It’s hard to imagine a more iconic lounge chair. In fact, for many of us, it’s this very silhouette that immediately comes to mind at the very thought of a chair. One of the most significant furniture designs of the 20th century – or perhaps ever – the Eames Lounge Chair with its inseparable Ottoman companion has been capturing our collective imagination since Charles and Ray Eames launched it on national television in 1956.

Instantly recognisable, universally desired and undeniably timeless, throughout decades the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman have graced museums, movie sets, offices and homes all around the world, bringing long-lasting comfort  through its signature reclined positioning and flexible shape. Often referred to by their “670” and “671” product codes by industry professionals and design aficionados, these renowned objects set the standard for lounge seating everywhere – and became a genuine emblem of Herman Miller’s quality along the way.

Herman Miller’s quintessential duo, originally conceived by Charles to mirror the inviting warmth of a seasoned first baseman’s mitt, now transcends time with the introduction of a sustainable bamboo upholstery option. This addition underscores the progressive nature of timeless design – just as the baseball glove symbolised the cultural shifts of the 50s, Herman Miller’s incorporation of bamboo reflects the evolving perspectives on sustainability that shape contemporary culture.

Widely used in the manufacture of high-end clothing accessories, footwear and luxury automotive interiors, bamboo is soft, durable, and more scratch-resistant than any other material. It is also universally recognised as one of the world’s most sustainable resources due to its rapid and steady growth, higher CO2 absorption rate, and usage of only one-third of the water required by other natural plants. 

Upholstering Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman cushions and arms in this highly-renewable and non-toxic material rather than leather reduces the chair’s carbon footprint by 35%, representing yet another considered design decision that boldly underscores the brand’s steadfast commitment to sustainability. Environmental responsibility has been one of Herman Miller’s cornerstones since 1953, and the new upholstery release follows the sustainable footsteps of the brand’s other renowned designs – like the Eames Moulded Plastic Chairs, now made from 100% recycled plastic, or the Aeron Chair, manufactured with ocean-bound plastic.

But the new release isn’t just another step in Herman Miller’s environmental journey. The brand’s progressive efforts are always respectfully anchored by the heritage of the trailblazing designers behind every object – and this evolution is no different. The desire to explore the integration of new materials intentionally honours, and builds on, the revolutionary approach to materiality that informed so many of Eames designs.

“Charles and Ray Eames pioneered the use of moulded plywood in furniture, one of the central material innovations of their time,” says Noah Schwarz, Vice President of Product Design for Herman Miller. “Today, Herman Miller is among the first furniture brands to offer a plant-based leather alternative – made almost entirely from bamboo. The two materials come together in the latest offering of the iconic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, upholding the aesthetic and quality standards that have defined the chair for nearly 70 years.”

Offered in ivory, russet, and black colourways, the innovative bamboo upholstery can be specified with any of the existing shell types, including walnut, santos palisander, ash and oak. Available in standard and tall sizes, the considered addition further enhances the versatile nature of the ingenious designs and accentuates the concept that the very capacity of iconic objects to transcend time lies in their inherent ability to evolve alongside it.