Womb Sofa
from £1815.60
Design inspired by Eero Saarinen
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Buying options
Blue Danish Wool
£ 1815.60
Available to order, delivery in 10 - 12 weeks
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Bespoke
If you’re looking for a material or finish that isn’t listed here, don’t despair. Just contact us and we’ll create a bespoke order to suit your exact requirements
How do you take a stunning chair concept - that has become known as the epitome of comfort - and develop it into something even more aspirational, for perfect repose in any room setting? The answer is the Womb Sofa, which echoes the timelessly-popular form of Saarinen’s world famous Womb Chair.
Construction
The base is a highly polished stainless steel rod. The womb chair frame and upholstery is foam over a moulded, reinforced, fibreglass shell. The womb ottoman is and foam cushion over a moulded plywood platform. Separate seat, back and ottoman cushions are constructed of polyester fibre with foam core.
Dimensions (H x W x D)
99cm x 165cm x 90cm (Seat height: 45cm)
This is a charming and stylish item of seating for two, with all the appeal of a cosy loveseat. The Womb Sofa (settee or couch) is just as tranquil and encircling as the original Saarinen chair design. Iconic Interiors is proud to have sold numerous stylish bespoke replicas of the Womb Chair, and is now equally pleased to be able to offer this stylish version for multiple occupancy.
Of course, though the Womb Sofa is built to nestle two people in well supported rest it is also ideal for anyone who prefers to solely occupy it. You can relish the perfectly balanced ‘basket of cushions’ feel. Stretched out or curled up, this is the perfect sofa for reading, browsing mobile technology, being mindful, meditating, or simply napping.
The Saarinen’s Womb Sofa looks equally lovely in living rooms, bedrooms or workplaces. The wide range of colours and finishes available during its bespoke production ensure that this cool couch looks effortlessly lovely in any interior design. Its smart simplicity also enables it to blend in with existing furniture.
The Womb Sofa also offers that trademark blending of understated grace, with abundant purpose. This is not ‘just’ a beautiful piece of ornamental furniture. It is far too inviting to ignore (and perhaps too comfortable to leave behind willingly).
There is more on the inspiration behind ‘womb seating’ below, or please read our blog on the topic 'When was the last time you were truly comfortable - the Womb?’ - September 2019).
How does the Womb Sofa meet so many criteria for well supported relaxation, with a balance of appealing aesthetics? The answer lies within its original design inspiration, careful construction and the quality of the components used.
Womb Sofa genesis and genius
The background to the creation of the 1950’s Womb Sofa is a request to Saarinen, from along time friend. Florence Knoll had married into the famous Knoll Furniture family (a company which had formed a rich creative alliance with Saarinen). She asked him to design a seat she could use to curl up and read in. One that all the advantages of a basket full of cushions. From this, Saarinen designed the iconic Womb Chair.
It was probably christened this, as it aimed to take its fortunate owners back into the mists of time, when they were cocooned and comfortable inside their mothers! However, the principles and joys of the Womb Chair’s ‘embrace’ were then extended to seating for multiple occupants.
This high end two-seater sofa was originally constructed to be a feature at the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michegan (just one of the major architectural legacies of the gifted Eero Saarinen).
The existing seating at GM – which would be needed for up to 5,000 people - was felt to be unwelcoming and unwieldy. Therefore, a double version of the Womb Chair was developed to be practical and comfortable, while still looking impressive in a corporate setting.
The significance of this is important. It is the perfect illustration of the multiple purposes of the Womb Sofa. It is a double seat that’s ideal for discerning homeowners, seeking comfortable furniture to relax in. However, it is also a superb addition to office receptions and meeting rooms.
As it is made to order, there is a lead time of several weeks for commissions dependent on the type of fabric or leather specified. Iconic Interiors would be pleased to provide details of this, and how to commission a bespoke Womb Sofa that fits effortlessly into any décor or room. So you can then sit back and truly relax, alone or with an equally comfortable companion!
Eero Saarinen related articles, pages and products:
- About the Designers: Eero Saarinen profile page
- Blog: Spotlight on Eero Saarinen
- Blog: When was the last time you were truly comfortable - the Womb?
- Blog: The marble table room is taking shape
- Blog: Introducing the Marble Room - a room dedicated to the Tulip table and chair range
- Product page: The Womb chair
- Product page: The Tulip chair
- Product page: The Tulip oval marble dining table
- Product page: The Tulip marble dining table
- Product page: The Tulip marble side table
- Product page: The Tulip marble coffee table
