Style and substance: the Eames Lounge Chair

Jan 13
08:27

2012

Fabian Cole

Fabian Cole

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For timeless style and quality, Eames furniture design is the benchmark The Lounge Chair and Ottoman are particularly iconic, a solid testament to ideals that remain undiminished with age.

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Changing tastes can never dilute the aim of reaching for a unification of function,Style and substance: the Eames Lounge Chair Articles form and style when attempting to furnish a home or office Austerity affects budgets, however, there is always a desire for classic designs that ooze quality Despite alterations in both taste and budget, iconic furniture will always be in demand Timeless designs, such as the Eames office lounge chair, remain in a class of their own.

When brothers Charles and Ray Eames unveiled the design for their Lounge Chair and Ottoman in 1956, they were creating 20th century style history Indeed, in proclaiming that he wanted his chair to “resemble the warmth, familiarity and  comfort of a well-worn baseball mitt”, Charles Eames’ words still contain meaning that makes them as apt today as they were over fifty years ago.

Upon its unveiling, the lounge set received a rapturous reception and was further  developed by Hermann Miller, a close collaborator with the Eames brothers The chair and ottoman combination turned into real winners, capturing numerous style accolades Culturally, the iconic furniture design has been permanently recognised and displayed by both the New York Museum of Modern Art and the Art Institure of Chicago The Eames Lounger also earned popular acclaim upon its debut appearance on the Arlene Francis ‘Home Show’ in one of their finest hours during 1956.

More recently, famous fictional psychiatrist ‘Frasier Crane’ of the hit American television sitcom bearing his Christian name has displayed a set of the furniture in his upmarket apartment.

It’s no surprise that Eames office chairs have gained such notoriety. They are beautifully designed and crafted, objects in which to luxuriate and do business in. A relaxing experience awaits anyone purchasing an Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman; a rich veneer and supple Italian leather are combined to create this most lavish piece of furniture.

A continuing emphasis on excellent build quality and design has retained the furniture’s original values: sumptuous upholstery laid on by a foundation of an underlying wooden substrate and thick cushioning underpins the lounge chair

A solid metal black base with polished stainless steel top usually accompanies the modern version: rather than tilt, the Eames Lounger is a swivel chair that remains permanently reclined an angle of natural repose in order to distribute body weight towards the rear of the chair for maximum comfort. Sure, owning an iconic piece of history and a lounge chair that’s been described as an understatement of ‘cool’ is an attractive proposition in any home or office

Alas, while that might be the truth, as already evidenced, there’s definite substance and quality behind the Eames’ design that ranks it above merely the title of status symbol

With the intention of creating a refuge from the stress and strain of modern life, the brothers’ intelligent design has really caught on and can now be seen residing globally in illustrious living rooms, libraries, studies and offices That just leaves the prospective buyer to ponder: where’s the best place in my home or office to put mine?