The Egg Chair is hands down one of the most well-recognized examples of mid-century modern design and has inspired countless other seat silhouettes since it first hatched in 1958. Designed by Danish architect Arne Jacobsen, the trademarked Egg isn’t just famous for looking cool: Made of molded and upholstered polyurethane foam, the popular perch (which swivels and reclines!) features a distinct wingback design showcasing soft, organic curves that’s both sleek and practical—plop down into the sculptural seat and you’ll feel like you’re in a cozy cocoon. But what exactly makes it so iconic?
The History
The first fifty Eggs were produced for the lobby of Denmark’s prestigious Royal Hotel, which debuted in 1960. Jacobsen designed every last detail of the historic accommodation, from the building and furnishings to the textiles and cutlery. (Commissioned for Scandinavian Airline Systems, the hotel—Copenhagen’s first-ever skyscraper—is now part of the Radisson’s luxury portfolio.) Manufactured and sold by Fritz Hansen, the Eggs were purposely made to be lightweight (each one only weighs about 15 pounds), allowing the hotel’s staff to move them around easily. (Their bold curves stood in stark contrast to the straight, rigid lines of the 22-story building that housed them.)
In imagining the Egg, Jacobsen drew inspiration from some of the most prominent modern designers, including Charles and Ray Eames (masterminds behind the famed Eames Lounge Chair). He experimented with clay in his garage, creating the matching footstool and his equally celebrated Swan chair simultaneously, using the same technique. (Meant to complement the Egg, the Swan also boasts soft curves and a less-exaggerated wingback shape.)
The Egg’s popularity dropped in the '70s, and many of the originals were consequently thrown out. But the chair’s value has skyrocketed ever since, and an authentic vintage model can set you back tens of thousands of dollars—case in point this 1958 release upholstered in robin egg blue ostrich leather, currently listed for $36,800 on 1stDibs.
Available in an array of colors and fabrics, modern iterations of the Egg Chair are crafted using a more technically advanced foam reinforced with glass fiber, making them slightly heavier than their predecessors. Prices for the new pieces vary depending on which combination of materials and hues you choose, but start at around $8,000 and can reach upwards of $20,000.
How to Spot a Fake
To guarantee authenticity, it’s always best to source the Egg directly from the manufacturer. You can also find it at authorized dealers, such as Design Within Reach—but if you’re looking to purchase one from anywhere else, make sure it’s not a knockoff or a copycat.
In assessing whether an Egg is 100 percent real, first look to see if it has a proper label. An authentic Egg made before 2010 should have a red tag, while those produced after should sport a brown one. Every chair will have the Fritz Hansen logo, while older releases may have a serial number beneath its base. There also might be a sticker that says "Made in Denmark by Fritz Hansen" on the cylinder that attaches the top to the base, along with the date when the chair was produced. First-edition leather models may also have an "FH Made in Denmark" stamped directly onto the upholstery.
Second, examine the fabric and stitching. The epitome of fine craftsmanship, a genuine Egg won't have any folds, wrinkles, or creases. Leather versions only have two pieces of high-quality hide joined together at the side—anything beyond that indicates a fake. And it's a major red flag if the fabric isn't super taut (especially if you can pinch it) or if there's a seam running down the back of the chair.
Next, inspect the recliner. If the handle looks cheap or the chair fails to recline properly, it's likely a counterfeit. (That said, keep in mind that some older models don't have this feature.)
Then check the chair's dimensions. The real deal will always measure 42.1 inches in height by 33.9 inches in width and has a seat height of 14.6 inches.
Also ask to see a certificate of authenticity, which reputable sellers should be able to produce upon request.
And last but not least—if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is!
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