Archetype Forms 1956 Lounge Chair & Ottoman EM

History and Design Significance:

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.

American vs. European Model Base:

Archetype Forms offers this classic Lounge Chair & Ottoman in both the European Released Base and American Released Base versions, depending on your preferred aesthetic. This European Base version is distinguished by its slimmer, more minimalist legs, curved feet, and rounded armrests. By contrast, the American Base features thicker, more robust legs with angular feet.

Explore the 1956 Lounge Chair & Ottoman: American Base for an alternative look.

For a full comparison of base styles, materials, and quality markers, see our guide to the Eames lounge chair replica.

Key Features:

• Historical Significance: Faithful reproduction of Charles & Ray Eames’ ground-breaking Lounge Chair & Ottoman model 670 & 71, 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 high-quality padding 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 & Ottoman: European Model base, originally designed by Charles & Ray Eames, online in Canada and the USA. For the American released 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: High-density polyurethane foam

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