Origin 21 Egg Chair

Capturing the Essence of Retro-Futuristic Style for Your Home

The Origin 21 Egg Chair is an iconic piece of furniture that has graced many stylish interiors since its debut in the late 1960s. With its distinctive egg shape, enveloping high back, and swiveling base, the chair is the epitome of retro-futuristic style.

As a classic furniture silhouette that has stood the test of time, the Origin 21 remains a coveted item for design aficionados and vintage furniture collectors. Considering investing in this recognizable seat for your own home? Here’s everything you need to know before buying the famous Origin 21 Egg Chair.

Overview of the Origin 21 Egg Chair’s Distinctive Features

The Origin 21 Egg Chair was designed in 1968 by Danish architect and designer Poul Henningsen for the Scandinavian furniture manufacturer Republic of Fritz Hansen. Its radically shaped shell was initially inspired by Arne Jacobsen’s 1958 Egg Chair, but with revisions to make the form more affordable to produce in fiberglass.

Some of the key features that contribute to the chair’s unique retro aesthetic include:

• Signature egg-like oval silhouette with a sculptural molded shell
• Enveloping high wrap-around back for a cocoon-like sitting experience
• Upholstered shell mounted on a brushed stainless steel swivel base
• Tilting mechanism that adjusts to the sitter’s body
• Low, compact profile makes a statement without dominating a room

The Egg Chair’s size and proportions were carefully designed for ergonomics and comfort. The organically shaped shell cradles the body, while the reclining tilt mechanism supports different sitting positions. Despite its modern sculptural form, the Egg Chair provides exceptional comfort and flexibility.

Overview of Costs: Investing in a Vintage Icon

As a design icon, you can expect to make a considerable investment when buying the Origin 21 Egg Chair. Costs vary depending on factors like:

• New or vintage condition
• Authorized retailer vs third-party seller
• Custom upholstery options
• Shipping fees

New Egg Chairs sold through authorized retailers like Design Within Reach generally range from $7,000 – $9,000. This reflects the craftsmanship and branding associated with an iconic vintage design produced under license.

Vintage examples can offer more affordable pricing, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on age, condition, and reupholstery needs. However, restoration costs should be factored in for worn vintage chairs.

Custom upholstery in leather, premium fabrics or special patterns may add $500 – $2,000 for made-to-order customization.

Finally, the shipping costs for the substantial 70-90 lb chair can range from $300 – $700 unless local pickup is possible.

While not an impulse purchase, owning this furniture classic represents a long-term investment in a beautifully functional sculpture for your home.

Where to Buy: Online, In-Store and Vintage Options

The Origin 21 Egg Chair can be purchased from a few different sources, depending on your budget and interests:

• Authorized Retailers: Buy new from official manufacturers like Design Within Reach or authorized dealers through their websites or brick-and-mortar showrooms. This ensures you’re getting an authentic licensed product with warranties.
• Vintage Furniture Sellers: Check platforms like 1stDibs, Chairish or Etsy to find authentic vintage examples, often at lower price points. Factor in reupholstery costs.
• Modern Reproduction Sellers: Many midcentury modern furniture brands now produce more affordable Egg Chair replicas. However, quality and accuracy may vary.
• Classified Listings: Search local classifieds and auctions for rare vintage finds being resold in your area. Be sure to authenticate before purchasing.
• eBay: Search for new, vintage and replica Egg Chairs sold directly through eBay. Vet seller reputation.

For the real collector, finding an authenticated vintage Origin 21 Egg Chair locally through classifieds or auctions offers the thrill of the hunt before a rare design find. But purchasing new through official retailers or dealers provides peace of mind.

Comfort and Ergonomic Benefits: A Seat That Cradles You

The signature feature of the Egg Chair is its deep, enveloping seat within an organically molded shell. The high wraparound back and rounded contours cradle the sitter in comfort.

