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Swan Chair

The Swan Chair was designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 as part of his total design for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, alongside the Egg Chair and Series 3300 sofa. Manufactured by Fritz Hansen, the Swan features a molded foam shell on an aluminum pedestal base with a swivel mechanism, creating a flowing, organic form with absolutely no straight lines. Its graceful silhouette suggests a swan in motion, with curved arms that sweep upward like wings. The Swan Chair's enduring appeal lies in its sculptural purity and versatile elegance. Its compact footprint and swivel base make it practical for modern living, while its organic curves soften the geometry of contemporary interiors. Available in a wide range of fabrics and leathers, the Swan adapts to settings from minimalist apartments to luxurious hotel lobbies. Paired with its companion Egg Chair, it represents the pinnacle of Jacobsen's furniture design and Danish modernism at its most expressive.

Key Characteristics

  • ✓Completely organic form with no straight lines
  • ✓Molded foam shell on aluminum pedestal
  • ✓Swivel base with return mechanism
  • ✓Designed for the SAS Royal Hotel, Copenhagen
  • ✓Compact footprint ideal for modern living
  • ✓Available in extensive fabric and leather options

Types & Variations

Swan Chair in wool upholstery
Swan Chair in leather
Swan Sofa (two-seater version)
Mini Swan (child-sized version)
Limited edition special fabrics

Common Materials

Molded cold-cure foamFiberglass inner shellSatin-polished aluminum baseWool or leather upholsterySteel swivel mechanismNylon glides

Works Well With These Styles

ScandinavianMid Century ModernModernContemporaryMinimalist

Placement & Usage Tips

The Swan Chair works as an accent piece in living rooms, bedrooms, and hotel lobbies. Its swivel function makes it ideal for open-plan spaces where seating needs to face multiple directions. Pair two Swan Chairs to create an intimate conversation grouping.

💡 Pro Tip

Choose upholstery carefully—wool versions in muted Scandinavian tones feel warm and residential, while leather versions in bold colors make a more dramatic statement. The Swan's compact size makes it one of the few iconic chairs that works well in smaller rooms.

Related Terms

Arne Jacobsen

Danish architect and designer celebrated for the Egg Chair and Swan Chair, whose organic, sculptural furniture epitomizes Scandinavian modernism.

Egg Chair

A cocoon-shaped lounge chair designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the SAS Royal Hotel, featuring a tilted, enveloping shell on a swivel pedestal base.

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