The modern retro swivel chair is an enduring icon of mid-century decor. But while its many variations are all symbols of the times, they’re also perfect in today’s home.
The swivel chair was invented in the 18th century by Thomas Jefferson, but until the 1950s it was generally used only in office furniture and was rarely seen in the home. However, the mid-century modern design aesthetic of convenience, comfort, and streamlined efficiency made the swivel style a natural, and retro decor used it for everything from lounging to dining.
Sleek lines, innovative use of materials, and streamlined design are hallmarks of retro modern design, and the swivel chairs that gained huge popularity during the period are prime examples.
Eames armchair
Created by modern furniture designers Charles and Ray Eames, this style has become a true design classic. It has the rare distinction of being recognized by organizations like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Chicago Institute of Design, but it also remains a consumer favorite.
When it was first introduced in the 1950s, everything about the chair was revolutionary, from its sleek modern shape to its molded wood construction. But while it was at the forefront of modern design, the Eames swivel chair was developed with comfort and ease of use in mind. Charles Eames said that he wanted the chair to be “a special refuge from the stresses of modern life”.
The classic-style shell is made of molded wood, meticulously finished to bring out the natural grain. Padded with soft, supple leather, the shape is elegant yet enveloping. The design of the Eames Lounge chair is absolutely timeless and fits in perfectly with today’s décor.
the egg chair
Designed by the famous Danish modern furniture creator Arne Jacobson in the late 1950s, the Egg chair remains a classic style that has never lost its popularity. Jacobsen was known for his understated, serious designs that used materials in new and exciting ways, and the Egg chair is one of his best and best-known designs.
Combining the shimmer and shine of a steel swivel base with soft upholstery in bold primary colors, the Egg Chair is built on a curved steel frame that gently hugs the user.
the ball chair
The Ball or Globe chair is one of the most iconic retro modern furniture designs. Created in 1966 by Eero Aarnio, this design takes the form-fitting design of the Eames and Egg chairs one step further. The hollow ball housing, which sits on a rotating pedestal, completely encloses the user. The design radically expanded the concept of what furniture can be and do, using a chair to create a private ‘space within a space’.
The shells of the original Ball Chairs were made of fiberglass, with the interior upholstered in bright primary colors.