This exceptionally supportive structure retains the body heat of inhabitants to keep you cozy and relaxed. The Egg Chair promotes good posture, with no hard edges or pressure points. The reclining mechanism tilts the chair gently backwards as you recline, providing ergonomic support for the spine whether sitting upright or lounging back.

Many users note the experience of sitting in an Origin 21 Egg Chair is like being nestled within the palm of a giant hand. The snug, protected feeling within the chair’s cocoon-like shell creates a warm sense of security and tranquility.

While visually striking, the Egg Chair’s form also succeeds on a functional level, promoting comfort and wellbeing through its sensuous shape. The intimacy of its compact, one-person size enhances the enveloping experience.

Overview of Materials: From Fiberglass to Premium Leather

The Origin 21 Egg Chair combines a sculptural fiberglass shell with a polished circular base and upholstered interior.

The signature egg-shaped shell comprises a durable yet flexible fiberglass that is coated in your choice of glossy finishes. The shell attaches to a brushed stainless steel base with tilt mechanism for adjusting the recline.

The upholstery inside the shell can be customized in various fabrics like wool, cotton, microfiber, vinyl or leather. More expensive leather and suede interiors increase the end cost. But textiles like cashmere or suede provide unparalleled softness.

Some key material notes:

• Fiberglass shell provides lightweight support and durability
• Polished metal base lends a sleek, streamlined aesthetic
• Premium upholstery options for optimal comfort
• Dense foam cushions that maintain their support and bounce

The Egg Chair’s meticulously constructed shell and upholstery are built to last, promising enduring performance for decades with proper care.

Care and Cleaning: Keep Your Egg Chair’s Materials Looking Fresh

With routine care, you can keep your Origin 21 Egg Chair looking its best for many years. Here are some tips for maintaining the chair:

• Dust regularly with a soft cloth to prevent dirt buildup and keep the fiberglass shell glossy
• Vacuum the upholstery frequently using a soft brush attachment
• Spot clean spills and stains quickly to prevent setting in; mild soap and water generally suffices
• For leather upholstery, use leather conditioner to prevent drying and cracking
• Re-fluff and rotate cushions to prevent uneven wear patterns from developing
• Every few years, consider professional upholstery cleaning to refresh the material
• Wipe metal base regularly with a non-abrasive cleanser and dry cloth

Avoid direct sunlight exposure to prevent upholstery fading. With regular gentle cleaning and care, you can keep your prized Egg Chair looking like new for generations.

Color and Custom Upholstery Options: Design Your Own Look

One of the most appealing aspects of the Egg Chair is the ability to customize its appearance through varied upholstery options.

The glossy fiberglass shell comes in a range of color finishes, including:

• Classic Opal White
• Jet Black
• Bright Red
• Cool Aquamarine
• Warm Ivory
• Glossy Black Lacquer

The upholstered interior can also be tailored to your tastes from dozens of fabric types and colors. More unique materials like leather, wool, suede and cashmere carry premium pricing.

Some popular upholstery choices include:

• Vinyl – Wipeable, durable, affordable
• Wool – Soft, refined, breathable
• Cotton/Microfiber – Everyday durability
• Leather – Luxurious look and feel
• Suede – Unparalleled softness

Custom patterns and piping add further personalized flair. Collaborate with a professional upholsterer or retailer to design your own one-of-a-kind Egg Chair interior.

Using Your Egg Chair: Indoor/Outdoor Options

The Origin 21 Egg Chair was originally designed solely for indoor use. However, some modern manufacturers now produce outdoor models suited to covered patios and porches.

Key factors for outdoor use include:

• All-weather wicker or synthetic mesh upholstery
• Rust-resistant aluminum frame
• UV/water resistant cushions
• Drainage holes to prevent rainwater pooling

Indoor Egg Chairs should be kept in climate controlled rooms, away from direct sunlight exposure. Outdoor use risks moisture damage of the fiberglass and rusting of the steel base if not designed specifically for exterior environments.

When in doubt, keep your treasured vintage Egg Chair inside to preserve its materials. But new outdoor models allow enjoyment of its distinctive style on your patio.

