Archetype Forms 1956 Lounge Chair: AM

History and Design Significance:

First introduced in 1956, the Lounge Chair 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.

Designed to evoke "the warm, receptive look of a well-used baseball mitt," the Lounge Chair’s moulded plywood shells are shaped using heat and pressure techniques perfected during WWII. These shells provide ergonomic support while maintaining a lightweight structure. The layered plywood construction and ergonomic cushions highlight the Eameses' focus on user-centred, functional design.

As one of the Eames Office’s most intricate designs, the Lounge Chair consists of 20 major components expertly assembled to achieve its iconic form. The chair’s roots lie in earlier plywood experiments during WWII, including leg splints and stretchers. This meticulous design process marked a significant departure from their earlier mass-produced, low-cost furniture, cementing their legacy in mid-century modern design.

Upon its release, the Lounge Chair received immediate acclaim for its comfort and craftsmanship, becoming a cultural and design icon. Today, it remains a symbol of mid-century modern innovation and is included in the permanent collections of MoMA in New York, the Henry Ford Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

American vs. European Model Base:

Archetype Forms offers the 1956 Lounge Chair in both the American Base and European Base versions, depending on your aesthetic preference. The American Base features thicker, more robust legs with angular feet, while the European Base offers a slimmer, more minimalist profile with curved feet and arms. Explore the 1956 Lounge Chair & Ottoman: European Base for an alternative look.

For a full comparison of base styles, materials, and quality markers, see our guide to choosing an Eames Lounge Chair reproduction.

Key Features:

• Historical Significance: Faithful reproduction of Charles & Ray Eames’ ground-breaking Lounge Chair & Ottoman model 670 & 671, introduced in 1956.
• Innovative Construction: Moulded 7-ply plywood shells shaped using advanced WWII-era techniques for durability and minimal material waste.
• Ergonomic Comfort: Angled seat, contoured backrest, and moulded injected foam cushions wrapped in Dacron provide unparalleled support and relaxation.
• Versatile Ottoman: Designed as a footrest but can also serve as impromptu seating or a soft side table.
• Customization Options: Available in multiple upholstery materials and veneer finishes to suit various interiors.
• Distinctive Options: American base features angular armrests and flat feet; also available with the European base featuring rounded arms and curved feet.
• Available in Tall Version: Offers additional backrest height for enhanced comfort.

Shop the 1956 Lounge Chair: American Model base, originally designed by Charles & Ray Eames, online in Canada and the USA. For the ottoman, see the 1956 Ottoman American Model. For the complete paired set, explore the 1956 Lounge Chair & Ottoman: American Model.

For the Charles & Ray Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman with the alternative slim-footed European released base version, see here.

Charles and Ray Eames were American designers who revolutionized 20th-century furniture, industrial design, and architecture. They began their collaborative career in 1941 after meeting at the Cranbrook Academy of Art. The Eames are known for their innovation with new materials and technologies in furniture design. Their iconic works include the Moulded Plywood series (1946), the classic Lounge Chair (1956), and the Aluminum Group and Soft Pad series office chairs (1958). The Eames' designs emphasize ergonomics, versatility, and innovation, earning them a permanent place in major museums and archive collections worldwide.

Upholstery: Removable cushions upholstered with premium aniline leather, suede, or fabric options

Seat and Back Shells: Moulded 7-ply plywood with custom veneer finishes

Base:

• Chair Five-star swivel die-cast aluminum base
• Ottoman: Four-star non-swivel die-cast aluminum base

Padding: Moulded injected polyurethane foam wrapped in Dacron

Shock Mounts: Bonded rubber and metal for flexibility

Glides: Hard for carpet, felt optional for hard floors

* Product is shipped with base detached for safe transport