Egg Chair: how the legendary egg chair was created and what happened to it

The Egg Chair, created by Arne Jacobsen, is called a style icon and a timeless masterpiece. The famous Danish designer and architect designed it in 1958 for the lobby of the Radisson SAS Hotel in Copenhagen. The unusual egg chair fit well into the interior and became a bright touch that was impossible not to pay attention to. After some time, the Fritz Hansen company, which produces the Egg Chair, received a flood of orders. Hotels, offices, fashion boutiques, private homeowners - everyone wanted a stylish and comfortable chair.

An egg-shaped chair could be seen not only in expensive offices and boutiques, but also on TV screens. The Egg Chair appears alternately in two cult films about space exploration - Andrei Tarkovsky's Solaris and Stanley Kubrick's A Space Odyssey. The egg chair simply had no chance of being forgotten.

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Stills from the film "Solaris": Egg Chair at the station

Types of models

Hanging

Other designers were also inspired by the idea. The egg shape was adopted by numerous designs of chairs that appeared later. One of them can be called hanging chairs “cocoons”. They are made in the form of an openwork wicker body with egg or drop shapes.

There are several types of fastening:

• Ceiling. First of all, you will need an opinion from architects that the ceiling can withstand the expected loads. If everything is in order and you have been given the green light, then a hole is drilled in the ceiling corresponding to the suspension element. If you find yourself in a hollow area of ​​the slab, then the entire cavity must be filled with foam sealant, into which the fasteners are inserted. The chair is suspended only after the cementitious filler has completely dried. For this, a strong chain or special ropes with counterweights are used;
• Beam. Everything is much simpler here. It is enough to fix the rope around the beam. A chair is attached to it. You will have to install guy ropes to the floor;
• Tripod. In this case, the body clings to a special curved stand with a ring-shaped base. The suspension also consists of a loop, hook and chain. Often the chain is replaced with a dense spring. This chair performs the functions of a swing and a rocking chair at the same time.

Floor-standing

When choosing a floor-standing egg chair, priority attention should be paid to the base. The stability of the entire structure depends on it

There are the following types:

• Cross. The classic version has four points. This tradition continues to be preserved today. It is made from chrome-plated steel or carbon varieties. This base is not equipped with rollers. The end of each knitting needle is decorated with an anti-slip flat lining. There is a low leg between the crosspiece and the body of the chair;
• Stand. Round wide base with a low single leg. Popular with more modern egg-shaped chair models. It completely follows the contours of the egg. The inside is concave and hollow. The resulting niche houses a soft seat. This chair allows an adult to sit completely inside, bending his legs. A very stable option with a high level of comfort. Another original solution for an interior with a modern focus.

Types of Egg Chair models

Hanging

Now there are quite a few varieties of such furniture. If you want an original solution that will attract a lot of attention, it makes sense to choose a hanging chair. Often this is a wicker chair or made in the form of a drop.

To choose the right egg chair of this type, it makes sense to look at the suspension. The following types are found.

• Ceiling. Here you need to make sure that the ceiling can definitely withstand such a load. To do this, be sure to obtain an architectural opinion. Next, choose a location and drill holes for fasteners. If there is a cavity in the selected location, it must be filled with sealant. We install the fasteners and fix them with cement-containing filler. The chair is suspended after the solution has completely hardened.
• Beam. Fastening occurs by throwing a chain or rope over the beam. Additionally, the housing is fixed to the floor or wall. This solution is suitable for private houses.
• Tripod. The frame of the chair is suspended from a special stand, which is placed on the base in the form of a ring. The suspension is made in the form of a hook, loop and chain. Some models use a dense spring instead of a chain. This solution combines a rocking chair and a swing.

Floor-standing

There are also floor-mounted options. When choosing a floor chair, you need to look at the base. Let's see what the reasons are.

• Cross. If we consider the most classic option - a four-pointed cross. This tradition has survived to this day. Made from chrome steel, or from its carbon types. This support does not have wheels, and is also complemented by a special lining with anti-slip properties. A small leg must be made between the frame and the cross.
• Stand. This is a wide round base, additionally equipped with a small height leg. Often found on modern models that completely replicate the appearance of the egg. A seat is placed inside the hollow egg. Thanks to this shape, an adult can fit inside by simply bending his legs. It has a high level of comfort; it is almost impossible to tip over this chair. They look good if your interior is in a modern style.

