Inside the Timeless Appeal of the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
When Charles and Ray Eames launched their lounge chair and ottoman in 1956, they did not simply create furniture. They developed a design that would come to define mid-century modernism and remain coveted for seven decades.
Initially meant to be a gift to film director Billy Wilder, this lounge chair is one of the most recognisable pieces of furniture in the world, found in everything from corporate spaces to high-end living rooms. Its enduring popularity rests in the perfect combination of comfort, craftsmanship, and design. If you have been eyeing one, wondering if it’s worth it, here are a few reasons why this chair is an excellent choice.
What Makes the Eames Lounge Chair Iconic?
The genius of Eames chairs lies in their democratic luxury. As Charles Eames said of his design, “We wanted to create the warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt. And that’s what we got.” That is precisely what the timeless Eames Lounge Chair is – generous, inviting, and unpretentious, yet unmistakably refined.
Unlike the formalism of the traditional European lounge chair, the Eames chair holds the body in a state of relaxation with three curved plywood shells in rich leather, held together by a five-star aluminium base. The ottoman completes the experience, encouraging full relaxation.
The cultural significance of this iconic chair goes beyond the living room. The chair is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art, and has become ingrained in the cultural landscape through its many film and television appearances, becoming synonymous with good taste and design savvy. Owning an authentic Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair is a statement of design heritage and quality that goes beyond the current trends.
Craftsmanship at Its Finest
The construction of the Eames Lounge chairs is the epitome of furniture craftsmanship. Each piece demands careful attention to detail and employs craftsmanship techniques that have remained the same since the 1950s.
The framework for the chair starts with molded shells of plywood, made from thin layers of wood veneer pressed and glued together under heat and pressure. This technique produces a smooth curve that would be difficult to achieve using solid wood. At the same time, the plywood shells remain incredibly strong. The wood is then sanded and finished by hand to highlight the grain and unique character.
The high-grade leather used for the chair is carefully selected and cut to guarantee that all the cushioning has the same shade and texture. Artisans carefully attach each piece of leather to the plywood shells, creating the pillow-like look that makes the chair so inviting. The cushions consist of many layers of foam and down that provide both instant comfort and long-term support.
The shock mounts – those characteristic rubber discs visible between the shells and frame – are more than just for show. They enable a subtle degree of movement and flexibility, allowing for a responsive seating experience that adjusts to your body. The aluminium base, die-cast and polished to a mirror finish, adds both stability and a sense of lightness to the chair, making the heavy piece seem as if it’s floating.
Each aspect, from the swivel mechanism to the cross-base on the ottoman, is a testament to an obsessive attention to detail and quality. This is furniture that’s built to last not just a season, but multiple generations, often turning up in estate sales and vintage shops in astonishing condition after decades of service.
How to Select Your Eames Lounge Chair
To personalise your lounge chair, there are three main decisions to make.
Size Considerations
The chair is available in two sizes. The classic version is suitable for people up to six feet tall and fits comfortably in most residential spaces. The tall model provides additional height to the backrest and headrest, accommodating taller individuals and commanding presence. If you want to make it a statement piece in the room, consider the room’s ceiling height as well.
Wood Finish Options
The plywood shells are available in a variety of wood veneers, each with its unique characteristics. Black walnut boasts dark chocolate tones with dramatic grain patterns, the classic choice reminiscent of the 1956 design. Santos palisander, or rosewood, is an exotic option with reddish-brown hues and dramatic figuring, although this is sometimes not available due to environmental regulations. White ash is a modern option with a pale colour and subtle grain pattern. Cherry boasts attractive reddish hues that mature beautifully with time.
The type of wood you choose should match your current furniture as well as your overall décor style. Dark woods are formal and suitable for traditional or eclectic styles, while lighter woods are fresh and suitable for Scandinavian or minimalist interiors.
Upholstery Selection
The authentic material for the upholstery is leather, which is available in luxurious black, warm cognac, sophisticated white, and a variety of other colours. Black leather has a timeless quality and ages well over time, acquiring a patina. Cognac adds a touch of warmth and allows the leather’s natural personality to come through, and white has a dramatic effect but requires more maintenance.
The magic of the chair is in the way it brings wood, leather, and aluminium together, creating a unique, relaxing experience. These chairs and ottomans will turn a study, a living room, or an office into a sanctuary for comfort and design excellence.
