Knoll Womb Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Eero Saarinen – Smoke

Knoll Furniture co-founder Florence Knoll wanted a chair “that was like a basket of pillows—something I can really curl up in.” Eero Saarinen’s Womb Lounge Chair, designed in 1948, was the result. Named for its comforting cradle of calm, the groundbreaking Womb Chair does indeed support countless lounging positions for curling up and relaxing. The crimson bouclé upholstered seat—which features a high back, two cushions and organically integrated armrests—is supported by a steel rod frame with polished chrome finish. The seat shell is foam-covered molded fiberglass.

For a maximum lounging experience, the chair is paired with a matching ottoman. (An earlier version of Saarinen’s Womb Chair in midnight blue, from 1946, was exhibited at the 1951 Milan Triennale and is represented in MoMA’s collection.) The Womb Chair measures 35.5h x 40w x 34”d with a 16”h seat back and 20.5”h arms. The included Ottoman measures 16h x 25.5w x 20”d. The chair’s manufacturer, Knoll, is represented in MoMA’s collection.