Egg Chair

The Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen

Designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, the Egg Chair is one of the most recognizable icons of mid-century modern design. The Egg Chair is manufactured by Fritz Hansen. Its sculptural shell and flowing curves require a highly specialized upholstery process that few restorers truly understand. Because the chair is molded foam over a fiberglass shell, restoring it properly demands precision, experience, and respect for the original construction. 

At Mod Restoration, we restore Egg Chairs to their original form while maintaining their integrity and value. We remove the old foam down to the fiberglass shell, install new foam, upholster using the classic fabrics or leather for the Egg Chair, and hand-stitch all seams for an authentic finish. Click below to get a quote started!

Is your Egg Chair authentic?

As with many iconic mid-century designs, there are numerous imitation Egg Chairs on the market. While some can be identified at a glance by their incorrect proportions, there are several more reliable ways to determine authenticity. First, check the label: genuine Egg and Swan Chairs are produced by Fritz Hansen and will feature a Fritz Hansen mark. Labels are typically red for chairs produced before 2010 and brown for those made in 2010 or later. Older examples may not have a branded label but often include a serial number located beneath the base.

Next, examine the upholstery and craftsmanship. On an authentic chair, the fabric or leather is tightly and smoothly applied to the foam, with no excess material to pinch. You should not see creases, wrinkling, or bunching (aside from intentional seams). There is no visible stitching on the front of the chair, except beneath the seat cushion, and the outer back is upholstered in a single continuous piece of material. The seams are carefully hand-stitched along the perimeter, reflecting the high level of craftsmanship.

Finally, look at the base. An authentic Egg Chair will have a four-pronged base, and the swivel mechanism should rotate smoothly and effortlessly—another hallmark of Fritz Hansen’s quality construction.