Main characteristics of hanging chair

The design of hanging chairs is similar to a rocking chair or a hammock. This product can be made from several materials: plastic, wicker, rattan or raffia. They are attached either to the ceiling or with a hook to a metal structure.

You can often hear this chair called a cocoon chair. And indeed it is. In appearance it looks like a cocoon. The chair gained popularity due to its ability to swing. Due to its size, the chair can be purchased even for a small apartment.

If we consider the weight of a person that this structure can support, it can range from 120 to 150 kilograms, depending on the material chosen. The cocoon model for hanging on a bracket from the ceiling weighs a little, about 20 kilograms. Therefore, it can be easily attached to the ceiling in any apartment.

Ergonomic design and timeless appeal

How does this simple invention, for more than half a century, manage to remain at the peak of popularity? Most likely, the secret is in its unusual design and flexible design.

After all, this is not just furniture - it is a real sculptural work that has a certain meaning and its own philosophy. In any case, this chair will be a worthy decoration for your home!

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Peculiarities

In 1957, a chair suspended from the ceiling was invented. A year later, a floor model of an egg-shaped piece of furniture appeared, which was called Egg.

The peculiarity of this variety is the absence of 4 legs and armrests. The body of the product has a streamlined round shape, reminiscent of an egg. The item can stand on a support or be suspended. In any case, the product is able to rotate.

The advantages of an egg chair are numerous.

• The body is one-piece, due to which the product is assembled quickly and easily.
• Originality combined with comfort. It is very comfortable to sit in a product of this shape; you can completely relax in it. If the model is suspended, a slight rocking additionally soothes, gives peace and a feeling of flight.
• The unusual design allows the product to become the highlight of the interior. At the same time, it will not seem out of place against the background of the situation if you choose the right design. The variety of materials and colors allows the product to harmoniously fit into strict minimalism, brutal loft, and eco-style.
• Children really like these chairs. The shape of the products and their mobility are attractive. At the same time, the absence of sharp corners minimizes the risk of injury to small users.

Features of caring for hanging chairs

Having bought a chair, it is important to take care of its condition in the future. If you want it to serve you for many years, then you need to remember some requirements for caring for the product:

• Never use detergents containing alcohol to clean the chair.
• Avoid direct sunlight on the material from which the chair is made.
• Make sure that pets cannot damage or scratch the product.

If these requirements are met, you will keep the chair in its original form for a long time.

Location and mounting options

Egg-shaped chairs are universal and suitable for any interior. Soft spherical models are placed in children's rooms and bedrooms - in such chairs it is cozy and comfortable not only for children, but also for adults. A rigid spherical structure is used in open spaces - in gardens or on terraces. Such furniture does not allow moisture to pass through and protects the occupant from the wind. In offices, entertainment and social institutions, an Egg chair with an open top is installed - it is comfortable to work in it and periodically relax.

Designer furniture includes ceiling (cocoon) or floor mounting. In the first case, fixation can be carried out in 3 ways:

1. Directly ceiling. To secure the Egg chair in this way, you must first determine whether the ceiling will support the weight of the structure. A hole is made at the base of the wall into which a fastener is inserted, and an improvised swing is hung to it.
2. Tripod. It consists of a chain, a hook, and a support loop. The chair is attached to the loop using a hook. In some models, a special spring is used instead of a chain, then a rocking chair is obtained. The model is self-contained and easy to carry around the house or in the yard.
3. Beam. The simplest option: a cable is secured around a horizontal crossbar (branch), from which the chair is suspended.

Floor mounting is done using a cross or stand. The classic crosspiece consists of 4 metal fragments and is connected to the body of the egg-shaped chair with a small leg. A non-slip coating is installed on each segment.

The base-stand, consisting of a monolithic low leg, was invented much later than the chair itself appeared. The lower part of the structure has the shape of a disk and is installed on the floor, while the upper part follows the contours of the seat.

Ceiling mount

On a tripod

Mount on a tree branch

Floor mounted on a cross

On a monolithic stand

History of appearance

There are as many as 2 “parents” of the hanging “cocoon”. They are considered to be the Danish Nanna Ditzel, who in the mid-20th century came up with the idea of ​​hanging a wicker chair in the shape of an egg from the ceiling, and the Finn Ero Arnio. 20 years later he created the inimitable transparent “soap bubble” hanging chair. Further, this version of furniture was subjected to many modifications and improvements. New materials were added. Each designer contributed something different. To date, the number of original variations numbers at least a dozen.

