The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, combines molded plywood and leather for a timeless silhouette. Licensed manufacturers (Herman Miller in North America and Vitra in Europe) have kept it in production. Its media visibility and adaptable finishes maintain demand: authentic licensed chairs often retail for thousands and remain collectible, while replicas populate the market. Buyers should check licensing marks and provenance when purchasing.

A design that lasted

Charles and Ray Eames introduced the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in 1956. The pair set out to create a comfortable, elegant lounge seat that combined molded plywood and leather. The result quickly became a touchstone of midcentury modern design and remains in production through licensed manufacturers.

Why it keeps selling

The chair endures for a few clear reasons. Its silhouette balances form and comfort: an enveloping shell, low profile, and three-legged swivel base that reads the same across decades. Materials - plywood veneers and leather upholstery - age in ways collectors appreciate. The design also adapts; manufacturers offer several finishes and base options to suit contemporary interiors.

The Eames Lounge Chair is widely visible in media and interiors. Designers, architects, set designers, and advertisers still select it when they want a shorthand for midcentury elegance. That visibility supports demand on the new and used market alike.

Who makes the chair now

The Eames Lounge Chair has been produced under license since its debut. Herman Miller manufactured it in North America; Vitra holds the European license. Herman Miller and Knoll merged in 2021 under the corporate name MillerKnoll, though the Eames product continues to appear under established brand channels.

Price, collectability, and replicas

Authentic licensed examples are a major purchase and routinely sell for thousands of dollars on the new market and at auction. Used original chairs vary widely in price depending on condition, age, and finish. Reproductions and low-cost copies also flood the market; buyers who want an original should check for licensing markings and documentation. 1

Collectors prize early production examples, original finishes, and well-documented provenance. At the same time, the chair's continuous licensed production means new authentic examples remain available for buyers who prefer factory-new pieces.

Practical notes for buyers

  • Inspect for manufacturer marks (Herman Miller/MillerKnoll in North America or Vitra in Europe).
  • Compare condition, upholstery, and veneer before buying used.
  • Beware of replicas: price and build quality often reveal non-licensed pieces.
The Eames Lounge Chair remains a clear example of a design that bridges everyday use, cultural recognition, and collectability. Its sustained production and continued presence in interiors keep it one of the most recognized lounge chairs in modern design.
  1. Confirm current corporate branding and product labeling for Herman Miller / MillerKnoll and how the Eames Lounge Chair is marketed in 2025.
  2. Verify a current typical retail price range for new licensed Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman models (2025).

FAQs about Eames Chair

Who designed the Eames Lounge Chair?
Charles and Ray Eames designed the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, introduced in 1956.
Is the Eames Lounge Chair still made today?
Yes. The chair has been produced under license since 1956; manufacturers include Herman Miller (North America) and Vitra (Europe).
Are original Eames Lounge Chairs expensive?
Licensed original chairs commonly retail for thousands of dollars, and used original examples vary in price based on age, condition, and provenance.
How can I tell if a chair is an authentic licensed Eames?
Look for licensing marks and manufacturer documentation (Herman Miller/MillerKnoll in North America or Vitra in Europe), inspect build quality, and compare finishes and materials to known originals.
Should I buy new or used?
Both options are valid: new licensed chairs offer factory condition and warranty; well-preserved used originals can have historical value and lower price, but require careful inspection.

News about Eames Chair

30 Rare Eames Designs Hit the Auction Block - Artnet News [Visit Site | Read More]

22 Astoundingly Comfy Chairs That You’ll Sink Right Into - Architectural Digest [Visit Site | Read More]

The New Chair Arrives - whatever.scalzi.com [Visit Site | Read More]

Herman Miller Gives a Classic Eames Chair a Sustainable Update - Design Milk [Visit Site | Read More]

The Eames Lounge Chair Originally Came with an Exploded View Drawing - Core77 [Visit Site | Read More]

MillerKnoll pushes sustainability with eco-friendly Eames chair - InteriorDaily [Visit Site | Read More]

Shrinx lounge chair by +Halle among six new products on Dezeen Showroom - Dezeen [Visit Site | Read More]