Answer: they’re all chairs.

And not just any old chairs – the Ant™ Chair, the Egg™ Chair, and the Swan™ Chair are all design masterpieces by Arne Jacobsen  – the Daddy of Danish design and an enduring international icon.

The Egg™ Chair, was originally designed by Jacobsen for the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen in 1958. It’s iconic shape and high back makes for a little privacy and is therefore often found in public spaces (even as I whizzed my way through the City of London in the back of a cab yesterday, I spotted them in several smart office reception lounges and lobbies). This chair looks equally stunning in a domestic environment, including the home of Martin Rohde (Kim Bodnia) in the Scandinavian drama The Bridge (Danish: Broen; Swedish: Bron).

The Swan™ Chair was also designed for the lobby and lounge areas at the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. A technologically innovative chair it has no straight lines – only curves.

The Ant ™ Chair first appeared in the canteen of Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk in 1952. Manufacturer Fritz Hansen constructed the original with three plastic legs and a seat made from laminated veneer. Since then, however, Fritz Hansen has incorporated steel legs and also unveiled a four-leg Ant Chair.

Treat yourself to an Egg for Easter!

Over half a decade after their original conception these chairs remain highly desirable. Original vintage Arne Jacobsen’s remain sought after and are a good investment too – find them from dealers on Etsy.
Licensed authentic new versions by Fritz Hansen are available through The Conran Shop and Design Within Reach.

Given their Danish roots, it’s unsurprising but always a pleasure to spot these chairs in the film sets of many Scandinavian dramas – from Borgen and The Bridge to The Killing.