The Timeless Appeal of the Eames Lounge Chair

In: Chair Design, Decorative & Applied Arts, Design History, Furniture Design
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A woman sitting in an Eames Lounge Chair at the New Homes Show in Central Hall, Westminster, Hall, UK, 25th June 1963. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Model Nos. 670 and 671, designed in 1956-57, remain one of the most celebrated modern furniture pieces. This design masterpiece, created by Charles and Ray Eames, has continued to symbolize sophistication, comfort, and executive status in contemporary interiors.

Eames Chair on the Tomorrow Show
THE TOMORROW SHOW – Pictured: (l-r) Host Tom Snyder, actor Marlon Brando (Photo by Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)

A Chair for the Elite

The chair found its place among an eclectic mix of owners. These include renowned filmmaker Billy Wilder, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and Hank Ketcham, the creator of Dennis the Menace. This diverse group highlights the universal appeal of the Eames Lounge Chair. It transcends industries and backgrounds.

Luxury Meets Comfort

Crafted with moulded plywood, plush leather upholstery, and a sturdy five-star aluminium base, the Eames Lounge Chair redefined ergonomic seating. Unlike the utilitarian aesthetic of many mid-century modern designs, the Eames chair was developed with luxury in mind. Its generous proportions, deep cushioning, and meticulous attention to detail create a chair that is as comfortable as it is stylish.

First introduced to the public on the NBC show Home in 1956, the chair was an immediate success. The Herman Miller company, which manufactures the Eames Lounge Chair, has sold over 100,000 units. This solidified its status as an enduring icon of 20th-century design.

Eames Chair replica
Eames Chair replicas are commonly a tribute to the design.

A Status Symbol with a Hefty Price Tag

Today, the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman retail for just under AUD 8,000. This reflects its continued desirability and craftsmanship. Even after the passing of Charles in 1978 and Ray Eames a decade later, their design philosophy remains intact. The chair is still being produced to the same exacting standards.

The first model was gifted to their friend, Academy Award-winning director Billy Wilder. This is a testament to the chair’s standing as an emblem of success and refined taste.

Why the Eames Lounge Chair Endures

Over half a century later, the Eames Lounge Chair continues to captivate collectors, architects, and design enthusiasts alike. Its ability to blend into various interior styles—from classic to contemporary—ensures its continued presence in stylish living rooms, offices, and even Hollywood film sets.

Price has a lot to do with the status of the chair and the ottoman, and they’re currently going for just under AUD 8000. Charles Eames died in 1978, and his wife died a decade later. They gave their friend Wilder, the Academy Award-winning director, the first lounge chair model.

Source

Eames, C., Drexler, A. (1973). Furniture from the design collection, the Museum of Modern Art, New York. United Kingdom: Museum of Modern Art.

Encyclopedia of Interior Design. (1997). United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis.

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