History and Buying Guide for the Iconic Milo Baughman Scoop Chair

The Iconic Milo Baughman Scoop Chair

The Milo Baughman scoop chair is one of the most iconic and beloved Mid-Century Modern furniture designs. First designed in the 1960s for Thayer Coggin by renowned American furniture designer Milo Baughman, this chair encapsulates the sleek, space-age aesthetic that Baughman became famous for.

The Origins of the Scoop Chair

Milo Baughman was at the forefront of the American Modernism movement in the mid-20th century. He designed furniture that was minimalistic yet playful, with a focus on both form and function. The scoop chair that Baughman created for Thayer Coggin in the 1960s embodied these qualities perfectly.

The inspiration for the chair was airplane seats and their form-hugging designs tailored to the curves of the human body. Baughman translated this concept into a stylish lounge chair crafted out of fiberglass and upholstered in soft leather or fabric.

The Anatomy of a Scoop Chair

The structure of the Baughman scoop chair utilizes geometric shapes to create a sculptural, almost artistic silhouette. The design centers around a single oblong scooped seat reminiscent of an oval or teardrop. The back of the chair arcs gently around to embrace the sitter, mimicking the natural curve of the spine.

The sweeping arms of the Baughman scoop chair balance out the narrowness of the seat, resulting in a chair that feels roomy yet snug when occupied. This combination of openness and coziness makes this a exceptionally comfortable lounge chair despite its compact form.

Materials and Upholstery Options

Milo Baughman's original 1960s scoop chair for Thayer Coggin consisted of a painted fiberglass shell with upholstered foam cushions. Customers could choose from a variety of fabrics and leathers for the removable seat and back pads.

Over the decades since its initial debut, manufacturers have reissued the design in alternative materials like wood, metal and plastic. However the chair is still most commonly produced with a fiberglass structure to maintain the authentic aesthetic.

Nowadays you can find Baughman scoop chairs with upholstery options ranging from premium Italian leathers to polyester and acrylic textiles. Brighter vinyls and other waterproof materials have also grown popular for use in wet areas like patios and poolsides.

Enduring Popularity Over the Decades

Even over 60 years since it first launched onto the home furnishing scene, the Milo Baughman Thayer Coggin scoop chair remains one of the most sought-after mid-century designer pieces.

Its timeless charm and superb functionality as both a dining chair and a lounge chair has enabled the scoop chair to transcend its trendy mid-century roots. Today you can find Baughman scoop chairs adding a splash of vintage flair to contemporary living rooms, family rooms, bedrooms and offices alike.

Interior designers and home decorators continue to utilize Milo Baughman furniture like the iconic scoop chair to inject mod flair into modern homes. The vintage appeal and impeccable silhouettes make Baughman pieces perfect for achieving both contemporary and retro interior decoration aesthetics.

Buying a Milo Baughman Scoop Chair

If you’re looking to buy an original vintage Milo Baughman scoop chair, be prepared to invest a decent amount. Since these are no longer being manufactured new, your only option is the secondhand market.

Where to Buy

Vintage and antique furniture specialists will be your best bet for finding authentic Baughman pieces. Look for reputable dealers with a lot of positive reviews. Big marketplaces like Chairish and 1stDibs are also good sources for high-end preowned items.

You can sometimes get lucky and spot Milo Baughman lounge chairs at secondhand and consignment shops too. Just be wary of knock-offs being passed off as the real thing when buying from unlabeled sources.

What to Look For

When evaluating a potential Milo Baughman scoop chair purchase, check for signs of an authentic vintage piece:

• Fiberglass shell structure
• Maker’s marks like tags or stamps
• Period-appropriate upholstery
• Indications of age like patina

Be skeptical of “vintage style” Baughman reproductions which will mimic the design but lack the right materials and detailing found in original 1960s models.

Cost Considerations

There’s no understating the value of owning an authentic icon of Mid-Century Modernism. Be prepared to invest a few thousand dollars for a true vintage Milo Baughman lounge chair in good restored condition.

Pricing varies depending on age, previous restoration work, upholstery quality and overall appearance. But you likely won’t find a genuine Baughman scoop chair for under $1000 unless it requires extensive repairs.

Caring for Your Milo Baughman Scoop Chair

Once you’ve invested in this luxurious piece of design history, you’ll want to make sure you care for your Baughman chair properly. Here are some tips on keeping your scoop chair looking fabulous.

Routine Maintenance

Dust your Baughman regularly by wiping gently with a microfiber cloth to prevent dirt buildup on the frame and upholstery. Every few months use leather cleaner and conditioner on leather chairs to hydrate the material.

Try to avoid placing lounge chairs in direct sunlight which can cause upholstery fade. Rotate the chair orientation every couple of months to equal out uneven wear and tear.

Upholstery Care

Vacuum upholstered chairs frequently using a brush attachment to lift dirt from textiles. Professionally clean fabrics when you notice stains setting in or every 2 years. For leather, clean spills immediately to prevent staining.

Restoration

If your Baughman chair’s fiberglass frame becomes cracked or damaged, professional repairs are recommended. Refinishing may involve sanding, sealing, painting and re-padding chairs to renew aging elements.

Reupholstering vintage Milo Baughman furniture yourself is an option for the ambitious DIYer. But for best preservation of value, consult a restoration specialist for significant repairs.

FAQs

What materials was the Baughman scoop chair originally made from?

Designer Milo Baughman’s original 1960s version for Thayer Coggin featured a fiberglass shell body with upholstered foam cushions. Customers could select from various fabric and leather options for the removable seat and back pads.

How much does an authentic Baughman scoop chair cost?

Due to these chairs no longer being produced new, prices for authentic vintage Milo Baughman lounge chairs start around $1000. Superior conditioned original models from the 1960s-70s can sell for several thousand dollars at high-end vintage dealers.

How can you tell if a scoop chair is a genuine Milo Baughman original?

Look for identifying details like fiberglass construction, any maker’s tags or stamps, appropriate era upholstery, signs of aging wear and other indicators that match designs from the 1960s-70s. Beware cheap imitations lacking authentic materials and markings.

What’s the best way to clean a Baughman scoop chair?

Gently wipe fiberglass frames to prevent dirt buildup. Upholstery should be vacuumed routinely with a brush attachment. Fabrics can be professionally cleaned every 2 years to treat stains. Leather should be cleaned immediately to avoid permanent staining.