Eero Saarinen Executive Armchair Value Guide

The Eero Saarinen Executive Armchair, or 70 Series, is a cornerstone of Mid-Century Modernism originally designed in 1950 for the General Motors Technical Center. Its fluid, organic form and distinctive open back revolutionized office seating by replacing bulky traditional furniture with a molded fiberglass shell.

What Is Eero Saarinen Executive Armchair Worth?

The typical price range for Eero Saarinen Executive Armchair is $900 - $1,100 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition and originality of the vibrant yellow upholstery, as original fabric often commands a premium.
• Structural integrity of the internal molded fiberglass shell and the stability of the solid wood legs.
• Presence of original manufacturer markings or tags from the 1950s-1960s era.
• Overall aesthetic appeal and lack of significant wear or staining on the fabric surface.

How to Identify Eero Saarinen Executive Armchair?

• Check for the original Knoll Associates or Knoll International label typically located on the underside of the seat.
• Verify the presence of the signature 'opening' or cutout at the lower back of the chair's molded fiberglass shell.
• Examine the leg construction for authentic solid wood legs with high-quality joinery characteristic of 1950s-1960s production.
• Look for the specific fluid silhouette where the arms seamlessly transition into the backrest.

History of Eero Saarinen Executive Armchair

The Executive Armchair, also known as the 70 Series or Conference Chair, was designed by Eero Saarinen in 1950. Saarinen originally created this chair for the General Motors Technical Center in Michigan. It was a groundbreaking design, moving away from traditional bulky office chairs to a more fluid, organic form, making it an instant classic of Mid-Century Modern design.