Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is the history of Eero Saarinen's Womb chair?
1 Answer

The history of Eero Saarinen's Womb Chair dates back to the late 1940s. It was then that designer and entrepreneur Florence Knoll challenged her friend, Eero Saarinen, to create the most comfortable chair ever made. To succeed at the task, Saarinen sought to evoke what he imagined was the comfortable, secure feeling of being in the womb and set out to design the now iconic chair. Production of the Womb chair began in 1948, and it didn't take long for the seat to become a cultural phenomenon. In the decade following its release, it appeared in a Coca-Cola commercial, a New Yorker magazine cartoon and a Norman Rockwell painting on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post. Today, Knoll offers the seat in 15 upholstery options, and when Saarinen's famous TWA terminal reopened as a hotel in 2019, Womb chairs were featured prominently in the guest rooms. Explore a collection of Eero Saarinen Womb chairs on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
Related Questions
- Where is Eero Saarinen from?1 Answer
- Who is Eero Saarinen?1 Answer
- What is Eero Saarinen famous for?1 Answer
- What did Eero Saarinen design?1 Answer
- How do I pronounce Eero Saarinen?1 Answer
Shop for Womb Chair on 1stDibs
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Womb Chair and Ottoman in a red Boucle
By Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Eero Saarinen for Knoll womb Chair and Ottoman in a red Boucle Fabric. This example is 20 years old and very clean! Matching Ottoman is 26" x 20". Probably the most comfortable mi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Eero Saarinen for Knoll Womb Chair newly reupholstered in a Rivington Charcoal
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Eero Saarinen for Knoll womb Chair newly reupholstered in a Rivington Charcoal Fabric. Chrome frame and Original label. Truly one of the most comfortable chairs out there!
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Eero Saarinen Womb Chair for Knoll Upholstered in Hand Sewn Champagne Alpaca
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Timeless and iconic mid century modern Womb chair designed in 1948 by Eero Saarinen in response to Florence Knoll's request for a comfortable chair that felt like a basket of pillows...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Chrome
c. 1975 Rare Eero Saarinen Womb Settee, Restored in The Elder Statesman Cashmere
By Knoll, Eero Saarinen
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Rare, vintage Womb Settee designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll. Rebuilt and reupholstered in the most luxurious cashmere from The Elder Statesman.
One of a kind.
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Settees
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Eero Saarinen Womb Chair and Ottoman in New Zealand Taupe Sheepskin
By Eero Saarinen
Located in Saint Louis, US
Relax and unwind in this beautifully comfortable original Eero Saarinen Womb Chair and ottoman set. The chair is accompanied by an ottoman of which both are fully reupholstered in hi...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Eero Saarinen Womb Chair and Ottoman in Zebra
By Eero Saarinen, Knoll
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
We have an incredible collection of vintage chairs and design icons waiting for a new life. Please allow 10-12 weeks for re-upholstery and restoration of a vintage Womb Chair and Ott...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Zebra Hide
$17,800 / set


