The Egg™ chair by Arne Jacobsen is a masterpiece of Danish design. Jacobsen found the perfect shape for the chair by experimenting with wire and plaster in his garage. Today, the Egg chair is recognised worldwide as one of the triumphs of Jacobsen’s legendary career and a Scandinavian design icon. Why not take a look at our exclusive to Innes versions.
Key Features
Organic Shape: The Egg Chair has a unique, sculptural form that is both visually striking and comfortable. Its curved back provides privacy and comfort, making it perfect for lounge settings.
Material: The chair is often upholstered in leather or fabric, with a variety of color options. It typically sits on a four-star base made of aluminum, providing stability and swivel functionality.
Craftsmanship: Like other Fritz Hansen products, the Egg Chair is crafted with high attention to detail, using top-quality materials.
Timeless Design: Despite being designed in the mid-20th century, it remains a timeless piece of modern design, widely used in contemporary interiors.
Historical Background
Designer: Arne Jacobsen was already a renowned Danish architect and designer when he conceived the Egg Chair in 1958. He was a pioneer of Danish modernism, known for integrating architecture and interior design into cohesive projects.
Royal Hotel, Copenhagen (1956-1960): The Egg Chair was specifically designed for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen this was Denmark’s first skyscraper and a symbol of modernity at the time. Jacobsen was given full creative control, from the building's structure to the furniture inside. For this project, he designed several iconic pieces, including the Egg Chair, the Swan Chair, and the Drop Chair.
Innovative Construction: The Egg Chair was groundbreaking in its construction. Jacobsen used a new technique at the time, creating the chair’s inner shell from a strong foam material molded under pressure. This allowed the chair to have its distinctive curved shape while providing excellent support. The foam core was then upholstered with fabric or leather, ensuring a comfortable and durable finish.
Inspiration and Form: The chair’s organic, enveloping form was inspired by modernist principles and Jacobsen’s architectural sensibilities. Its cocoon-like design offers privacy and comfort in open spaces, embodying both functionality and style. The Egg’s smooth, rounded shape contrasts with the angular architecture of the hotel, showcasing Jacobsen’s skill in balancing form and function.
Post-War Design Era: The Egg Chair emerged during a post-war period when the world embraced more organic, human-centered design principles. Scandinavian design, especially Danish design, became known for its emphasis on simplicity, functionalism, and natural forms. The Egg Chair, with its minimalist yet sculptural design, fit perfectly within this context.
Influence and Legacy
Icon of Modern Design: Over the decades, the Egg Chair has become one of the most recognizable and celebrated pieces of mid-century modern furniture. Its design is often seen as a perfect blend of aesthetics and comfort, making it a staple in both residential and commercial interiors around the world.
Cultural Impact: The chair has also become a pop culture symbol, appearing in films, television shows, and even art installations. Its futuristic look made it popular in set designs for shows and movies that evoke luxury or avant-garde aesthetics.
Ongoing Production: Fritz Hansen, the Danish manufacturer, continues to produce the Egg Chair, maintaining the high standards of craftsmanship and materials that have defined the chair since its inception. It is available in a variety of materials, including leather, fabric, and custom upholstery.
Design Philosophy
Arne Jacobsen believed in total design, where every detail of a project—whether a building or a chair—was considered in the broader context of functionality and form. The Egg Chair is a reflection of this philosophy, offering an inviting, comfortable space within a beautifully designed object.
Its success and enduring popularity highlight its role not just as a piece of furniture but as a work of art and a symbol of modernist ideals.
Arne Jacobsen
Design visionary and creator of the Egg™, Swan™, Series 7™ and Drop™ chairs, among other iconic furniture pieces.
It is said that as a child growing up in Copenhagen, Arne Jacobsen painted over the Victorian wallpaper in his bedroom. But young Arne did not cover his walls with typical childish drawings or paint the ornate wallpaper boyish blue. Instead, he decided to paint his room entirely white. His decision may seem commonplace today, but in the early twentieth century white walls were not yet in fashion. From the very beginning, Arne Jacobsen was ahead of his time.
Fritz Hansen 3316 Egg Chair Anniversary Edition Pure Leather 23K Gold Base
