Few pieces of furniture have the instant recognition of the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman. With its curved wood shells, plush leather cushions and low, reclining posture, it shows up in design museums, movie sets and countless dream living rooms. The pair made their public debut in 1956 on a daytime television program, where the host remarked that it was quite a departure from the designers' earlier, more utilitarian work.
Charles and Ray Eames were already famous for molded plywood, plastic and wire chairs. Their skill with shaping wood had been sharpened during World War II, when they produced molded plywood splints for the military. After the war they focused on smart, mass-produced pieces that offered good value. The lounge chair was something different: an unapologetically comfortable, upscale take on the traditional English club chair.
- The original version paired molded rosewood shells with leather upholstery and a sleek aluminum base.
- Herman Miller has produced the chair and ottoman continuously since 1956.
- A recent plant-based upholstery option offers an alternative to traditional leather.
Charles famously said the goal was a chair with the warm, welcoming feel of a broken-in baseball glove, a soft refuge from the stresses of modern life. Ray, for her part, praised it for being comfortable without looking overly designed. That balance of luxury and ease is exactly why it caught on, appearing in spy films, sitcoms and photos of tech pioneers deep in conversation.
Today the chair sits in the permanent collections of major museums and has an enthusiastic online fan base. It's also one of the most copied furniture designs ever made, a backhanded compliment to its enduring appeal. Whether you own one or simply admire it, the Eames lounge is a reminder that the best design invites you to sit down and stay awhile.
Source: Dwell