How to make it yourself

To comfortably watch TV programs at home and not spend money on expensive furniture, you can try making a chair with your own hands. This will require basic skills in working with tools and accuracy. The easiest way to make a hanging chair is the Egg. A wicker rocking model, usually made of wicker or rattan, is suitable as a basis for a rigid structure. These materials are lightweight and will not create a large load on the fastening. The soft filling can be made from thick fabric, ropes and pillows, and this interior element is called a hammock egg.

To make it yourself you will need:

• metal hoops or pipes;
• material for the soft part (wicker, rattan, ropes for macrame, thick fabric);
• chain or ropes for hanging the structure;
• 2 rods for fastening;
• tape measure, scissors;
• work gloves.

To correctly measure the length of the tube, the calculation is made using the following formula: length of the segment = base diameter X number π.

After determining the length of the pipe, as well as cutting off the blank for the egg chair, proceed according to the following algorithm:

Carefully bend the hoop. At the junction, a core 3-4 cm long is inserted inside. The junction is secured with screws. They make a winding for the hoops. To do this, use prepared material - macramé cord, wicker, rattan

The turns are made tightly, carefully stretching the source material. This stage is painstaking, since the inside of the hoop should not be noticeable. To create a soft part, a macrame network is woven, weaving is made from wicker or rattan - it must be dense and well stretched. This is especially important for macrame, since over time the knots stretch and the product sags. The finished base is secured to the frame with reinforced fastening. If a macrame mesh is created, double knots are made with tight tension. If wicker or rattan, the knot joints are secured with nails or screws. The resulting back and seat of the Egg Chair are assembled together. To do this, in the planned lower part, the hoops are connected and wrapped with cord. The length of the joint is 15-20 cm. The back of the chair is made on the opposite side. 2 vertical rods are inserted into the hoops and secured. The distance between the supports is chosen arbitrarily. The length of the rods is equal to the height of the backrest. Create weaving for the vertical part of the chair. It may be similar to what was used for the seat. But this part is always visible, so it wouldn’t hurt to use a more complex and beautiful finish. The fastenings are made in the same way as those used to create the lower part.

When working on an Egg Chair yourself, choose beams or tripods that can support a weight of at least 130 kg. Over time, the seat and backrest can sag and become deformed: to minimize this problem, the material is carefully stretched, and small sections are left in the form of a fringe. If it is necessary to tighten the soft part, the correction is carried out with free ends

The homemade wicker egg chair is ready – it will become a bright addition to any interior and will definitely attract the attention of guests

Preparing the base - tripod

Insert and fasten the core

Making a wrap for hoops

We assemble the back and seat hoops and tie them with cord

We tie the lower hoop with a cord and fasten the vertical rods

We weave a macrame network between hoops

Homemade wicker egg chair is ready

Overview of species

First of all, hard and soft chairs stand out.

The first type of construction includes garden wicker models, as well as interior chairs made of glass and artificial rattan. Typically these are models suspended from the ceiling or hanging from a rod. Users themselves complement such products with pillows or fur capes, which increase the comfort of sitting. If necessary, textile items are washed or replaced with new ones.

You can also select products with an open top and closed models that resemble half an egg. The former are often installed in offices and living rooms. They are comfortable to work and relax in. The latter have a more shocking design. This chair slightly shields the person sitting in it from the surrounding environment, which creates an atmosphere of privacy. Usually they are bought for home use, less often they are placed in public institutions with ultra-modern design to emphasize the chosen interior style.

And, of course, egg-shaped structures are divided according to the type of fastening. There are models that are suspended and placed on the floor.

Suspended

The product can be fixed in three ways.

Ceiling mount. This option is only suitable for buildings with strong ceilings

Before purchasing and installing, it is important to make sure that the ceiling can support the weight of the object along with the person sitting in it. A chemical anchor is usually used for installation

There is also a way to mount it on a beam - you can, for example, use a tree branch as a beam. Of course, it must be thick and durable. Otherwise, there will be a risk of the structure collapsing.

Floor

Floor models come in two types. The first ones rest on a cross-shaped leg. The second ones are mounted on a round stand.

