Egg Chair

Egg chair: the design icon that cocoons and elevates your living room

The Egg chair is one of the most iconic creations in 20th-century furniture design. Its enveloping ovoid silhouette, imagined by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the Royal SAS Hotel in Copenhagen, continues to embody modernist elegance. At Designix, our collection of Egg chairs offers inspirations of this icon in various materials: boucle Egg chair, velvet Egg chair, leather Egg chair, hanging Egg chair, swivel Egg chair, outdoor garden Egg chair.

More than just a seat, the Egg chair is an experience: its enveloping shape creates a bubble of privacy, providing visual and acoustic isolation, and inviting you to read, have intimate conversations, or simply contemplate. Perfect as a unique accent piece in a living room, or as a pair to create a cozy, face-to-face nook. Also discover our other designer armchairs, bergère chairs, leather armchairs, and velvet armchairs.

2026 Trend: the Egg chair returns to the forefront

In 2026, the Egg chair is experiencing a major resurgence in interest, driven by two trends: the mid-century revival (a return to 1950-1960s designs) and cocooning (the search for visual and tactile sanctuaries in furniture). Contemporary interiors are rehabilitating this iconic form in versions more varied than the original: cream boucle for Scandinavian style, forest green velvet for Art Deco, camel leather for mid-century chic.

New versions also offer modern features: 360° swivel base, hidden tilt mechanism, discreet casters for mobility, and matching footrests. The hanging Egg chair (attached to the ceiling or on a metal structure) has become a star piece for sunrooms, large bay windows, and designer reading nooks.

The different versions of the Egg chair

Swivel base Egg chair — The "classic" version inspired by the original Egg Chair. Polished aluminum or steel swivel base, upholstered shell in fabric or leather. Very satisfying 360° swivel. For living rooms, offices, and reading corners.

Hanging Egg chair — Attached to the ceiling by a chain or placed on a tripod. Maximum cocoon effect, gentle, highly relaxing oscillation. For sunrooms, covered terraces, and designer reading corners. Ensure ceiling strength — 80-120 kg minimum load capacity.

Cocoon Egg chair (external shell) — A version where the egg is more enclosed, with a hood that extends above the head. Maximum visual and acoustic isolation. Perfect for noisy open spaces, reading nooks, or guest bedrooms.

XXL 2-seater Egg chair — A wide version for two people. Shared cocoon effect, ideal for a romantic reading corner or facing a large bay window. Exceptional size.

Child/junior Egg chair — Dimensions adapted for children (50-60% of adult size). Perfect for children's bedrooms, library reading nooks, and playrooms.

Outdoor/garden Egg chair — Weather-resistant version: woven synthetic rattan shell, water-repellent cushions. For terraces, gardens, and verandas. The ultimate summer "hanging chair."

Comparison table: which Egg chair for which use

Choosing the right size Egg chair

Typical dimensions: width 80-120 cm, depth 70-100 cm, height 100-140 cm (including shell). Standard models are suitable for one person. XXL 2-seater models reach 140-180 cm in width. For a standard living room, an Egg chair requires at least 1.5 m × 1.5 m of free space (for rotation and the necessary clearance).

Calculator: your ideal Egg chair

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The Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen: history and legacy

The original Egg Chair was created by Danish designer Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the Royal SAS Hotel in Copenhagen — the world's first "design hotel." Jacobsen wanted a chair that would isolate guests from lobby noise while creating an intimate bubble. He sculpted the Egg from a plaster model in his own garage, testing the curves until he achieved the perfect shape.

Produced by Fritz Hansen continuously since 1958, the original Egg Chair currently costs €8,000–€15,000 depending on the upholstery. Accessible inspired editions (€200–€800) replicate the iconic silhouette without the original Danish manufacturing quality. For decorative and daily functional use, accessible alternatives are more than enough. For a decorative investment piece to pass down, the original Fritz Hansen retains all its value.

Hanging Egg chair: installation and safety

The hanging Egg chair requires rigorous installation for safety. Two options: ceiling attachment (steel hook + chemical anchor in a beam or concrete slab, never in simple drywall) or freestanding tripod (metal or wood structure, no drilling required). Minimum load capacity: 150 kg (user weight + chair + safety factor).

