Photo courtesy of Herman Miller
A Universally Recognized Form
Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman remains one of the most iconic and influential pieces of 20th-century design.
When they were conceptualizing the chair, Charles explained that the designers wanted it to have the “warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman's mitt.” As Charles and Ray’s home provided the backdrop for the couple’s gracious hosting of a famously eclectic group of friends and associates, providing “a special refuge from the strains of modern living,” so too the lounge chair and ottoman were conceived to provide welcoming comfort to the body.
The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman made its national television debut in 1956 when Charles and Ray Eames appeared on the NBC television show, Home, hosted by Arlene Francis. More than seven decades later, the chair remains as relevant as ever. Its timeless aesthetic, exceptional comfort, and lasting durability have enabled it to transcend changing trends and remain a fixture in contemporary homes, workplaces, and design collections around the world.