and versatility in furniture.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s Peacock Chair: The Art & Influence of His Iconic Designs

    Frank Lloyd Wright’s Peacock Chair: The Art & Influence of His Iconic Designs

    The Peacock Chair, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel, showcases geometric elegance and embodies his Mayan Revival style, merging function with artistic innovation.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • The Brno Chair: A Modernist Icon by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

    The Brno Chair: A Modernist Icon by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

    The Brno Chair, designed by Mies van der Rohe, epitomizes modernist design with its minimalist form, cantilevered chrome frame, and luxurious leather upholstery, symbolizing Bauhaus aesthetics.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Craftsmanship and Innovation in Marc Newson’s Wood Chair

    Craftsmanship and Innovation in Marc Newson’s Wood Chair

    Marc Newson’s Wood Chair is a biomorphic masterpiece showcasing innovative bentwood craftsmanship, merging organic form and durability, influencing contemporary furniture design and recognized in prominent collections.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • The Egg Chair: A 20th-Century Design Icon

    The Egg Chair: A 20th-Century Design Icon

    The Egg Chair Chair by Ursula Haupenthal (1992) is a minimalist, sculptural design made from advanced materials, featuring a high-tech aesthetic and innovative structural balance.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Alvin Lustig: The Multifaceted Designer of Modernism

    Alvin Lustig: The Multifaceted Designer of Modernism

    Alvin Lustig was a pioneering designer whose multidisciplinary work in graphic design, book covers, and interiors established enduring design principles, influencing contemporary aesthetics.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Bruno Ninaber van Eyben: Designing Time and Currency in the Netherlands

    Bruno Ninaber van Eyben: Designing Time and Currency in the Netherlands

    Bruno Ninaber van Eyben, a prominent Dutch designer, is known for his minimalist approach in creating everyday items like watches and coins, embodying Dutch modernist principles.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Stylish Velvet Dining Chairs for Modern Homes

    Stylish Velvet Dining Chairs for Modern Homes

    The SEYNAR Dining Chairs feature luxurious orange velvet, gold legs, and ergonomic design, offering style and comfort, perfect for various contemporary spaces in your home.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Mid Century Sherpa Boucle Accent Chair: A Cozy and Stylish Addition to Your Space

    Mid Century Sherpa Boucle Accent Chair: A Cozy and Stylish Addition to Your Space

    The SEYNAR Mid Century Sherpa Boucle Accent Chair offers modern style, cozy comfort, and durability, perfect for small spaces and various interior aesthetics.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Lodovico Meneghetti: A Key Figure in Neo-Liberty Design

    Lodovico Meneghetti: A Key Figure in Neo-Liberty Design

    Lodovico Meneghetti (1926–2020) was a pivotal Italian architect known for his Neo-Liberty contributions, blending historical influences and craftsmanship within modern design.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Warren McArthur: A Pioneer of Modern Furniture Design

    Warren McArthur: A Pioneer of Modern Furniture Design

    Warren McArthur was a pioneering designer who transformed furniture design through innovative use of tubular metals and modular systems, influencing modernist design despite being undervalued.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Exploring the Iconic Armchair MR 20 by Mies van der Rohe

    Exploring the Iconic Armchair MR 20 by Mies van der Rohe

    The Armchair MR 20, designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1927, exemplifies modernist elegance with innovative materials, lightweight design, and cultural significance in furniture history.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • The Influence of Colonial Expeditions and Outdoor Lifestyles on Safari Chair Design

    The Influence of Colonial Expeditions and Outdoor Lifestyles on Safari Chair Design

    Safari Chairs, originating from colonial needs, blend portability and comfort, showcasing a design evolution that balances historical significance and modern ergonomic principles.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Frank Gehry: Visionary Architect of Deconstructivism

    Frank Gehry: Visionary Architect of Deconstructivism

    Frank O. Gehry, a Canadian architect, is renowned for his innovative, sculptural designs that challenge norms, significantly influencing contemporary architecture with iconic works like the Guggenheim Museum.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Frank Gehry’s Power Play Armchair: Transforming Design

    Frank Gehry’s Power Play Armchair: Transforming Design

    Frank Gehry’s Power Play Armchair exemplifies innovative design, merging art and function, challenging material norms, and transforming mundane materials into extraordinary, dynamic forms of furniture.Read More →


    Learn More →


  • Versatile ‘Passage’ Chair: Design Meets Functionality

    Versatile ‘Passage’ Chair: Design Meets Functionality

    The ‘Passage’ chair by Ronan Bouroullec combines modern aesthetics with sustainability, featuring customizable options and a versatile design for various indoor and outdoor settings.Read More →


    Learn More →



Discover more from Encyclopedia of Design

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.