Special features of the Eames lounge chair

The Eames lounge chair has been both popular and precious since it first appeared in 1956. The original design and innovative production technique remain the main reasons for its popularity and lasting value. One of the most important features of the chair is the benefit it gives your back. Find out more in this article.

What makes the Eames chaise longue so iconic?

The creators of the Eames lounge chairs

The creators of the Eames lounge chairs, Charles and Ray Eames were a married couple who pioneered the design of lounge chairs. They were creative partners and made many contributions to furniture design and architecture.

Their motto was to design furniture that was both practical and beautiful. They wanted to design ergonomic chairs using inexpensive materials.

Together, they pioneered furniture made from molded plywood, plastic and fiberglass. These materials are easy to work with and can be mass-produced.

However, they had different plans for the chaise longue.

Original design

One of the reasons why the Eames lounge chair is so iconic is its innovative and original Scandinavian design. It was unique for the 1950s, when it was created.

Charles and Ray Eames took the basic features of a popular chaise longue and combined them with a rich look, but at a more affordable price than other luxury chaise longues. The Eames lounge chair is renowned for its innovation. It has become one of the most important furniture designs of the 20th century.

Original construction technique

The design of the Eames lounge chair combines molded plywood and leather with a specific production technique, unusual in chair manufacture.

The chair has seven molded plywood shells. These shells are made of several layers of plywood with a layer of veneer. The veneer layer is made of wood grain.

Until the 1990s, Brazilian rosewood was the only available option for lounge chairs. The original design of the Eames chair was created using this type of wood. Now you can choose from walnut, white ash, ebony and rosewood. Modern replicas of the Eames lounge chairs use these materials to create the same look.

Charles Eames wanted to give his chairs a “lived-in” look. He wanted his chairs to look new, yet inviting. The leather cushions he used for the Eames lounge chairs gave them a perfect look. They were strategically placed and in no way altered the beauty of the wood.

The straps at the back of the chair, as well as the base of the footstool and chair, are made of aluminum. The chair is supplied with a swivel function. It doesn’t rock back and forth.

Universal call

The chair’s design is universal and can be adapted to different contexts and looks. Similar to a club chair, but much lighter and less imposing. But it offers just as much comfort.

The Eames lounge chair was designed in the 1950s and continues to be popular today. In fact, it’s so popular that there are still several copies being made. In fact, high market demand and the high price of the original chair have led to the development of several high-quality replicas at low prices.

Charles and Ray Eames were aiming for a combination of luxury and practicality that could be produced at a price people could afford.

Relative value

The value of the Eames lounge chair has not depreciated since the 1950s. The original Eames chairs remain popular and enduring, and are even passed down from generation to generation within a family. The design was such a success that the chair’s designs are on display at the Henry Ford Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Museum of Modern Art.

Why is the Eames chaise longue the best for your back?

There are many reasons why the Eames lounge chair is the best for your back.

Organic design

The chair’s design is organic in form, making it shaped to fit the human form. It features a molded seat, backrest and headrest. The plywood cradle is covered with padded leather upholstery, meaning your whole body will be effectively cradled and supported in a balanced way.

Padded for comfort

If you’re wondering “why the Eames lounger is the best for your back“, you need to consider the upholstery. The rounded, molded shape of the chair’s seat and back is perfectly suited to your body, meaning your back will be relaxed and comfortable.

Full-body support

The chair has leg, back and head support, which means it lets you sit comfortably at the perfect angle between sitting and reclining. The footstool that accompanies the chair means your legs are up, which is a more comfortable position to recline in than if your legs are down.

No tension on the neck

The headrest shell holds your head at an angle, taking the strain off your neck. This reaches your back and you’ll be comfortably supported in the reclining position.

Fixed tilt

The chair does not tilt or recline. This means you can relax into a position and your back will relax, without having to move and engage muscles over and over again.

Shock absorbency

The chair itself is mounted on a metal base with rubber shock absorbers. This means that the seat and backrest are solid, but there’s a slight movement when you move, which doesn’t put excessive pressure on your back.

Final thoughts

As impressive as its design and enduring nature are, the main question on the minds of people with back problems is: “How is the Eames lounge chair back-friendly?”. The answer lies in the design elements and the way they support the human body almost perfectly, in particular by keeping the back at a perfect angle.

The chair is made from molded plywood and leather, offering great comfort. Plywood is molded into a shape that relieves lower back pain.