The Best Womb Chair Replica of 2024: A Modern And Comfortable Classic
Last Updated on November 6, 2024 by Beth Martin
The Eames chairs seem to get all the hype when it comes to mid-century design, but the Womb chair deserves just as much glory. Initially called No. 70, this chair was quickly renamed the “Womb” because of its molded fiberglass form that practically invites you to curl up and relax.
But like so many historic designs, the price of this chair has crept up over the years. If this price is too far even to be aspirational, then it’s reasonable to search for a decent replica.
Womb chair reproductions are less common than other designs, but I have created a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know to make the right decision. I’ve included chairs inspired by this design to give the best range of price and quality.
Buckle up as we explore the best Womb chair replicas that’ll have you saying, “Eero who?”
My Top 3 Favorite Womb Chairs:
What is the Significance of the Womb Chair?
Designed in 1946, Eero Saarinen created the Womb chair as the ideal combination of maximum comfort and style. Constructed for Florence Knoll, the chair made her feel like she was enveloped in a basket full of pillows.
Like other mid-century designers of his time, Saarinen was highly inspired by the newly available post-war materials. Traditional upholstery methods had previously depended on coils and stuffing for support.
The Innovation of the Womb Lounge Chair
The Womb chair was a revolution because Saarinen created the structure from a molded fiberglass shell before wrapping it in foam and upholstery.
This modern design allowed the structural shell to be highly sculptural. The winged armrests and ergonomic shape all add to why the Womb chair is known for being one of the most comfortable chairs and ottomans you can purchase.
Saarinen’s beautiful furniture design has become an iconic symbol for those looking for the perfect armchair to adorn their home while relaxing. These luxurious details and high-end materials make a truly timeless piece of furniture.
The Womb chair is loved by many and will remain a classic choice for design enthusiasts. A real Knoll Womb chair is a fantastic investment and a quintessential designer chair, but this chair is nowhere close to being an affordable price.
How to Choose the Right Womb Chair
Although the Womb chair is a quintessential piece worthy of any classic mid-century modern design home, Womb chair alternatives are less ubiquitous than other designs from that era. Considering this, think about whether you want a faithful Womb chair replica or a design representing the same spirit as the original one.
Features to consider before buying a Womb chair and ottoman should be:
Even Elle Woods loves this Saarinen-designed classic:
In her signature pink, of course.
Price
Since knock-offs are less prevalent, finding a deeply discounted Womb chair can be challenging. Both the Womb chair and the Eames lounge chair are mid-century modern classics, but the Eames version is more common, significantly reducing its price.
You must spend some money if you want a high-quality replica and a faithful dupe of Saarinen’s design. But don’t worry. These replica Womb Chairs are still significantly cheaper than the authentic versions.
If budget is your biggest concern, you must be more open-minded about the design, buy a secondhand piece, or skip the ottoman. The ottoman definitely adds to the appeal and overall comfort of the chair, but you could also consider pairing the chair with an ottoman of a different design.
Materials
The original, iconic design is a fiberglass shell covered in molded foam and upholstered in fabric. The polished stainless steel legs make the chair look almost ethereal.
When shopping for a Womb chair replica, you will find that some companies offer many upholstery options while others only deliver a few. The real Knoll Womb chair legs have a chrome stainless steel or black powder-coated frame, but some companies offer alternatives, like white.
Wood legs are an option if you are considering an alternative that feels more inspired by the original design than an exact replica. This gives the frame a stylish update and is typically much cheaper.
Comfort
At the end of the day, comfort is the most critical design feature of the Womb chair. The chair should use high-quality foam, and the upholstery fabric should have a high rub count for durability.
A cheaper chair often uses lower-quality foam, making the cushion seat firmer.
With all this in mind, your Womb chair will bring an effortless style to your space while offering you a cozy spot to unwind — that’s what Florence Knoll had in mind!
What is the Best Womb Chair Replica of 2024?
Here are my favorite Womb chair alternatives:
- Eternity Modern – Most Authentic Replica
- Haven Lounge Chair – Most Affordable
- Lafayette Armchair – Best Inspired Budget Option
- Vintage Womb Chair
- Field Lounge Chair
- Vesper Lounge Chair
- Gable High Armchair Set
- Rolled Arm Chair
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1. Eternity Modern
Most Authentic Replica
If you are on the hunt for an authentic-looking Womb chair for a fraction of the price, look no further than Eternity Modern. The proportions are very similar to the original Eero Saarinen model, and you will pay about a third of the cost.
