In 1940, the Finnish American designer Eero Saarinen and his friend Charles Eames took first prize at the Organic Design in Home Furnishings competition at MoMA. Later that decade, Florence Knoll challenged Saarinen to create a chair that she could curl up in, which led to this iconic design.

The Knoll Womb Chair has an enveloping form that continues to be one of the most celebrated and recognized representations of mid-century organic modernism. By applying foam molded over a fiberglass shell, Saarinen created a single-piece form that perfectly facilitates a relaxed sitting posture.

This authentic Knoll Womb Chair and Ottoman is presented in excellent condition, ready to become a cherished piece in any design collection.

Dimensions: 35.5″ H × 40″ W × 34″ D

Design Details

Historical Significance – MoMA Competition 1940
In 1940, Eero Saarinen and Charles Eames collaborated on entries for the Organic Design in Home Furnishings competition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Their work took first prize, establishing both designers as pioneers of organic modernism and setting the stage for their future iconic designs.

Florence Knoll’s Challenge
Florence Knoll, a pioneering designer and leader of Knoll, personally requested a chair that she could “curl up in.” She challenged Saarinen to create a piece that was both comfortable and sculptural – a chair that embraced the sitter like a cozy cocoon. Saarinen’s response was the Womb Chair.

Enveloping Organic Form
The Womb Chair’s enveloping form is its defining characteristic. The high back and curved sides wrap around the sitter, creating a sense of privacy and comfort. This sculptural silhouette is one of the most celebrated representations of mid-century organic modernism.

Foam Molded Over Fiberglass Shell
Saarinen’s innovative construction technique involved applying foam molded over a fiberglass shell, creating a single-piece form that perfectly facilitates a relaxed sitting posture. This method allowed for the chair’s organic curves while providing durability and support.

Relaxed Seating Posture
The chair’s ergonomic design promotes a relaxed, curled-up seating posture – exactly as Florence Knoll envisioned. The ottoman completes the lounging experience, allowing for full-body comfort.

Authentic Knoll Production
This is an authentic Knoll production – not a reproduction. The chair is manufactured according to Saarinen’s original specifications, ensuring quality and authenticity.

Specifications

Why This Piece Matters

The Organic Design Competition
The 1940 MoMA “Organic Design in Home Furnishings” competition was a landmark event in design history. It brought together the principles of organic form, modern materials, and functionalism – all of which would come to define mid-century modern design. Saarinen and Eames’s first-prize win launched their careers and established organic modernism as a major design movement.

Florence Knoll’s Vision
Florence Knoll was not only a brilliant designer but also a visionary leader who shaped the direction of Knoll. Her challenge to Saarinen – to create a chair she could curl up in – demonstrates her understanding of both comfort and design. The Womb Chair is a testament to her influence.

Why This Womb Chair Stands Out:

Condition

This authentic Knoll Womb Chair and Ottoman is presented in excellent condition:

• Fiberglass shell: Fully intact – no cracks or damage

• Foam padding: Comfortable and supportive – retains original shape

• Upholstery: Clean and well-preserved

• Structure: Fully intact – perfect for everyday use or display

Authenticity

This is a genuine authentic Knoll Womb Chair and Ottoman designed by Eero Saarinen. Authenticity is guaranteed. This is not a reproduction – it’s an original piece of mid-century organic modern design history.

A true celebration of mid-century organic modernism – ready to be enjoyed.