For a drywall ceiling, direct suspension is impossible — you must locate an exposed beam or add a metal reinforcement. If in doubt, call a professional for installation (€100–€200). Strength is crucial: a fall can cause serious injury. To avoid any risk, the freestanding tripod is the safest, mobile option and requires no drilling — ideal for renters.

Maintaining your Egg chair: preserving its silhouette

Maintenance depends on the upholstery. Boucle: regular brushing in the direction of the pile, monthly vacuuming with a brush attachment, dry cleaning for stubborn stains (€30–€50). Velvet: brushing in the direction of the pile, low-suction vacuuming, never use large amounts of water. Leather: weekly dusting with a microfiber cloth, nourishing treatment every 3 months.

For the shell, simple dusting is sufficient. If the shell is molded wood (original Egg Chair style), annual maintenance oil preserves the finish. For a swivel model, light lubrication of the pivot every 2 years ensures fluidity. Avoid direct sunlight exposure, which fades fabrics and causes leather to crack. A well-maintained Egg chair lasts 15-25 years without losing its silhouette or comfort.

Budget and ranges of Egg chairs

FAQ — Frequently asked questions about the Egg chair

Is the Egg chair comfortable for reading for long periods?
Yes, very — the enveloping shape supports the back naturally and the thick padding (HR 35+ kg/m³ foam) allows for 1-2 hours of reading without discomfort. For very long sessions (3+ hours), pair it with a matching footrest to relieve your legs.

What is the difference between an original Egg Chair and copies?
The original Egg Chair (Fritz Hansen) uses a fiberglass molded shell + laminated steel frame, very high-density foam padding, and certified leather or fabric. Copies/inspirations use polyester shells, standard foam, and less premium fabrics. The original lasts 50 years, copies 5-15 years. Quality/durability ratio: incomparable, but the price is 20-50x higher.

Are hanging Egg chairs allowed in rental properties?
It depends on your lease and the setup. Freestanding tripod = no problem (no drilling). Ceiling attachment = requires written landlord permission as it is a structural modification. For tenants, always prioritize the tripod — mobility + no renovation work required.

Can you put an Egg chair in a small room?
Yes, provided you have at least 1.5 m × 1.5 m of free space around it. In a 10-12 m² room, a single compact Egg chair (80 cm W) works well as an accent piece. Any more than that, and the room becomes cluttered — opt for a more discreet Scandinavian armchair.

Egg chair with a swivel or fixed base?
The swivel version is preferable — it allows you to orient the chair as needed (towards the TV, the window, or a person you're talking to) without moving the entire piece of furniture. The €50-150 surcharge compared to the fixed version is well worth it for the flexibility of use. The fixed base is only justified for tight budgets.

How many people can sit on a 2-seater XXL egg chair?
Realistically 2 adults comfortably (width 140-180 cm). 2 adults + 1 child if squeezed. 3 children without a problem. For a couple, it is the most "cozy" format you can find. Surcharge of 40-80% compared to the standard format.

Outdoor egg chair: truly weather-resistant?
Yes, for models certified IP54+ (synthetic rattan shell + water-repellent cushions + aluminum frame). They withstand rain, UV rays, and temperature variations. Bring the cushions inside in winter to preserve their lifespan. A quality outdoor model lasts 8-15 years when exposed to the elements.

How much does a good egg chair cost?
For a decent quality egg chair (10-15 year lifespan), expect to pay €400-900. High-end for lasting comfort: €900-2000. Original Fritz Hansen: €8000-15,000 (collector/design investment). For 95% of uses, the mid-range of €500-800 offers the best value for money.

Explore our other armchair and furniture collections

• Designer armchair — all materials
• Bergère armchair — classic revisited
• Leather armchair — timeless
• Velvet armchair — retro-chic
• Scandinavian armchair — Nordic
• Italian designer armchair — premium
• Affordable armchair — value for money
• Bouclé sofa — cozy harmony
• Scandinavian sofa — Nordic
• White sofa — minimalist
• Bubble sofa — rounded shapes
• Coffee table — complete your space
• Modern rug — visual anchor
• Designer floor lamp — next to the armchair
• Designer table lamp — on a side table
• Living room lighting — illumination
• Modern decor — trendy objects
• Designer wall clock — decorative detail
• Designer mirror — play with volume