Eternity Modern does not scrimp on the details. You can select from multiple leg finishes – chrome, black, or white, and over sixty upholstery options, including leather and boucle. It’s even possible to provide your own fabric for the ultimate custom chair, which is really unique.
Many chair options can be shipped immediately, while some are custom order. You can order up to 12 swatches of fabric (including the classic boucle fabric) to ensure you get the perfect color for your decor. The chair arrives fully assembled, making the whole process stress-free.
Eternity Modern is perfect for creating a mid-century modern design look without breaking the bank. With their low prices and excellent customer service, it’s hard to beat this combination of style and value.
All the fantastic customization options and attention to detail make Eternity Modern the best Womb chair alternative available on the market today – and all at a surprisingly reasonable price.
2. Haven Lounge Chair
Most Affordable
Wayfair has the absolute best price on a quality replica Knoll womb chair. This version’s dimensions are very close to those of the original, and the cashmere wool upholstery looks beyond cozy.
This version only has two upholstery options compared to Eternity Modern’s many, but the price reduction may be worth the limitations. Overall, this is a high-quality replica at an excellent price that ships quickly!
3. Lafayette Armchair
Best Inspired Budget Option
If you want the look of the Womb chair but are on a tight budget, this upholstered chair by Lafayette has an overall shape that feels inspired by the original. It might look a bit different from the original design, but you could buy almost twenty of these chairs for one authentic Womb chair.
This chair is a budget option, so the winged arms and elegant curves are simplified, but the spirit is there. The legs are still metal with a mid-century flair.
There is no matching ottoman, but similar ottomans are available to complete this look. This seat will be firmer as well, but if you are looking for a cute chair similar to the Womb chair, this option is hard to beat for the price.
Overall, if you’re looking for a low-cost way to get the Womb chair’s look, you’ll love the style and affordable price of this piece.
You may be thinking, “I already told you I can’t afford an authentic Womb chair!” But what if you can?
You might be surprised at the deals you can find on sites like Chairish, 1stdibs, and even Facebook marketplace. Finding your perfect fit will take a lot more searching, but a vintage chair is a more sustainable and valuable option in the long run.
If you set alerts for the Womb chair in your searches, you might just be stunned at what comes up.
The Field Lounge Chair from Blue Dot looks more like an evolution in the Womb chair design than a replica. The architectural powder-coated steel base is sculptural and modern, and the elegant curves of the seat draw you in.
This design does not include an ottoman, but this allows you to pair the chair with something unique. The Field Lounge Chair is available in various colors and fabrics so that you can create the perfect look for your space.
You could even consider adding an authentic Womb ottoman sourced from a secondhand shop!
The Vesper by Burrow is another excellent chair that feels inspired by the original Womb chair but not a replica. The upholstered version feels luxurious and sculptural, much like the Womb Chair, but instead, it feels like a modern representation.
It doesn’t have indented armrests, but the overall curviness makes up for it. Both the ottoman and the lumbar pillow are optional.
The modern beauty has great curves and is much more affordable than the original Womb chair – you can get one with an ottoman for under $1,000.
The Gable High Armchair is a spectacular option for a modern and timeless interpretation of the Womb chair. The curved silhouette has been stretched for taller proportions, and the light wood legs give a relaxed and chic vibe overall.
This Rolled Arm Chair from West Elm is a fun play on the Womb chair. The sculpted arms look like they are hugging the sleek, black iron frame, and the slight curve of the metal makes this chair feel very whimsical.
There is no matching ottoman, but it’s still a terrific choice if you’re looking for a chair with personality. The Rolled Arm Chair has supportive cushioning and is available in a boucle fabric or rich leather.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up our journey through the world of Womb chair replicas, it’s clear that you don’t need to sacrifice your savings to lounge in iconic style. Whether you’re a budget-conscious decorator or a discerning design aficionado, there’s a perfect womb chair replica out there waiting to cradle you in its embrace.
If you want the closest thing to the original architectural specifications, I highly recommend the replica from Eternity Modern. They have the best quality dupe with the most design options.
If you are more open-minded about the design, I suggest the Vesper. It still feels very much in line with the intention of the original design, and you will be comfortable while reading your favorite books.
I hope this information helped you find the perfect Womb chair replica for your modern that you will enjoy for years. With its elegant design and maximum comfort, it’s sure to be a great addition to your home.
Thanks for reading!
