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Hot or Not: Saarinen Womb Chair in "Letters" Fabric

saar072409.jpg We've always liked the ultra-comfy Womb Chair by Saarinen for Knoll. This particular one has an unusual upholstery - it's called "Letters" and it was designed by...

 
 

...Gunnar Aagaard Andersen in 1955. While we appreciate the departure from the classic solid color upholstery, we're wondering about the print choice....hot or not?

Chair available at Modern Artifacts.

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Comments (13)

I love this chair, but it's not "ultra-comfy". I have this chair, and it's very comfortable, but you're not lounging. You actually sit at fairly upright angle.

The fabric's fine.

posted by FantasticMrFaux on July 24th 2009 at 4:35pm
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hi fantasticmrfaux,
really? i was hoping it was hoping it was 'ultra-comfy'
i was considering getting this chair & ottomon to use for watching movies/tv and reading.
do you recommend any other 'ultra-comfy' beautiful modern chairs w/t ottomons or chaises? it will be on the opposite side of a room where i have the Prouve Guéridon Table and two white eames side chairs in molded plastic in a studio apartment.
i was thinking of getting it in this fabric which is as busy as the above referenced AT fabric - just in more muted colors:
http://www.highbrowfurniture.com/seating/products/wombchair/index.php?showupholstery=K7152
I like the AT referenced fabric as long as there is either enough space around it or the opposite - if it is in a very excited/active space.
best,
jlb

posted by judylisabrenner on July 24th 2009 at 5:36pm
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The Womb Chair and Ottoman is the greatest gift to comfy. I have one in Aegaen Boucle that makes me very happy every day. I would say that it's highest/most natural use is watching movies/conversation, due to the slightly kicked back lounging position. It's naturally comfortable to have your head back and eyes forward.

I write in mine every morning and have found that readjusting the base cushion back and the back cushion up creates a more upright posture, better for a position where the head is bowed for reading/writing. The chair perfectly accomodates the Levenger Lapdesk, which is great for typing/long-hand/note-taking. If I'm working for several hours, i'll pop a pillow behind my shoulders, as it's nice to lean my head back in deep contemplation (jk).

I'm even considering getting rid of my desk entirely, as i do most work in the Womb now.

Ah, Saarinen. Did he make any subpar objects?

posted by glh on July 24th 2009 at 6:23pm
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Furniture and clothing that require reading are trite and banal.

posted by bepsf on July 24th 2009 at 6:35pm
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I love the chair, but the fabric, eh. It would be nicer if you could see all of the letters. Being a graphic/web designer myself, I have an affinity for letter forms, but this... it's just too mashed together.

Laura
http://www.justalittlebit.net

posted by grafxnerd on July 24th 2009 at 6:48pm
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I don't hate the fabric, but if I had the money to spend on a womb chair (and I wish I did!), I would choose something that's I'm not sure to get sick of. Better to make it more versatile.

posted by LuaBear on July 24th 2009 at 8:14pm
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Don't like the fabric and the chair is not comfy. If you want a truly comfortable seating option, keep looking and sitting til you find something that trulu is.

posted by Seaside on July 25th 2009 at 1:51am
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Reminds me of a horrid print that Marc Jacobs uses.

posted by EasilyAmused on July 25th 2009 at 3:38am
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Pretty cute, but not something you could just easily integrate I imagine.

posted by yeti3a on July 25th 2009 at 11:00am
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The busy-ness of the print ruins the lines of the chair.

posted by farmhousemoderne on July 26th 2009 at 10:58am
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The womb chair is the chair of my dreams, and if I found a bargain on one, I would take any color, but I might throw a sheet over this one...

It is the comfiest chair I have ever sat in!

posted by lemonadefish on July 27th 2009 at 1:13pm
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I love this chair, and have used it a couple of times in projects. Part of the beauty of the chair is its clean lines. It deserves to upholstered in a simple, soft, nubby fabric, much like the way Saarinen designed it.

posted by rachelrachel on July 27th 2009 at 1:17pm
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I'll take that chair in any fabric!

posted by tifacola on July 27th 2009 at 3:36pm
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