Designed in 1952 by Arne Jacobsen, the Ant Chair was the first Danish shell chair made from a single, double-curvature piece of moulded plywood. Originally created for the canteen at Terapeutisk Laboratorium (now Novo Nordisk) in Frederiksberg, the chair introduced a new approach to laminated wood furniture in Denmark. Lightweight and surprisingly sturdy, its distinctive slim-waisted silhouette resembles an ant with its head raised. Initially produced with three legs, a four-legged version was later introduced to enhance stability.Made from nine layers of pressure-moulded veneer, the shell is available in three versions: natural veneer, lacquered veneer and coloured ash. It consists of seven inner veneer layers and two outer layers, one on the front and one on the back. The inner veneer is always beech, and the outer veneer is available in various types of natural wood. The coloured versions include coloured ash, where the grain remains visible beneath the pigment, and lacquered veneer, which offers a bold colour with no visible grain.The base is constructed from 14 mm steel tubes, available in either chromed or powder-coated finishes. It is connected to the shell with black support spacers, which provide a slight gap for structural stability, and finished with a black cover cap. Thanks to its minimal and sturdy yet balanced shell, the chair can be stacked up to 12 high, making it easy to store away when not in use.This timeless design suits a wide range of settings, from homes to public spaces. A front-upholstered version is also available for extra comfort.
