eames lounge chair
To own one is to own a piece of living history, a vessel of memories where stories are lived, shared, and passed on. It becomes part of the family, where future generations rest, dream, and play on the same surface you once did.
Iconic. Collectible. Timeless.
An enduring symbol of mid-century modernism and a beacon of thoughtful design. But what led to the creation of the Vitra Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman perhaps the most celebrated chair in design history?
whats the history of the iconic eames chair?
The story of the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (first named as 600 and 601 repsectively) starts, fittingly, in Hollywood. Ray and Charles paid a visit to their friend, famed British film director, screenwriter and producer, Billy Wilder (Some Like It Hot, The Apartment, The Seven Year Itch) on set.
After watching Wilder try and nap on makeshift lounge chairs in between takes, they were inspired to create a chair with a look of an old English club chair but with their playful, forward-thinking aesthetic applied. Comfort and functionality were as important as the look to the couple.
“The leather cushions do have built-in wrinkles to start with, but that is a clue that spells comfort to come, like the warm receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt.” Ray and Charles Eames
the design
The seat of the Lounge Chair has a permanent tilt. This angle supports your chest, so you’ll be more comfortable while reading, watching TV and conversing. This takes weight off your lower spine and distributes it to the back of the chair. Your lower back is supported by the seat’s lower cushions. (This makes you feel more relaxed.) The ottoman provides a health benefit: besides being a comfortable place to rest your feet, it helps restore normal blood circulation after a work day of constant sitting or standing."It's signature reclined position and contouring are iconic and still as modern and relevant as ever today.
There are many companies creating replicas today, but the original chair is only manufactured by Herman Miller and Vitra. Here at Cimmermann, we only sell the Eames Office licensed product made by their long-term collaborator and trusted partner in Europe, Vitra.
a design icon from 1956
The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Charles and Ray Eames is one of the most recognisable pieces of mid-century furniture design. Originally released in 1956, this chair redefined luxury marrying modernist aesthetics with serious comfort. We offer the authentic Vitra Eames Lounge Chair, produced in Europe to the exacting standards of the Eames Foundation. Whether you know it as the Eames chair, the Eames armchair, or the original lounge chair, it remains a benchmark of elegance. Available in classic black leather and walnut veneer, or more contemporary finishes, the Vitra Eames Lounge is an heirloom-quality piece and an icon of 20th-century design history.
Who were Ray & Charles Eames?
Their influence stretches far beyond the world of design shaping how we live, how we relax, and even how we think about form and function. Their furniture wasn’t just something to sit on; it was something to invest in, something to pass on.
It’s vital to acknowledge that their work was a true collaboration and partnership of their complementary skills. In Charles’ own words:“Anything I can do, Ray can do better.”
The couple first crossed paths at the renowned Cranbrook Academy of Art, the same creative powerhouse that gave rise to talents like Florence Knoll and Eero Saarinen.
Charles came from a background in architecture and industrial design; Ray was an artist with a keen eye for color, detail, and soul.
In a world still largely dominated by male voices, the Eames partnership stood apart. Charles brought structure and form, Ray infused playfulness and empathy. Together, they redefined what modernism could look and feel like, not cold or clinical, but warm, human, and full of life.
“When Ray and Charles Eames designed a piece of furniture, they always took a human-centered approach,” Amy Auscherman, Head of Archive and Brand Heritage at Herman Miller
After graduating, the Eameses moved to Los Angeles and founded the Eames Office a creative lab where they began pushing the boundaries of materials like plywood and plastic. Their iconic “Kazam! machine” pressed together layers of thin wood veneer first used to create innovative splints for wounded soldiers in WWII, and later, to shape some of the most beloved furniture designs in history.By the time the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman debuted in 1956, they were already celebrated as pioneers of modernist design. Competitions at MoMA helped establish their reputation, including Charles’ early collaboration with Eero Saarinen on the now-famous “Eiffel” DSW Chair.
endless combinations - what are they?
classic
The Eames lounge chair and ottoman have become a benchmark in twentieth century design and with the iconic combination of with rosewood (Santos Palisander) shell, black base with black leather. Vitra has introduced a new range of European-sourced wood with Chestnut natural, Chestnut black, Walnut natural , Walnut dark, European cherry and the Santos Palisander. The base comes in polished aluminium, polished aluminium + deep black or deep black. Click to read more about the Vitra Eames lounge chair: colours, materials & finishes.
fabric
The Eames lounge chair and ottoman have become a benchmark in twentieth century design and has had a re-modelling with the cushions being covered in a sumptuous fabric as opposed to leather. Available with Chestnut natural, Chestnut black, Walnut natural , Walnut dark, European cherry and the Santos Palisander frame with choice of colours for the beautiful fabric upholstery. Click to read more about the Vitra Eames lounge chair: colours, materials & finishes.
Why choose the authentic Vitra Eames lounge chair?
