Iconic Lounge Chairs: The History & Where to Find Them Today

Sit Down. This Is Design History.

A lounge chair is more than a seat. It is a big style statement. Some chairs set the style for a whole time period. Others set the standard for comfort.

Let us look at the most iconic lounge chairs ever made. We will show you where to find them used today. You can find them in NYC or anywhere else.

1. Eames Lounge Chair + Ottoman (1956)

  • Designers: Charles & Ray Eames.

  • Brand: Herman Miller.

  • Look: It has a wood shell that is shaped nicely. It has soft, luxurious leather. You can lean way back.

  • 🪑 History: It was inspired by a worn baseball glove. It is still the best example of American modernism.

  • 🛍️ Resale Tip: Look for the label. Look for the matching footrest. Old rosewood versions are worth the most.

2. Womb Chair (1948)

  • Designer: Eero Saarinen.

  • Brand: Knoll.

  • Look: The shape wraps around you. It is like a basket. It has a simple metal base.

  • 🧶 History: It was designed because someone asked for “a chair that is like a basket full of pillows.”

  • 🛍️ Resale Tip: Versions in original wool or bouclé are highly wanted. Check that the cushions are strong.

3. Togo Chair (1973)

  • Designer: Michel Ducaroy.

  • Brand: Ligne Roset.

  • Look: It is all foam inside. It has a pleated, wrinkled design. It is super laid-back and comfy.

  • 🌀 Style: It was the answer to low-living in the 1970s. It looks great in big city homes.

  • 🛍️ Resale Tip: Real Togo chairs are sewn with stitching. Leather and vintage velvet ones are rare finds.

4. Barcelona Chair (1929)

  • Designer: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

  • Brand: Knoll.

  • Look: The leather is tufted with buttons. It has a shiny chrome X-base. The shape is perfectly even.

  • 🏛️ History: It was first designed for the Spanish royal family. Now it is a symbol of simple, classic design.

  • 🛍️ Resale Tip: Check for the genuine Knoll tags. Check the leather quality. Many copies exist.

5. LC4 Chaise Lounge (1928)

  • Designer: Le Corbusier.

  • Brand: Cassina.

  • Look: You can adjust the angle. You can lean back completely. It has a metal tube frame.

  • 🔲 Name: It was called the “relaxing machine.” It is an icon of the Bauhaus style.

  • 🛍️ Resale Tip: Look for the stamp on the frame. Pony hair and leather versions are good finds.

6. Egg Chair (1958)

  • Designer: Arne Jacobsen.

  • Brand: Fritz Hansen.

  • Look: It has a curved shell. It has a tall back. The whole chair spins on the base.

  • 🥚 Style: It is a key piece of Danish design. You see it in nice hotels and planned homes.

  • 🛍️ Resale Tip: Wool or leather versions hold the best value. Check that the base spins well.

7. Camaleonda Chair (1970)

  • Designer: Mario Bellini.

  • Brand: B&B Italia.

  • Look: It has modular parts. The sections look like soft clouds. The cushions are deep and big.

  • ☁️ Popularity: It was once rare. Now it is very famous online. It is known for its sculptural softness.

  • 🛍️ Resale Tip: Verify the tags under the cushions. Check if it is an original or a newer copy.

8. LC2 Petit Modele (1928)

  • Designer: Le Corbusier.

  • Brand: Cassina.

  • Look: It has an outside steel frame. The leather cushions are box-shaped.

  • 📦 Style: It is masculine. It looks very architectural.

  • 🛍️ Resale Tip: Black and tan leather are most popular. Look for natural wear, not breaks or damage.

Where to Find Iconic Lounge Chairs Today

  • 🛒 ResikloNYC: We sell pre-owned designer seating with delivery across the country.

  • 🪑 Local Shops: Check used consignment showrooms in nice city neighborhoods.

  • 📦 Online Sites: Look at Chairish and 1stDibs. Be careful of high prices there.

🧠 Advice: Ask for proof it is real. Ask for labels or receipts if you are spending money on a collector piece.

Final Thoughts: Sit With History

These chairs helped shape decades of design. They still shape our homes today.

Whether you are collecting or just choosing one chair, iconic lounge chairs are a great investment. They offer comfort. They offer character. They have timeless value.

👉 Browse ResikloNYC’s Seating Collection 👉 Request a Specific Chair or Designer 👉 Subscribe for Collector Drops

FAQ

Are lounge chairs a good investment? Yes. Especially iconic, well-made pieces. They hold their value. They are often reissued.

How do I know if a lounge chair is authentic? Check for the brand’s label. Look for stamps. Trusted shops offer papers to prove it is real.

Which lounge chair is most comfortable? Comfort is personal. But the Togo, Eames Lounge, and Womb chairs are all top choices.

Can I mix iconic chairs with modern decor? Absolutely. These chairs are meant to be styled with everything from simple rooms to maximalist rooms.

 

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