Vitra Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman

Originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, the Vitra Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman remains one of the most celebrated pieces of modern furniture ever created. Combining luxurious comfort with exceptional craftsmanship, this iconic lounge chair is the ultimate statement piece for design-conscious homeowners seeking timeless style and everyday relaxation.

Crafted by Vitra in Germany, the Eames Lounge Chair was conceived as a modern interpretation of the traditional English club chair, offering superior comfort without compromising on elegance. The distinctive moulded wood veneer shell, sumptuous leather or premium fabric upholstery, and matching ottoman work together to create an unrivalled seating experience that has defined luxury living for generations.

Each chair is meticulously manufactured using premium materials and exacting production standards. The carefully shaped plywood shells showcase the natural beauty of the wood grain, while the generously padded cushions provide exceptional support and comfort. The swivel base adds functionality, making the chair equally suited to contemporary living rooms, reading corners, executive offices and luxury interior projects.

As an authentic Vitra original, the Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman represents a lasting investment in design heritage. Built to endure decades of use, it combines timeless aesthetics with outstanding durability, making it a sustainable alternative to disposable furniture. Its enduring appeal ensures it remains as relevant today as it was over half a century ago.

Whether you're creating a sophisticated living space, a modern home office or a luxury reading retreat, the Vitra Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman delivers unparalleled comfort, iconic design and exceptional craftsmanship. A symbol of mid-century design, the  Lounge Chair is held in museum collections worldwide and featured in films, television, and cultural landmarks.

Key Features

• Authentic Vitra Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman. Each otem stamped with metal authenticity plate
• Original Charles and Ray Eames design
• Handcrafted in Germany
• Premium leather or fabric upholstery options
• Moulded wood veneer shell construction with a choice of finishes.
• Matching ottoman included
• Swivel lounge chair base
• Exceptional comfort and ergonomic support
• Sustainable, long-lasting investment furniture
• Iconic mid-century modern design

When you purchase from us, you are guaranteed an authentic Vitra chair, complete with certification, a price match promise, and white-glove delivery service option across the UK. This is more than just a chair - it's an heirloom investment, designed to be enjoyed for generations.

Whilst there are a number of inferior copies of the Lounge Chair available online at a fraction of the price, often labelled as 'Eames inspired', true connoisseurs will appreciate the quality of this original. The Lounge Chair is a bespoke piece of furniture which will give many years of lounging pleasure. Besides anything else it's a truly comfortable chair - anyone who already own one of these will vouch for this.

FAQ's

1. Why Choose the Original Vitra Eames Lounge Chair as opposed to a replica?

Unlike replicas, the authentic Vitra Eames Lounge Chair is manufactured under licence from the Eames estate using premium materials and exacting production techniques. Every detail reflects the vision of Charles and Ray Eames, ensuring exceptional comfort, quality and long-term value. Each chair and ottoman comes with a Vitra metal base place below the seat - affirming its authenticity. These chairs are built to last and enhance with age.

2. Is the Eames Lounge Chair comfortable?

The Eames Lounge Chair is widely regarded as one of the most comfortable designer lounge chairs ever created, thanks to its reclined seating position, generous cushioning and matching ottoman.

3. Where is The Vitra Eames Lounge Chair Made?

The authentic Vitra Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman is manufactured in Germany using premium materials and strict quality standards.

4. Is the Vitra Eames Lounge Chair worth the investment?

Absolutely. Many design enthusiasts consider the Eames Lounge Chair a long-term investment due to its iconic status, exceptional build quality, enduring style and strong resale value.

5. It comes in two sizes - can you explain the difference?

When the chair was originally designed the average person's height was 5'7. Today its nearer 5'10. In 2008 Vitra worked in conjunction with the Eames estate to create a slightly larger version, offering greater comfort to taller people.  Available in two sizes - the Classic and the New Dimensions for taller users. For people over 5'8 we recommend the larger version but true connosieurs may favour being true to the original classic dimension size - regardless of their height.

6. What are the upholstery options?

The chair and ottoman come in a variety of fabric and leather options depending on taste:

Nubia - This is a blended fabric with a very lively natural appearance. Its fine sunstructure is interspersed with voluminous bouclé yarn, which gives the fabric depth and a soft, inviting touch. The varying combinations of yarns yield either contrasting or calm colour compositions with a distinctively Mediterranean flair.
Premium Leather L50 - This is a relatively smooth cowhide leather with a flat grain and fine top sheen. It is dyed through,  lightly pigmented and processed with a tanning agent extracted from olive tree leaves (a waste product of the olive harvest). A semi-aniline nappa leather with a very soft supple feel, vegetable tanned.
Natural Leather L60 - This is a very soft cowhide leather with an untreated grain. It is porous, breathable and acquires a lively patina through use. It is processed with a a tanning agent extracted from olive tree leaves (a waste product ofthe olive harvest). An aniline nappa leather with a natural open-pore grain, vegetable tanned.

7. What wooden shell finishes are available?

The chair and ottoman comes with a choice of veneered lacquered shells - to suit your taste. From Satos Palisander - a variety of 'rosewood' - to light natural chestnut, a 'redder' cherry, a natural or dark walnut or for those wanting a dark hue - black lacquered chestnut. Natural walnut and Santos Palisander are the best sellers in the UK.

8. Does it comes with a warranty?

Yes - each chair and ottoman comes a 10 year limited manufactureres warranty. This protects against defects in materials and workmanship and is granted to customers for private residential use. This warranty only applies to the original purchaser and to activate the warranty the chair/ ottoman must be registered on the Vitra portal within 6 months of purchase. You must also retain the receipt in the unlikely event of any claim. It does not cover normal wear and tear, improper care, use or negligence, unauthorised repairs or alterations or exposure to extreme environmental conditions such as bright sunglight or areas of high humidity.

9. This chair is also made by Herman Miller - what's the difference between the Vitra and Herman Miller versions?

The difference between the Herman Miller and Vitra versions of the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman mainly comes down to licensing regions, minor specification details, and branding rather than the core design.

Both are officially authorised productions of the original Charles & Ray Eames design, and both are made to extremely high standards using similar moulded veneer shells, premium leather upholstery, and aluminium bases. However, Herman Miller manufactures and distributes primarily in the Americas and parts of Asia, while Vitra produces and supplies the UK, Europe, and other international markets.

There are subtle differences in finish options and components depending on production batches and regional catalogues. Vitra and Herman Miller may offer slightly different leather ranges, base finishes, or wood veneer stains, and small construction details (such as labels, fixings, or glides) can vary. That said, neither version is “better” in terms of authenticity or design integrit - they are both true to the original specification, just produced under different licensed agreements.

In short, the choice usually comes down to location, availability, and preferred finish options rather than any major design or quality difference.

10. How do I care for my Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman?

The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is crafted to age beautifully, but a little regular care will keep it looking its best for years to come. Dust the wood veneer and leather frequently with a soft, dry cloth, avoiding any abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.

For the leather, occasional conditioning helps maintain its natural softness and prevents drying or cracking. Wipe spills immediately and keep the chair out of direct sunlight or strong heat sources to avoid fading and distortion. 

Check and gently tighten fixings as part of routine maintenance, especially in high-use settings. The ottoman should be cared for in the same way as the chair, as both are designed to work as a pair. With proper upkeep, this iconic piece will continue to develop a rich patina and remain a timeless focal point in any interior for year of lounging pleasure.

See other Charles & Ray Eames designs.
See the Vitra Eames Lounge Chair Collection
See other Lounge Chairs & Chaise.
See the Vitra collection.

Watch the Making of the Eames Lounge Chair Video