From a brutalist dystopia to a pink corporate dreamworld, two films couldn’t be more different. Yet, there’s one surprising connection between Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange and Greta Gerwig’s Barbie: One sculptural, scene-stealing chair – an iconic Saarinen chair. This sculptural, timeless design has graced the sets of both films, proving its versatility and enduring appeal across decades.

The Saarinen Executive Chair in A Clockwork Orange

In A Clockwork Orange, Stanley Kubrick’s haunting exploration of free will and violence, we meet writer Mr. Alexander in his home—aptly called “HOME”—where he is seen typing away at a red IBM typewriter. The set is full of stark, modernist furniture, with a blue box filled with typewritten paper beside him. Yet, amidst this striking decor, a striking piece stands out: the Saarinen Executive Chair.

While the writer works on his novel, this elegant yet sturdy design cradles him. The now-iconic Saarinen Executive Chair is a key element in the scene, not only offering comfort but becoming a pivotal part of the atmosphere.

Later, when Alex and his droogs arrive, we see the chair again in a tense moment, after Alex topples the table in an act of chaos. The chair’s sculptural form is given center stage, and it’s clear that even in a film as gritty as A Clockwork Orange, design is still a standout feature.

The Saarinen Conference Chair in Barbie

Fast forward to Barbie, and we find a completely different use of the same timeless design. This time, it’s the Saarinen Conference Chair, a variation of the Executive Chair with a swivel base, which takes centre stage at the vibrant Mattel HQ.

The shift from the grim, oppressive atmosphere of Kubrick’s world to the upbeat, pastel pink universe of Barbie is striking, yet the chair still feels right at home in both settings.

Margot Robbie, who plays Barbie, was so enamoured by the chair that she took some home for her own office after filming wrapped. The chair’s sculptural beauty and functional design made it the perfect choice for the sleek, modern offices of Mattel, but it also provided an anchor to the film’s larger-than-life aesthetic.

The Design Legacy of the Saarinen Chair

Originally designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll between 1946 and 1950, the Saarinen Executive Chair has remained one of the most iconic designs of the 20th century. Saarinen, a visionary architect and designer, was known for his innovative approach to form and function, and this chair is no exception. The moulded shell of the chair flexes slightly to accommodate the sitter, while the contoured seat, supported by elegant legs, offers ergonomic comfort.

Saarinen’s goal was to create a chair that would complement the human body, while also serving as a piece of sculptural art. It is often compared to his architectural forms, like the Kresge Auditorium at MIT, whose sweeping glass walls echo the shape of the Executive Chair’s backrest. It was this marriage of beauty and function that made the chair a staple in both residential and commercial interiors and a favourite in the world of film set design.

In A Clockwork Orange, it becomes part of the film’s stark, brutalist aesthetic, while in Barbie, it brings sophistication and elegance to the playful, glossy corporate world of Mattel. It’s a design that transcends time and context.

The Chair’s Continuing Legacy

Nearly 70 years since its creation, the Saarinen Executive Chair and it’s Saarinen Conference Chair sister, are still design icons. It remains a top choice in interior schemes, both for its comfort and its sculptural beauty. The chair is available in various configurations—either with or without arms, and with tubular metal or wood legs—offering versatility that allows it to seamlessly fit into any space, whether it’s a film set, office, or home.

Manufactured by Knoll, these chairs continue to be crafted according to the designer’s original specifications, ensuring that its timeless design stays true to Saarinen’s vision.

Want One of Your Own?

Whether you’re a film buff, a design enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, the Saarinen Executive Chair and the Saarinen Conference Chair remain symbols of timeless design. With elegant curves and ergonomic form, it’s as much a functional piece of furniture as it is a work of art. And with appearances in films as diverse as A Clockwork Orange and Barbie, it’s clear that this chair will continue to capture imaginations for years to come.

Ready to bring a piece of cinematic history into your own home? You can find new versions of these chairs from our partners at Chaplins in UK or 2Modern in USA. Vintage originals can be found at Etsy.

This chair, with its unmistakable sculptural elegance, has not only left its mark in the worlds of film and design but has also become an enduring piece of art, proving that the right design never goes out of style.