10 most recognized Arne Jacobsen designs
‘It must make sense’ before it looks good: The influential Scandi master of classical modernism has left a major footprint in the design world
Encyclopedias call Arne Jacobsen the father of modern Danish design and the leading exponent of functionalism in architecture.
The famous Danish architect and interior designer Arne Jacobsen became known for introducing the principles of modernism and functionalism into design.
His creations are well thought out to the last detail, be it a building or furniture.
While some pieces, like his incredible chairs, were designed in the 1950s, they have never gone out of style.
That’s just a showcase of how timeless Jacobsen’s work really is.
The Egg Chair
The interior objects created by Arne Jacobsen would never have gained fame if not for the designer’s unique approach to the shape of things.
One of his most recognizable works is the perfectly proportioned Egg chair, shaped like an eggshell, which Arne Jacobsen invented to decorate the SAS Royal Hotel.
The Danish architect and designer spent a long time searching for the shape of the future egg chair.
He dreamed of creating something new and revolutionary but, at the same time, stylish and comfortable.
According to one version, among the sources of inspiration for his search for shape was the famous Womb Chair by Eero Saarinen.
The hugging frame of the Womb Chair has something in common with this model.
The Ant Chair
Another no less unusual example is the Ant chair, which resembles the silhouette of an ant.
When you look at it, you wouldn’t believe the design was created already in 1952.
After designing the Ant chair, Jacobsen gained worldwide recognition as an extraordinary furniture designer.
What made the product so unique is the fact its back and the seat were made of a piece of plywood fixed on a metal frame.
Once the industrial production of this model began, incredible success followed.
The Series 7 Chair
Jacobsen’s most commercially successful project was the production of a chair called “Series 7”.
Reminiscent of the “Ant,” it has a more elegant shape.
Initially, this model was made of beech in black and white, but the color palette of chairs soon expanded considerably.
Rose, blue, brown – pick your favorite!
Nowadays, it is the Danish company “Fritz Hansen” that sells these chairs and armchairs.
Their memorable silhouettes can be seen in commercials and movies, in the houses of celebrities, and in the interiors of luxury hotels.
Moreover, famous designers and architects regularly participate in projects to reincarnate them – they add new upholstery and fancy legs or pair them up as yin and yang.
Georg Jensen Cutlery Set
Arne Jacobsen’s design is all about the details, so it’s not a surprise one of his most famous works is the futuristic Georg Jensen cutlery set.
The Danish designer’s creation is made of brushed stainless steel and is recognized for its unusually rounded shape.
In fact, it was even used in the set of Stanley Kubrick’s film “2001: A Space Odyssey”.
The AJ Lamp
The famous AJ metal lamp, launched in 1957, became renowned precisely because of its functionality.
Thanks to the movable lampshade, which allows you to change the angle of light, the lamp with an ashtray holder is ideal for reading or working at the table.
Plus – it does look good!
The Mayor Sofa
Unusual shapes, perfect proportions, ergonomics, and meticulous attention to detail – this is how you can best describe Jacobsen’s work.
In 1939, together with the Danish architect Flemming Lassen, he produced the laconic three-seater Mayor on a solid oak base, revealing the designer’s love of modernism.
Cylinda-line Cookware Set
The story of Cylinda-line began in 1964.
Arne Jacobsen organized a family dinner when his stepson, Peter Holmbland, asked him to design a series that would include everything for the home bar.
Back then, Peter was the owner of Stelton.
Of course, Arne was a busy man, but, seeing Peter’s sketches, he couldn’t resist the urge to help him.
After all – the Danish master was known to be an ultimate perfectionist.
The Cylinda-line cookware set was launched in 1967.
Arne hoped to create products that would offer the ordinary consumer good industrial design.
The Swan Chair
It would be difficult to find a more iconic example of true Scandinavian design than the Swan Chair.
Its backrest and armrests are ergonomically designed in the form of streamlined petals, symbolizing plasticity and grace.
Arne Jacobsen once designed this chair for a hotel lobby, after which it became a style icon, moving from public interiors to living spaces.
Tongue Chair
Even those who already followed Jacobsen’s work were surprised by the Tongue Chair.
This visionary yet playful 1955 design remains stylish today.
First designed for Munkegaard School in Denmark, it is the second big chair project by the famous Danish designer and architect Arne Jacobsen.
This chair was introduced immediately after the previously mentioned Ant chair and was subsequently used to furnish the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen.
The Grand Prix Chair
Last but not least – the Grand Prix Chair.
This stunning project of Arne Jacobsen was created in 1957 and exhibited at the Danish Museum of Art and Design in Copenhagen.
Just a year after its release, the impressive chair won the Grand Prix La Triennale di Milano, which gave the product its name.
Today, you can choose it in both a steel or wood base and customize it with different colors, wood types, and upholstery.
End notes
There is no doubt the name of Arne Jacobsen will forever stay in the books of architecture and design.
His creations were unique for his time due to the rational choice of materials, perfect proportions, elegant style, and functionality.
Although decades have passed, they still remain as relevant today.
