Last Updated on March 20, 2023 by bethrmartin
Finding a more comfy piece of furniture than the Womb chair is practically impossible. Known for its effortless style, the Womb chair was an instant classic and cherished by mid-century enthusiasts.
If you love mid-century design but don’t have a small fortune to spend on an original Eero Saarinen Womb Chair, then you’re in luck. You can find some excellent replicas that will give you the same style and comfort without breaking the bank.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at some of the best Womb Chair replicas on the market. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly chair or a high-end alternative, we’ve got you covered.
So, let’s get started!
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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 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 Womb chair was a revolution by crafting the structure from a molded fiberglass shell wrapped in foam before being upholstered.
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. An authentic Knoll Womb chair and ottoman is a fantastic investment, but the cost exceeds most people’s budgets.
How to Choose the Right Womb Chair
Although the Womb lounge chair is a quintessential piece worthy of any classic mid-century modern design home, Womb chair replicas 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 should be:
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 classics, but the Eames version is more common, significantly reducing its price.
You must spend some money if you want a faithful replica of Eero Saarinen’s design. But don’t worry. These replicas are still significantly cheaper than an authentic Womb chair and ottoman.
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 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 choices while others only deliver a few. The original Womb chair legs are made from a chrome stainless steel frame, but some companies have alternatives, like black or 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 have high-quality foam, and the fabric used for upholstery should have a high rub count for durability.
A cheaper chair often uses lower-quality foam, making the cushion seat more firm.
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 2023?
​​Here are my favorite Womb chair and ottoman alternatives:
- Eternity Modern – Most Authentic Replica
- Corrigan Studio Lounge Chair – Best Budget Option
- Kardiel Lounge Chair and Ottoman
- Blu Dot – Field Lounge Chair
- Vesper Lounge Chair – Best Twist On The Original
- Gable High Armchair and Ottoman 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 piece, 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.
Many chair options can be shipped immediately, while some are made to 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 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.
2. Corrigan Studio Lounge Chair – Best Budget Option
If you want the look of the Womb chair but are on a tight budget, this tufted chair by Corrigan Studio has similar lines and an overall feel to the original. The winged arms and curved back are reminiscent of the Saarinen Womb chair, and the wood legs are an update that still feels classic.
This is a budget option so the cushion foam will be much denser than the Womb chair, but if you prefer a firm seat, this chair is for you. The tufted back gives a cozy feel, and you might consider adding a throw pillow for even more comfort.
The fabric upholstery is available in a few colors to complement your decor, and the chair is made of solid wood, ensuring that it’s extra durable. No assembly is required, giving you one less thing to worry about!
Overall, if you’re looking for a low-cost way to get the Womb chair’s look, this Corrigan Studio piece is an excellent option. It’s a fantastic budget look for way less than the original.
3. Kardiel Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Kardiel offers another superb replica with excellent proportions. This version is a few inches deeper than the Eternity Modern version, which might be beneficial if you prefer a roomier seat.
The frame is available in contemporary black steel, and you can choose from five upholstery selections. Assembled in fifteen minutes or less, you will be ready to read and lounge in no time.
4. Blu Dot – Field Lounge Chair
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!
5. Vesper Lounge Chair – Best Twist On The Original
Another great chair that feels inspired by the original Womb chair but not a replica is the Vesper by Burrow. The upholstered version feels luxurious and sculptural, much like the Womb, but the details are tweaked.
It doesn’t have 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 for under $1,000.
6. Gable High Armchair and Ottoman Set
For a modern and timeless interpretation of the Womb chair, the Gable High Armchair is a spectacular option. The curved silhouette has been stretched for taller proportions, and the light wood legs give a relaxed and chic vibe overall.
7. Rolled Arm Chair
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
It’s hard to find a more comfortable chair than this classic design from Eero Saarinen. The Womb Chair is effortlessly chic, and any mid-century enthusiast will love it. Its deep seat and organic shape make it the ideal spot to de-stress any time of day.
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!
