Design Icon: Stingray Rocker

A modern chair with mid-century leanings

With its eye-catching, sculptural form and curvy lines, the award-winning Stingray is a modern chair with distinct mid-century leanings: classic 1950s fibreglass chair designs, most notably those by Charles and Ray Eames, inspired Stingray’s design and development. A rather unconventional rocking chair, Stingray supports the sitter in a range of upright and reclining positions, combining the functions of a lounge chair with a footstool.

Matt-dark-grey-Stingray-black-throw — Matt dark grey Stingray rocking chair with a flint frame, black leather neck cushion and black Icelandic throw.

Matt-white-Stingray-cognac-cushion — Matt white Stingray rocking chair with a flint frame, cognac neck cushion and reindeer throw.

The 3D veneer Stingray

Stingray was Thomas Pedersen’s graduation project from Aarhus School of Architecture. Presented at the Copenhagen Furniture Fair in 2002, its unusual quality and striking design grabbed the attention of Fredericia, the family-owned Danish heritage company (established in 1911). In 2008, Fredericia presented a 3D veneer version of the Stingray rocker, made with the world’s largest 3D veneer press. It was a technological achievement that earned both Thomas Pedersen and Fredericia the acclaimed 2008/2009 Danish Design Award. Stingray was available in its veneer version from 2008–2015.

Stingray-Veneer-I — Stingray in veneer. Between 2008–2015, it was the largest 3D veneer chair in the world. Photo via SPARK design studio.

Stingray-veneer-II — Stingray in veneer. Photo via SPARK design studio.

Thomas Pedersen’s Stingray design

Thomas Pedersen’s approach to furniture design respects the human form and his Stingray rocker has an organic, anthropomorphic shape. Finding inspiration in nature, water and the sea, Pedersen considered the free-flowing and graceful shape of a stingray to be the ideal inspiration for his final exam project at the Aarhus School of Architecture. Stingray’s exceptional organic shape was Pedersen’s response to the requirements of modern-day lounging. With its generous proportions, the Stingray rocker is an ideal seat on which to repose. Pedersen observes: ‘Inspired by nature, the organic shape of Stingray offers a peaceful sanctuary after a busy day—the perfect me-spot.’

Matt-white-Stingray-with-clay-frame — Matt white Stingray rocking chair with a clay frame and white Icelandic throw.

Matt-white-Stingray-vils-fabric-cushion — Matt white Stingray rocking chair with a flint frame, Vils fabric neck cushion and grey Icelandic throw.

Material options

A hard-wearing design, Stingray is made using a vacumn mould rather than heat injection. Devoid of lines or seams, the chair’s seat affords an aesthetically pleasing, floating perspective. Stingray is available in a plastic shell or fully upholstered, and in new matt white and matt dark grey colours. The steel frame is obtainable in a number of finishes and if desired, a selection of neck cushions and fur throws will complete the look.

Matt dark grey Stingray & black leather cushion — Matt dark grey Stingray rocking chair with a flint frame, black leather neck cushion and black Icelandic throw.

Matt-white-Stingray-dark-brown-cushion — Matt white Stingray rocking chair with a flint frame, dark brown neck cushion and reindeer throw.

Stingray-with-white-painted-steel-base — White Stingray rocking chair with a white painted steel base, Walnut 95 leather neck cushion and brown long hair lambskin throw.

Matt-dark-grey-Stingray-grey-throw — Matt dark grey Stingray rocking chair with a flint frame, black leather neck cushion and grey Icelandic throw.

The perfect seat for a range of public and residential spaces, Stingray is a contemporary design icon with the essential qualities of a design classic.

All photos courtesy of Fredericia (except where otherwise stated).

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