• The crosspiece is a classic option for attaching egg-shaped chairs. It is still used today. The base is made of chrome steel. The edges of the structure are equipped with anti-slip pads. Such products do not have rollers.
• The round stand was invented later. In some cases it tapers at the base of the body, and sometimes it is a simple flat disk. In such cases, the base is usually the same color as the chair itself. As a result, the design looks like a monolithic product.

Rattan as a manufacturing material

A variety of materials can be used to produce hanging frame and frameless chairs. Rattan is considered the most popular and widely known. Rattan is a vine.

This material can be natural or artificial. It has a number of advantages:

• Rattan chairs can support a person up to 150 kilograms.
• The material easily takes the shape of the body.
• Chairs made of natural material weigh no more than 20 kilograms.
• Does not require special care. Wipes easily with a clean dry cloth.
• The chair can last you about 40 years.
• Is a decoration of a classic interior.
• The material used for weaving is environmentally friendly.

Along with the advantages, the following disadvantages can be identified:

• It doesn’t look good in all interiors.
• When installing to the ceiling, a number of difficulties arise.
• Takes up a lot of space.
• High price.

Upholstery materials

You can choose any suitable option for upholstery:

• Natural wool. In the classic version it is certainly used. The material is durable, dense, but can cause allergic reactions;
• Microvelvet. Wonderful velvety fabric with double-sided pile. It can be smooth, ribbed (like corduroy) or textured (part of the pile is thermally pressed in the form of a pattern). Long service life with minimal maintenance requirements have made microcorduroy a popular material for upholstery;
• Genuine Leather. Since this chair is a designer one, you can find exotic options such as pony leather, zebra leather and the like. But the principle remains the same. Softness depends on the quality of the workmanship and the thickness of the leather. The material is absolutely not susceptible to contamination, repels water, and is easy to care for. Looks very solid;
• Eco leather. A more budget option, but at the same time the properties remain close to real leather. This soft material is very durable, tear-resistant, and does not fade. Pleasant and warm when touched. Poor air permeability;
• Velours. Used frequently. For its manufacture, wool or cotton is used as the basis. The pile is synthetic. Pleasant to the touch, very soft, delicate. At the same time, it does not require maintenance and is easy to clean. High level of decorativeness. Subject to abrasion, not resistant to mechanical damage. Not suitable for a family with children and cats;
• Chenille. Excellent textured fabric, reminiscent of a handmade rug. Some fibers are cotton, some are synthetic. They are pre-twisted into fairly large threads that are intertwined like braiding. The synthetic thread is made fluffy. Dense material with a pleasant texture.
• Scotchgard. The closest relative of jacquard, possessing all its advantages. In addition, the fabric is impregnated with a special composition. As a result, it gains properties to repel water, dirt, dust and resist mechanical stress (anti-claw function). But such fabric cannot be washed. Just rinse lightly in lukewarm water without wringing.

Frame - materials of manufacture

The housing can be made from the following types of materials:

• Vine. Popular, affordable material with high strength. Flexible, allows you to create even very complex weaving patterns. It looks light, almost weightless. This is due to the small thickness of the willow twigs. Not particularly demanding in terms of care;
• Natural rattan. The material is undeniably beautiful. The long length of the branches allows you to weave the entire frame with one or two joints. This ensures resistance to deformation. For braiding, bark taken from the same rattan is usually used. The material is very picky about humidity levels. It reacts negatively to drying out, but does not like dampness either. The varnish will have to be renewed regularly;
• Artificial rattan. Take all the advantages of natural, removing all its “whims”. At the same time, add several times increased strength, a richer color range and increased service life. The result will be the characteristics of this material. It is not surprising that it costs more than natural one. It can be used outdoors. Not afraid of moisture, neutral to the sun;
• Polymer or acrylic cord. Durable artificial material that allows you to effectively imitate natural wicker. Undemanding to conditions, unpretentious in care;
• Braided wire. Metal wire of various diameters is covered with a glossy rubberized sheath or coated paper braid. Next, this material is used to weave using the chosen method. Very beautiful material with a characteristic shine. High level of strength and reliability.

