Why do evil geniuses love to sit in high-backed swivel chairs? We don’t know, but they’re basically synonymous with being evil. Simultaneously comfy, but also a little futuristic. The perfect chair for intimidating your henchmen and plotting global domination.
The most recognizable supervillain chair is the egg chair. First created by acclaimed designer Arne Jacobsen back in 1958, the egg chair has since taken on a life of its own. They were popular movie props in the late 90s and early aughts, with everyone from Mr. Mugatu in Zoolander to Will Smith in Men in Black sitting in one. Even Stanley Kubrick, director of such sci-fi epics like 2001: A Space Odyssey, has used a number of egg chairs in his films.
If you want to channel your own inner supervillain via interior design, you have to look to the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice. In the film, SPECTRE leader Blofeld, played by Donald Pleasence, sat in the iconic G-Plan 6250 Swivel Chair. You can still buy this chair today, as British furnituremaker G-Plan re-issued their classic supervillain chair recently as the G-Plan “The Sixty Two” series. It will cost you about $3,000 (or £2,400), but it’s the perfect furniture for aspiring villains.
What about the Dr. Evil chair from Austin Powers? When Mike Myers played the International Man of Mystery foe Dr. Evil, his supervillain sat in another famous piece of furniture from the 1960s. According to Film and Furniture, Dr. Evil can be seen sitting in the iconic Ox Chair, designed by famed Danish furniture designer Hans Wegner.
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Genuine vintage Ox Chairs will cost you more than $15,000, but you can buy modern reproductions for a measly $3,000. There are also extremely similar dupes for sale for far less, although the quality will suffer. This reproduction Ox Chair is made in the United States by furniture maker Modernica, and you can choose your own upholstery to better match the decor of your secret lair.
If you ever wanted to channel your inner supervillain, check out some of the best egg chairs and swivel chairs you can take home today. Now all you need is your own mini version of you to go full Dr. Evil.
1. Brennen Swivel Balloon Chair and Ottoman
MOST UNIVERSAL
Looking for a classic egg chair that strikes the perfect balance of nefariousness without looking too out of place? The great thing about this Brennan model is the fact that it looks great in any setting. While it’s definitely sure to conjure up feelings of Dr. Evil and Mini-Me, it’s also contemporary enough to fit in effortlessly with your modern home decor. Best of all, it’s available in six cool colors, but nothing says “evil” quite like a classic black-and-silver color scheme.
2. Alpha Egg Chair
MOST FUTURISTIC
Made famous by Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in Men in Black, you can channel your inner secret agent with this stunning Alpha Egg Chair. Featuring a legit fiber shell, this beauty is as sturdy as it is elegant. And at 120 pounds, it’s also pretty bulky. It utilizes a smart 360-degree swivel and fade-resistant cotton fabric that won’t deteriorate over time. A great way to tune out, chill out or just enjoy a little you time, it’s available in an elegant Royale Blue or a classic black-and-white color scheme.
3. Offex Black Leather Swivel Cocoon Chair
MOST CONTEMPORARY
Another classic cocoon swivel chair, this model features a slightly bolder design, making it a great choice for anyone who’s ever wanted to slowly turn in a chair as they dramatically say, “I’ve been expecting you.” Plus, that classic egg design is sure to look great in any room. This one’s so pretty you definitely will want to showcase it somewhere public. Good thing, too, because it’s bound to turn a few heads with its genuine leather upholstery, stainless steel base and bold lines. If you can’t afford the classic Dr. Evil chair, this is the next best thing.
4. Classic Ball Chair
MOST RETRO
For when you want to go full-on evil, you really can’t do better than this stunning ball chair. For starters, it perfectly encapsulates that iconic style of how old designers thought the future would look like. You’ve seen concept photos of high-tech cars from the ‘50s? Think of this as the furniture version of that. Looking like a missing prop piece from some 1960s sci-fi epic, it features a cast aluminum base and an elegant molded fiberglass shell. It also comes in a range of different colors, with each option offering its own unique take.
5. Flash Furniture Egg Series White Leather Side Reception Chair
MOST MINIMAL
Comfy, contemporary, and oh-so-stylish, this Flash Furniture design features curved arms and a cushy lumbar pillow so you can get your evil on without hurting your back. Available in 18 different colors (and designs), it’s a refreshingly new take on an old classic. The unique design helps provide a little extra support, which means it feels just as good as it looks. It even comes with an ultra-shiny chrome metal base for added sophistication.