Vitra Eames Lounge Chair Collection
Vitra Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman – Complete Guide & Shop
Discover the timeless elegance and unmatched comfort of the Vitra Eames Lounge Chair Collection. Designed by Charles & Ray Eames in 1956 this is a chair which is manufactured by Vitra in Switzerland to exemplary standards of craftsmanship. Created to perfection, each chair embodies the classic design and quality that have made it a mid-century icon. With its ergonomic design, premium materials, and attention to detail, this chair offers the ultimate in relaxation and sophistication. Ideal for any luxury living space, home office, or an executive setting, the Vitra Eames Lounge Chair seamlessly blends form and function. Elevate your interiors with a piece that’s as enduring as it is stylish, and invest in a classic that only grows more beautiful with time.
Each lounge chair and ottoman comes stamped with the Vitra metal plate certifying its authenticity. If you only ever purchase one piece of classic design, make it the Eames Lounge Chair.
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![Vitra Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman - Walnut Veneer with Natural Lacquer and black base with polished sides.]( "Vitra Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman - Walnut Veneer with Natural Lacquer and black base with polished sides.")
![Vitra Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman]( "Vitra Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman")
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![Vitra Eames Lounge Chair - Santos Palisander]( "Vitra Eames Lounge Chair - Santos Palisander")
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The Eames Lounge Chair FAQ's
The Eames Lounge Chair is considered one of the most iconic pieces of furniture ever created. What makes it so special comes down to a mix of design innovation, craftsmanship, comfort, and cultural status.
1. Revolutionary Design
At its debut, the Eames Lounge Chair broke with tradition. Most lounge chairs were heavy and formal; this one was light, inviting, and modern. Its form was inspired by a well-worn baseball mitt — something comfortable, familiar, and designed to cradle the body. It set a new standard for what “luxury” meant in mid-century modern furniture: casual elegance rather than stiff formality.
2. Craftsmanship & Materials
Each chair combines 7 moulded plywood shells, hand-stitched premium leather upholstery, economically recyclable polyurethane foam , die cast aluminium base and back struts and precision engineering. The veneer options (walnut, palisander, cherry, etc.) showcase natural wood grain, while the leather adds warmth and softness. Every chair is still partly hand-assembled, ensuring a level of craftsmanship that mass-market imitations simply can’t match in terms of quality, longevity and workmanship
3. Comfort Without Compromise
Unlike many design icons, the Eames Lounge Chair is not just beautiful — it’s genuinely one of the most comfortable lounge chairs ever made. Its tilted angle, deep cushioning, and ergonomic shape support the body naturally, making it perfect for reading, relaxing, or long conversations; Indeed - It balances style with usability, something Charles and Ray Eames believed was essential.
4. Cultural Icon Status
Since its release, the Eames Lounge Chair has appeared in films - You Only Live Twice, For Your Eyes Only, Casino Royal and a plethora of others, a host of TV shows including Frasier and celebrity homes, symbolising refined taste. It’s part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. Owning one is not just about having a chair - it’s about owning a piece of 20th-century design history.
5. Timeless Investment
The chair has been in continuous production since 1956, which is rare in the design world. Authentic versions (by Vitra in Europe, Herman Miller in the US) hold or increase their value over time, unlike replicas. It’s a statement piece that blends with almost any interior style — mid-century modern, contemporary, even classic homes.
6. 10 Year warranty
Register your chair with Vitra to take advantage of its ten year warranty for private use chairs.
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Buying Guide: Vitra Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman
Everything you need to know before you buy the authentic Vitra Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman — sizes, veneers, leather options, authenticity checks, care, lead times and why purchase from an Utility as an authorised dealer.
Introduction
The Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman, designed in 1956 by Charles and Ray Eames, is widely regarded as one of the greatest furniture designs of the 20th century. Produced in Europe by Vitra, the chair pairs moulded plywood shells with plush leather upholstery and a precision-engineered base. This guide explains what to consider when buying so you choose the right size and finish options.
1. Why buy the original Vitra Eames Lounge Chair?
- Authenticity & heritage — produced under licence to the Eames Office and manufactured to exacting standards.
- Superior craftsmanship — genuine moulded plywood shells, high-grade leather and hand-assembly.
- Longevity — built to last and develop a rich patina over time.
- Value retention — authentic chairs retain or increase in value; replicas simply don't. You are investing in an heirloom.
- Cultural significance — it is part of museum collections and makes frequent appearances in film and television.
2. Classic vs New Dimensions — which size should you choose?
Vitra offers the Lounge Chair in two sizes so you can pick the best fit:
- Classic (Standard): Made to the original 1956 proportions — faithful to the historic design.
