CAD $1,900
Originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames, the 1956 Lounge Chair & Ottoman reimagines the club chair using groundbreaking moulded plywood techniques they developed during WWII.
Heat, steam, and pressure are used to shape the wood into ergonomic forms that contour to the human body.
Shown in Alabastro Italian Aniline Leather, Palisander Rosewood, with Polished Chrome American Base.
Depth (cm): 91
Width (cm): 84
Height (cm): 84
Depth (in): 35.75 inches
Width (in): 33 inches
Height (in): 33 inches
First introduced in 1956, this Lounge Chair & Ottoman was designed by Charles & Ray Eames as a commission for film director Billy Wilder, who sought an exceptionally comfortable chair. The result was a reimagined club chair, built using advanced moulding techniques and innovative materials.
The Lounge Chair was crafted to evoke “the warm, receptive look of a well-used baseball mitt.” Its moulded plywood shells, shaped using heat and pressure techniques the Eameses perfected during WWII, provide ergonomic support while maintaining a lightweight structure. The layered plywood construction and ergonomic cushions demonstrate the Eameses’ commitment to functional, user-centred design. The removable cushions, which are interchangeable between the chair and ottoman, allow for rotation to ensure even wear over time, showcasing the practicality behind the design.
The Lounge Chair & Ottoman are among the most intricate designs produced by the Eames Office, comprising 20 distinct components that are expertly joined to achieve their iconic form. The chair’s design stems from earlier experiments with plywood, developed during WWII for leg splints and stretchers. This history of experimentation resulted in a precisely engineered design, moving away from their earlier low-cost, mass-produced furniture and marking a pivotal shift in their work.
Upon its release, the Lounge Chair & Ottoman received immediate acclaim for its comfort and craftsmanship. It became an instant classic, featured in museums, films, and cultural landmarks. Today, it remains a symbol of mid-century modern design and is included in the permanent collections of MoMA in New York, the Henry Ford Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
Archetype Forms offers this classic lounge chair & ottoman in both the American Released Base and European Released Base versions, depending on your preferred aesthetic. This American Base version is distinguished by thicker, more robust legs. By contrast, the European Base version features slimmer, more minimalist legs. Explore the 1956 Lounge Chair & Ottoman: European Base for an alternative look.
Shop the 1956 Lounge Chair & Ottoman: American Model base, originally designed by Charles & Ray Eames, online in Canada and the USA. For the European released version, see here.