The authentic Vitra Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman offers unmatched craftsmanship, comfort, and design heritage. While replicas may copy the look, none can match the quality, engineering, or longevity of a genuine Vitra-made original.
1. Superior Craftsmanship & Materials
Vitra builds the Eames Lounge Chair using precision-moulded plywood shells, premium veneers like walnut and Santos palisander, full-grain leather, and a robust die-cast aluminium base. Perfect proportions and refined finishing such as invisible outer screws are details replicas rarely achieve. These materials ensure the chair lasts for decades, unlike imitations that wear out quickly.
2. Exceptional Comfort & Ergonomics
Every ergonomic element is designed by the Eameses and faithfully produced by Vitra. The chair features a perfectly calibrated fixed recline, flexible shock mounts, and expertly filled cushions that provide lasting support. The matching ottoman enhances circulation, contributing to the chair’s reputation as one of the most comfortable lounge chairs ever made.
3. Authenticity & Design Integrity
Vitra is the only authorised manufacturer of the Eames Lounge Chair in Europe. An authentic piece adheres to the exact 1956 design specifications, includes official Vitra labelling, and uses the same materials found in museum-quality originals. Owning one preserves the true legacy of Charles and Ray Eames.
4. Long-Term Value & Durability
A genuine Vitra Eames Lounge Chair is an investment that holds its value and often appreciates. Built to age beautifully, it can become a lasting family heirloom. Choosing authenticity means buying once rather than repeatedly replacing failing replicas.
5. Ethical Production
Vitra uses responsibly sourced wood, environmentally conscious leather tanning, and stringent quality and sustainability standards. Authentic production ensures transparency, unlike replicas that often come from unregulated factories.6. Iconic Design StatusThe Vitra Eames Lounge Chair is a cultural and design icon, featured in museums worldwide. Only the authentic version captures its true presence, craftsmanship, and emotional impact something replicas cannot replicate.
Learn how to tell a Vitra original vs. fake Eames lounge chairs on our journal where you can discover how to spot an authentic classic.
FAQS
What is the Eames Lounge Chair?
Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, the Lounge Chair and Ottoman combine luxurious comfort with timeless mid-century design. It’s crafted from moulded plywood, soft leather, and polished aluminium balancing warmth, craftsmanship, and modernity.
What inspired its creation?
The Eameses wanted to design a modern take on the traditional English club chair one that would offer the same inviting comfort but with an elegant, contemporary form. The result became a design classic that redefined 20th-century furniture.
What materials are used in the authentic version?
Each chair is made from moulded plywood shells with real wood veneers (such as walnut, Santos palisander, cherry, or chestnut), premium leather upholstery, and a die-cast aluminium base.
Vitra uses water-based lacquer, recyclable V-Foam cushions, and leather tanned using olive leaf extract, combining durability with sustainability. Click to read more about the Vitra Eames lounge chair: colours, materials & finishes.
Who makes the authentic Eames Lounge Chair?
Authentic chairs are produced under licence by Vitra in Europe and the Middle East, and by Herman Miller in North America. These are the only official manufacturers authorised by the Eames Office.
Why is the Eames Lounge Chair considered a design icon?
It’s one of the most recognisable and influential furniture designs of the 20th century. The chair perfectly merges ergonomics, innovation, and timeless style and is featured in museum collections such as the Museum of Modern Art, New York.
What sizes are available and which should I choose?
Vitra offers the Eames Lounge Chair in two sizes: Classic dimensions faithful to the 1956 original proportions. Larger version developed for modern users, offering increased seat height, width, and backrest size.
If you’re over 185 cm or prefer more spacious seating, the larger version is recommended; the classic size suits most people and retains the original aesthetic. See our Vitra Eames lounge chair classic vs xl version guide to see more about the differences.
What finishes and colour options are available?
Veneer choices include Santos Palisander, Walnut (natural or dark), European Cherry, and Chestnut (natural or black lacquer). Upholstery is available in a range of leather grades and colours, such as black, brown, or cream and fabric choices with bases in polished aluminium, black, or combination finishes.
How can I recognise an authentic chair?
Look for official Vitra branding and serial number.The chair base has five-star swivel legs; the ottoman has a four-point, non-swivel base.Authentic models feature moulded plywood shells, shock-mount connections, and a fixed recline angle (not adjustable). Purchase only from authorised Vitra dealers to avoid replicas.
Why is the chair so comfortable?
Comfort is built into every element, the chair’s permanent 15° recline angle supports the body’s natural posture; shock-mounts between shells allow flexible movement; and deep, down-like cushions with matching ottoman ensure complete relaxation.
How sustainable is the production?
Vitra produces the Eames Lounge Chair with responsibly sourced woods, low-emission lacquers, and recycled aluminium. The leather tanning process uses natural olive leaf extract, reflecting modern sustainability standards while maintaining original craftsmanship.
Is it worth the investment?
Yes. Each piece is built to last a lifetime and often passed down generations. Its exceptional build quality, timeless design, and cultural significance make it both a functional chair and a collectible work of art.