- New Dimensions: Slightly larger with a deeper seat and higher back — recommended for taller individuals or those preferring a roomier sit. Created to accommodate the increases in average human height since 1956. If over 5'10 we recommend this size. If one taller person is using and another shorter, we recommend the larger size — it also provides better head support.
3. Choosing your veneer (wood finish)
The Eames shells are moulded plywood available in premium veneers. Common choices include:
- American Walnut — warm, classic and the most popular option.
- Santos Palisander — darker, more exotic grain, close to the original Eames aesthetic.
- Black Ash — contemporary, dramatic and suited to modern interiors.
- White-pigmented Walnut — lighter, Scandinavian-leaning finish for airy spaces.
4. Upholstery options
Vitra offers high-grade natural leathers in different finishes and colourways and, more recently, fabric options for a softer look. Typical options:
- Premium leather: Smooth, supple and durable; available in a wide palette.
- Natural / untreated leather: Softer feel that develops a patina with age.
- Colour choices: Black and deep brown are classic and timeless; lighter neutrals create a contemporary look.
Choice of leather significantly affects the look and how the chair weathers; darker tones are generally more forgiving for everyday use.
5. The Ottoman — why it matters
The ottoman is designed to work with the chair for optimal leg support and visual balance. We strongly recommend purchasing the matching ottoman with the chair to achieve the intended comfort and proportions.
6. Customisation, lead times & delivery
- Made to order: All finishes are built to order to your specification.
- Lead times: Typically 6–8 weeks for made-to-order items.
- Certification: Authentic Vitra chairs are supplied with documentation/certificate of authenticity. Each product has a metal plate detailing this below the seat.
- Delivery & installation option: Consider white-glove delivery for high-value items to ensure professional installation and packaging removal. We give you this option after receipt of your order.
7. Price & investment value
Prices vary by finish and leather. As a general guide in the UK, an authentic Vitra Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman typically falls in the range of approx. £4,900 for a fabric option – £10,000 for premium specification options. Treat this as an investment and an heirloom piece that can increase in value over time. We have seen customers sell Eames Lounge chairs for more than their original purchase price. Some people prefer a chair which has a patina and will pay for this! Here at Utility, however, we guarantee to beat any UK price on a new chair and or ottoman on a like-for-like basis.
8. How to spot a fake (and why authenticity matters)
- Authentic chairs include a Vitra certificate or dealer documentation and a metal 'Vitra' branded plate below the seat.
- Genuine chairs use real moulded plywood, not MDF or low-grade materials.
- Look for branded manufacturer marks and well-fitted removable cushions.
- Authentic Vitra pieces have consistent finish standards and precise tolerances; replicas often feel flimsy or poorly joined and are upholstered in substandard leather or vinyl.
9. Care & maintenance
- Leather: Wipe with a soft, damp cloth for daily care. Use a specialist leather conditioner sparingly (follow Vitra or leather supplier guidance).
- Wood shells: Dust with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners and keep away from direct heat sources.
- Placement: Avoid prolonged direct sunlight or placing the chair immediately adjacent to radiators to prevent drying or colour change.
- Professional service: For major repairs or reupholstery, use authorised service providers to protect value and warranty. We can provide this in conjunction with Vitra.
10. Why buy from Utility?
- Here at Utility we have been an authorised UK Vitra retailer for over 25 years — so authenticity and warranty are guaranteed. We have only ever sold Vitra originals.
- Expert advice on size, finish and styling to help you choose the right specification.
- White-glove delivery and setup available across the UK.
- Aftercare & support — guidance on maintenance and repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Eames Lounge Chair comfortable for everyday use?
Yes — the chair is designed for comfort as well as style. The moulded shell, angled back and generous cushioning provide a supportive, relaxing seat suited to everyday lounging. Choosing the right size (classic vs new dimensions) helps ensure maximum comfort.
What is the difference between the classic and tall sizes?
The Classic follows the original 1956 proportions. The New version offers a slightly deeper seat and higher back for taller users or those preferring a roomier sit.
How do I know my chair is authentic?
Authentic Vitra chairs come with a certificate of authenticity or authorised dealer paperwork, real moulded plywood shells, precise build quality and manufacturer marks - including a Vitra branded plate below the seat. If these elements are missing or the price seems too good to be true, it may be a replica.
How long will it take to receive my chair?
As a guide, expect 6–8 weeks as all chairs are made to order. Once received in our warehouse and checked we will contact you to arrange delivery.
How should I care for the leather and wood?
Use a soft cloth and mild care routines: wipe leather with a damp cloth, condition occasionally with a recommended product, dust wood shells, and avoid direct sunlight and heat sources.
Need further help or advice?
We are always happy to help you with your choices. Email us at showroom@utilitydesign.co.uk or contact us using the Live Chat facility on our website (bottom right-hand corner of our website) available 9am–5:30pm Monday–Friday; 11am–5pm Saturday.