Assessing Durability and Longevity

Thanks to its quality materials and sturdy build, you can expect many decades of enjoyment from an Origin 21 Egg Chair with proper care and maintenance.

The fiberglass shell comprises thick, strong thermoplastic resin that retains its shape and luster for generations. The metal base and tilt mechanism withstand years of use with only minor scratches or scuffs with age.

Re-upholstery may be needed after 5-10 years of everyday use. But the structure should serve you well for 20+ years barring any accidents or abuse.

By purchasing through authorized retailers and following care guidelines, owners praise the Egg Chair’s durability and heirloom longevity. It’s built to become a cherished statement piece you pass between generations.

Warranty Protection and Customer Service

New Egg Chairs purchased through authorized retailers typically include a limited manufacturer’s warranty protecting against defects. This provides peace of mind and after-sales support.

• Fritz Hansen offers a 5-year warranty on the structure
• Most retailers offer 1-year warranties on parts, swivels, adjustments
• Upholstery may be warrantied 1-5 years for defects

Always save your receipt and original paperwork when buying an Egg Chair. Register warranties with the manufacturer to ensure coverage.

Reputable sellers like Design Within Reach also have excellent customer service to assist with any warranty issues, replacement parts requests or queries. You’ll have a support system backing your significant investment.

Assembly and Setup: Professional Recommended

While smaller in size than a sofa, the Egg Chair still requires some tricky assembly due to its rolling base and tilt mechanism.

Assembly time ranges from 1-3 hours for most do-it-yourselfers. But first-time buyers may want to consider:

• Hiring professional assembly through retailers to ensure proper setup and prevent damage ($100-$300 service fee)
• Having a friend assist for easier handling and adjustment of the chair’s components

At around 70-90 lbs, the Egg Chair is bulky but still movable for most adults. Follow all instructions closely, working carefully and patiently to get the full benefits of this engineering marvel. Proper assembly ensures year after year of optimal function.

Weight Load and Size Ratings

The Egg Chair is designed to comfortably accommodate most average adults, but does have some size limitations:

• Recommended user height of 5’ – 6’2”
• Weight capacity approximately 200-250 lbs
• Seat width ranges 20”-22”
• Total width ranges 29”-32” in diameter

While cozy and enveloping for most users within average height and weight ranges, larger individuals may feel confined. The Egg Chair’s compact intimacy provides a snug fit, but may not suit plus sizes. Check dimensions to ensure a good match.

Coordinating Accessories: Ottomans, Stools and Tables

Part of the Egg Chair’s charm lies in its freestanding, pedestal-style base. But some coordinating accessories can enhance its comfort and function:

• Ottomans styled with similar colors or materials as the chair provide extra seating or footrests
• Side tables in glossy metal or wood lend convenient drink space
• Streamlined floor lamps situate nearby to provide task lighting
• A plush throw blanket draped over the chair adds an extra layer of cozy softness

Default to minimalist pairings to allow the Egg Chair’s striking silhouette to take center stage. But a few choice accessories can make lounging within it even more enjoyable.

How the Egg Compares: Eames, Womb Chair, Futon and More

The iconic Egg Chair has a few close comparisons — as well as some key distinctions:

• The Eames Lounge Chair provides a similar enveloping wrap but in softer lines
• The Womb Chair delivers a more affordable molded seat but without tilt options
• The Egg’s futuristic aesthetic inspires Pod chairs and hanging seats
• Its fiberglass form contrasts muted fabrics of Barcelona chairs
• The Egg’s circular shape and swivel base differs from stationary shell chairs

While inspirations can be drawn from earlier midcentury silhouettes, the Origin 21 Egg Chair remains wholly unique. The combination of sensuous form, sleek materials and intimate seating make this an unrivaled furniture silhouette suitable for varied spaces.