Egg chair - design features

The egg chair relatively quickly conquered the market Olympus. This model is just over 50 years old. At the same time, the popularity of such chairs is off the charts. The idea of ​​creation was born almost by accident. An ordinary Dane, Arne Jacobsen, dreamed of becoming an artist since childhood. Life decreed otherwise and he had to master a profession related to architecture. But they say you can’t hide talent. True, it manifested itself not in drawing, but in furniture design. He is called the founder of Danish design. Perhaps his two models of chairs – the swan and the egg – received the loudest worldwide fame.

The foreign name for this model is Egg Chair. The following characteristic features can be distinguished:

• Easy to assemble. A minimum of action is required from you. The process takes no more than 5 minutes;
• Comfort. The shape of the chair allows you to completely relax. This contributes to quality rest;
• Possibility to replace upholstery. The process is quite simple. If you have minimal sewing skills, this is easy to do yourself;
• The original appearance will fit well into the interior with any modern design style;
• The chair is suitable for use by children. There are no sharp corners in the design. So it’s simply impossible to get hurt;
• All models can rotate around their own axis. Additionally, they are capable of swaying with a deflection angle of about 30°.

Design options

A large assortment of egg-shaped armchairs allows you to choose an option that suits any interior style.

An open-type model with upholstery made of natural or artificial leather can fit into a strict retro style. It is better to choose a classic stand (cross). The color of the upholstery should be neutral and calm. The ideal choice would be a brown tint.

A chair of any model is suitable for a loft. In this case, both the stand and the body must be made of metal.

Modern trends allow different colors and shapes. You can choose an outdoor floor chair in a bright shade (such as yellow, blue, red and purple). You can settle on a calm, muted tone. The upholstery can be fabric or leather, it all depends on personal preference.

The closed floor chair on a monolithic stand in a two-color design looks original. The body is usually made of fiberglass in a neutral color (white, black). The internal soft filling can be contrasting (red, turquoise, orange, etc.). Of course, there are also options on sale in soothing colors.

Many people prefer to decorate apartments decorated in a modern style with acrylic hanging models. The most popular are white and black “openwork” models on rods with bright pillows. However, if you wish, you can also find a color version (for example, blue or green).

Transparent hanging products fit perfectly into the concept of minimalism. Pillows come in different colors. Most often, transparent models have the shape of a hemisphere, but ovoid models are also found.

Ecostyle will ideally complement a model made of natural rattan. This model will also fit into the Scandinavian direction. The product can be complemented by a fur cape or fabric pillow.

For lovers of outrageousness, models are offered that, in addition to the original shape, also have unusual colors. Imitation patchwork stitching, an image of the American flag, animal prints (zebra, leopard, cow) and other options simply cannot go unnoticed.

It is worth mentioning that some modern closed models are equipped with additional options. For example, it could be a hidden MP3 player. Of course, transparent chairs do not allow the installation of such systems. However, aesthetics and comfort in themselves are significant advantages of the products.

Frame

Let's see what types of housing there are:

• One-piece fiberglass mold. Standard option. It is made of special plastic, the structure of which is reinforced with fiberglass. Very durable. The absence of joints and seams makes the structure extremely durable. Withstands weight up to 130 kg. The inside is invariably covered with a continuous layer of porous foam filler;
• Metal carcass. This option can be attributed to the favorite option of “folk craftsmen”. The thin metal tube completely repeats the famous silhouette. Additional bent stiffening ribs are also attached along the back. Additionally, flat overlays are used to maintain a rounded shape. The entire structure is carefully packaged in a case made of 6 - 8 layers of fiberglass. Epoxy resin is used for bonding. Then the filler and covering are applied. For those who are not deprived of modeling talents, this method allows you to save on the considerable price tag for such a chair (about 40,000 rubles).

Egg Chair frame

In practice, there are chairs with the following types of frames.

• Fiberglass. In this case, a solid mold is made from one material. Considered a standard. They are made from special plastic with fiberglass in its structure. The chair is highly durable, as there is a complete absence of seams and joints. Can withstand weight up to 130 kg. For greater comfort, the inside must be covered with foam porous filler.
• Metal carcass. Such options are not only “factory”, but also homemade, since the tube can be bent into the desired shape in any workshop. It is made from a metal tube, it is better if stainless steel is used as the material. Stiffening ribs are added to the frame. The round shape is achieved using special overlays. The resulting workpiece is packaged in 6–7 layers of fiberglass. Afterwards, the workpiece is finished with filler and covered with fabric.