Vitra and “old-hat” design news:
When a classic passes itself off as a new release
Contents
1. Production history
In the early 1940s, two young architects, Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen, won a Cranbrook Academy competition by creating a chair from a single piece of plywood for mass production. But it proved unviable. After several unsuccessful attempts, Eero gave up, while Charles continued development together with his wife and colleague Ray. Charles and Ray met in architecture and design courses at the University of Michigan.
2. Design philosophy
“We are not artists; we solve problems” — the main approach to the work of the Eames couple. In the 1940s and 1950s, American luxury furniture was more focused on aesthetics than comfort. Charles and Ray set out to change that.One day, a friend came to visit Charles and sat down in the “newborn” Eames Lounge. While the host was making coffee, the guest dozed off. For Eames, this was the highest praise for his work.
3. Construction and dimensions
3.1. Armchair
Each of its three parts (the seat, backrest and headrest) is made from a sheet of seven-layer plywood bent under pressure. Leather-upholstered cushions are fitted into the resulting shapes. The headrest and backrest are joined by two aluminum supports, while the seat is connected to the backrest by leather armrests and neoprene shock-absorbing washers. The frame with a swivel mechanism rests on a 5-star base.3.2. Ottoman
The construction is identical to that of the armchair, but without a backrest and with four legs. The cushion surface is decorated with tufting buttons. The ottoman is incredibly convenient to use as a soft, movable stool.3.3. Original dimensions
| Dimensions | Armchair | Ottoman |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 80.01 cm | 43.82 cm |
| Width | 83.19 cm | 66.04 cm |
| Depth | 83.19 cm | 54.61 cm |
| Seat height | 38.10 cm | 43.82 cm |
*Due to acceleration (an increase in average human height), in 2010 Vitra released an additional version with a high backrest and an extended seat.
4. Materials and colours
All parts of the first set are made of Brazilian rosewood plywood. Today, the range has expanded. The upholstery is made of premium semi-aniline leather, which develops a distinguished patina over time.
| Element | Originally (1956) | Today |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Cast aluminium | Cast aluminium (polished or enamelled) |
| Panels | Brazilian rosewood | Walnut, cherry, white oak, ash |
| Upholstery | Black leather | Premium leather (black, brown, white, etc.), mohair |
| Filling | Goose down | High-density polyurethane foam |
5. Manufacturers
Official production rights for the Eames Lounge Chair belong to only two companies: Herman Miller (USA, since 1956) and Vitra (Europe, since 1984). Their chairs are still assembled predominantly by hand.6. Originals and replicas
The original chair costs approximately $7,000 – $9,000. As a result, the market is full of replicas of varying quality:| Version / Manufacturer | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Century Plywood Chair (Urban Furnishing) | High-quality materials, removable cushions, available in a version for tall people | High price for a replica, cushions are somewhat firm |
| Mid-Century Modern Lounge (Decorific NYC) | Italian leather, excellent value for money | Limited colour palette |
| Mid Century Eames Replica (I Inch) | Three size options, natural materials | Less soft filling compared to the original |
| Mid Century Lounge Chair (ToMe) | 8-layer plywood, memory foam filling | Lower-quality plywood |
How can you tell an original?
- Availability of a certificate of authenticity and a paper label on the upholstery.
- Stamps Herman Miller or Vitra on the shell.
- All panels have matching numbers or the assembler’s signature.
- UNC-type bolts on the underside of the armrests (copies more often use metric threads).
7. Use in interiors
The Eames Lounge Chair is a charismatic piece capable of becoming the focal point of a space. Its design works organically in both neutral classic interiors and experimental eclectic ones. It fits especially well into the following styles: loft, contemporary, futurism, vintage, and eco.
This chair does not need a complex visual backdrop—leave some “breathing room” around it so that its shape can be appreciated perfectly. Due to its fixed recline angle, it can hardly be called a work chair; it is one hundred percent anti-stress furniture for a library, bedroom, or fireplace area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between chairs by Vitra and Herman Miller?
Both companies produce official originals. Herman Miller holds the manufacturing rights in the USA, while the Swiss company Vitra makes the chairs for the European market. They differ slightly in the details of the base (legs) and the available wood veneer options. In addition, Vitra has developed an enlarged version to suit the height of modern people.
Are Eames Lounge Chairs comfortable for tall people?
The classic 1956 model was designed for the average height of that era. Taller people (from 180 cm) may find it a little tight in the shoulders. Specifically for this purpose, Vitra produces an enlarged version (New Dimensions) with an extended backrest and deeper seat, which is ideal for taller people.
Is it possible to adjust the backrest tilt or chair height?
No, the original chair has a rigidly fixed 15-degree backrest angle. It is designed exclusively for passive relaxation (lounging), reading and unwinding. The height is also fixed, but the chair is equipped with a smooth 360° swivel mechanism.
Reviews from our clients
“I hesitated for a long time over whether to buy the original Vitra or settle for a good replica. In the end, I ordered the original in black leather and American walnut through Mebeltour. Guys, it’s like night and day. The smell of the leather, the way every veneer joint is crafted—this is something built to last a lifetime. Many thanks to the team for delivering it safely and intact!”
“We were furnishing a country house for a client. We were looking specifically for the larger Vitra version in white leather. Mebeltour helped us bring it directly from the factory, stayed within budget and met the agreed deadlines exactly. Documents, certificates of authenticity—everything was impeccable. We will continue working together.”
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