Introduction
The Eames Lounge Chair is one of the most recognisable pieces of furniture ever designed. Created by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, it has graced the offices of architects, the living rooms of design lovers, and the pages of every serious interiors magazine for nearly seven decades. But with so many versions, finishes, and configurations available today, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know before investing in an Eames-inspired lounge chair — from shell materials and leather grades to sizing, ottoman pairings, and room placement.
Understanding the Original Design
The original Eames Lounge Chair (Model 670) and Ottoman (Model 671) were designed for Herman Miller and featured a moulded plywood shell, down-filled cushions, and a five-star aluminium base. The design brief was simple: create a chair with the warmth of a well-used baseball glove. The result was a chair that balanced sculptural beauty with genuine comfort — a rare achievement in modernist furniture.
Today, high-quality reproductions capture the same proportions, materials, and craftsmanship at a fraction of the original price, making this iconic design accessible to a wider audience.
Shell Material: Plywood vs. Fibreglass
Authentic Eames-inspired chairs use moulded plywood shells — typically walnut or rosewood veneer — which provide the structural rigidity and visual warmth that define the design. Avoid chairs with plastic or fibreglass shells, which sacrifice both aesthetics and longevity.
When evaluating shell quality, look for:
- Consistent veneer grain with no visible seams or bubbling
- Smooth, lacquered finish on all surfaces
- Solid feel with no flex or creaking when seated
Leather Grade and Finish
The cushions are where you'll notice the most variation between manufacturers. Premium Eames-inspired chairs use full-grain or top-grain leather, which develops a rich patina over time and resists cracking. Lower-quality versions use bonded leather or PU, which peels within a few years.
At Aura Furnitures, our Eames Lounge Chair collection is available in Italian leather and waxed leather finishes — both full-grain options that age beautifully. Italian leather offers a smooth, refined surface ideal for contemporary interiors, while waxed leather has a more textured, lived-in character suited to warmer, more eclectic spaces.
Sizing and Proportions
The standard Eames Lounge Chair measures approximately 85cm wide, 84cm deep, and 84cm tall. It's designed for a medium-to-large frame and seats most adults comfortably. If you're shorter or prefer a more upright position, look for versions with a slightly higher seat height or a more reclined backrest angle.
Always pair the chair with its matching ottoman — the two pieces are designed to work together ergonomically, and the ottoman height is calibrated to the chair's seat height.
Base Options
The five-star swivel base is standard and should be cast aluminium, not zinc alloy. Aluminium bases are lighter, stronger, and won't corrode or discolour over time. Check that the base has a smooth swivel action and that the glides or castors are appropriate for your floor type.
Room Placement Tips
The Eames Lounge Chair works best as a statement piece with breathing room around it. Consider these placement principles:
- Living room: Position at a 45-degree angle to the sofa, facing a fireplace or window
- Home office: Use as a reading chair beside a bookshelf or beside a desk for a secondary seating option
- Bedroom: Place in a corner with a floor lamp for a dedicated reading nook
What to Look for When Buying
Before purchasing, verify the following:
- Full-grain leather cushions with consistent stitching
- Walnut or rosewood moulded plywood shell
- Cast aluminium five-star base
- Down or foam-and-fibre cushion filling (not solid foam alone)
- Smooth recline mechanism with adjustable tension
Shop Our Eames Lounge Chair Collection
Browse our full range of Charles Eames Inspired Lounge Chairs & Ottomans — each crafted to the original proportions with premium materials and available in multiple leather finishes.
