Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman

Overview

The Lounge Chair & Ottoman was created by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956 with the aim of combining an elegant appearance with ultimate comfort. Vitra has produced it using virtually the same methods ever since, and it is recognised as a great classic of twentieth-century furniture design. It was the first armchair to feature a swivel base.

Construction

• Wooden shells in six surface finishes: chestnut natural, European cherry, walnut natural, walnut dark, santos palisander (FSC-certified, the 'classic version') and chestnut black lacquered
• Upholstery covers in leather or fabric (43 cover materials), removable for cleaning or replacement; recyclable V-Foam cushions
• Swivel base in aluminium (three base options) with glides
• Wood sourced in Europe except palisander; water-based lacquers; 95% recycled aluminium

Specifications

• Two sizes: classic (original dimensions) and contemporary (somewhat larger)
• Classic Lounge Chair: W 840 × D 850–910 × H 840 mm, seat height 380 mm
• Contemporary Lounge Chair: W 840 × D 850–920 × H 890 mm
• Ottoman: W 630 × D 560 × H 420 mm

A question about club chairs

Vitra records that Charles Eames started the project by asking for an updated version of the old English club chair. The process took several years and brought together the couple's earlier experience.

1956 and the swivel base

At its 1956 launch the chair was lighter and more modern than the club chairs it answered, and it was the first armchair to have a swivel base. Vitra says the production methods have stayed the same since the 1950s, while the materials have been updated.