Ball Chairs

Buying a Ball Chair? – Six Questions You Need To Ask

At Inmod we like to consider ourselves experts when it comes to the ball chair, and with good reason.  In fact, our ball chair has been our best selling item since we started selling it in 2003! We are committed to the quality and accuracy of this piece, as we are with all of our modern classics. That’s why we’ve put together this buying guide, to help you make an educated decision no matter where you are shopping.

So why is the ball chair so popular?  The ball chair is an icon of modern classic style, and it has been for quite some time. It was originally created by designer Eero Aarnio in 1966 and enjoyed almost instant popularity. Aarnio is well known for his innovation in modern interior design, and is considered one of the most influential designers of the 20th century. He is even credited with inspiring an entire generation of designers. The ball chair is among Aarnio’s most popular designs and continues to be extremely popular. Our ball chair is not only popular with customers, but has been used to furnish commercial and public spaces, in TV commercials, and more.

If you plan to buy a reproduction of the ball chair, like our Eero Aarnio Style Ball Chair, there are several crucial things you should look for.  Remember, not all reproductions are created equal, so take the time to ask questions and do some research to make sure you get the best ball chair for your budget.

Six Things To Ask Yourself When Looking For A Ball Chair:

1) How accurate is it?
If you are purchasing a reproduction of a world-renowned piece like the ball chair, you want to make sure it is as accurate as possible. Three things to consider in terms of accuracy are the shape of the chair, the materials used, and its size.  The shape of a ball chair should be more than half a sphere. This is essential to the chair’s comfort and ensures a relaxing, lounge like seating area. Also consider the angle of the ball chair. The more pitched back the seat is the more accurate it will be to the original, and also the more comfortable it will be. Also make sure to check the dimensions of both the original ball chair and the reproduction you plan to buy. Decide if you want an exact match or something slightly different to meet your needs.

2) What is it made out of?
The ball chair’s shell should be made of fiberglass like the original, which is both more attractive and more durable than the plastic used in many reproductions. Like many materials, fiberglass varies greatly in quality.  You should look for a fiberglass that has a smooth surface, indicating high quality. Low quality fiberglass will appear to have a surface more like molded clay.  In addition to a high quality fiberglass shell, our ball chair features a classic five panel interior like the original. It also has plush cushions that are removable and even features an interior lining. The Inmod Eero Aarnio Style Ball Chair also features a high quality swivel stainless steel ball bearing mechanism, ensuring smooth rotation and durability. This is something you will not find in many reproductions.

3) What is the base like?
The base may not be the first thing you notice about the ball chair, but it is actually one of its most important components.  Eero Aarnio’s original ball chair featured a shell that directly met its base without any extruding components. This is crucial not only to the accuracy of the chair’s look but also to both its comfort and durability.  You should look for a chair in which the shell extends directly into the base without anything in between.  Ball chairs that do not have this key characteristic have extended bases that make the chair higher and therefore less comfortable Of course, ball chairs with extended bases are also much more prone to breaking.

4) How much does it cost?
Ok you probably won’t forget to look at the price!  But here’s something to consider.  The highest price does not always mean the best quality when it comes to reproductions.  Pay close attention to the materials used and ask plenty of questions to make sure that what  you think you are getting is what you actually will get. It is also important to remember that no one is selling an original ball chair for less than $5000 even if they claim that they are. Many sellers, especially on auction sites like eBay, will claim to sell original ball chairs and in some cases will even show pictures of the original. This is almost never the case, so let price be an important indicator to you. It is perfectly fine to buy a reproduction, but not if you pay for and are promised an original.

5) What kind of warranty does it come with?
Just like price, warranties are a huge indicator as to the quality being sold.  Why should you buy a product that its own manufacturer or retailer won’t stand behind.  Look for a ball chair with a warranty. The length of the warranty is not the only thing to consider, also be sure to ask what it covers.

6) Can I get additional photos?
It’s important to make sure you get what you pay for. If you are unsure about the validity of a product, ask plenty of questions. You can even request additional photos.  Anyone selling a respectable ball chair and who values your business will try their best to accommodate your requests, whether it is additional information or high resolution images.