Compact Size: Ideal for Smaller Spaces

At just 32-43 inches wide and 33-43 inches deep, the Egg Chair occupies a surprisingly modest footprint. This makes it well-suited to more tightly scaled rooms:

• Cozy reading nooks
• Small bedrooms and dorm rooms
• City apartments and condos
• Office sitting areas
• Guest room seating

The Egg Chair can tuck into spots that might be too small for a full sofa or sectional. Yet it still makes a dramatic style statement. Place in corners or next to a window to carve out a personalized retreat.

Dimensions: Size Specifications

Since the Egg Chair comes in both vintage and contemporary incarnations, dimensions can vary slightly depending on the designer. But general specifications fall within:

• Overall height – 33-43 inches
• Seat height – 12-16 inches
• Overall width – 29-32 inches
• Overall depth – 33-43 inches
• Seat width – 20-22 inches
• Arm height – 16-20 inches

Measure your space carefully before purchasing to ensure the Egg Chair’s dimensions suit your room layout. Custom upholstery can also alter the proportions slightly.

Special Care: Protecting Your Investment

Since the Egg Chair commands a significant investment, it’s smart to take measures to protect it:

• Avoid direct sunlight hitting upholstery which can cause fading
• Rotate occasionally to evenly distribute wear
• Lift when moving, avoid pulling or dragging to prevent damage to the shell or base
• Keep away from heat sources like fireplaces or radiators which may degrade materials
• Use a chair cover when not in use to protect from dust and stains
• Anchor securely if used outdoors to prevent tipping

With reasonable precautions, you can safeguard your Egg Chair to share with future generations. Handle with care to enjoy this functional sculpture for decades.

Pet-Friendly? Ideal for Cat Naps but Not Dog Scratches

The Egg Chair’s invitingly cozy seat may tempt your furry friends. But its delicately molded shell and fine upholstery merit special pet considerations:

• Best suited for cats who won’t scratch the interior or topple the chair
• Not ideal for dogs, who may damage the shell by clawing and chewing
• Tape plastic sheets or towels over upholstery if pets will share the chair
• Vacuum often to remove pet hair which can embed in textiles
• Avoid scratchable surfaces like soft leathers or suedes

The Egg’s fiberglass shell can crack under the weight of larger pets attempting to perch. And claws can shred upholstery. But for gently snuggling felines, it makes an idyllic nest.

Swiveling Mechanism: Full Rotation and Reclining Tilt

Unlike stationary lounge chairs, the Egg Chair’s chrome base allows for 360 degrees of rotation. The smooth swiveling mechanism lets you pivot easily for conversation or reach side tables.

For comfort, the chair tilts back gently as you recline, with up to 15 degrees of adjustment. This dynamic tilting angle prevents stiffness and enhances the enveloping feel.

The chair returns upright when pressure lifts. The movement range adds both ergonomic and interactive benefits beyond static seated furniture.

Customer Reviews: Iconic Style with Premium Comfort

Across thousands of glowing reviews, happy Egg Chair owners highlight:

• Iconic vintage style elevates any room with artful design
• Cocoon-like comfort thanks to its molded contours
• Provides a cozy reading perch or intimate conversation spot
• Rotating swivel makes it more flexible than expected
• Compact size fits smaller spaces without dominating
• Timeless silhouette that retains its edgy appeal over decades

Satisfied customers agree the Origin 21 Egg Chair delivers enduring midcentury design, sublime comfort and compact function. This chair stands the test of time as a seat fit for design royalty.

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The iconic Origin 21 Egg Chair promises sublime comfort within its retro-futuristic “egg on a pedestal” form. As a design legend from the mind of Poul Henningsen, owning this chair represents serious style credentials for vintage enthusiasts. But beyond showcasing your fashionable taste, the Egg Chair surrounds occupants in ergonomic support and carefully engineered function. Once settled into its snug organic shell, the outside world melts away — what better escape than your own personal cocoon? While the considerable investment conveys luxury status, owners find the long-term enjoyment, heirloom potential and daily comfort well worth the price.