What makes a design icon? We pay tribute to the Eames Lounge & Ottoman, in celebration of its 60th anniversary.
When the Eames Lounge and Ottoman was introduced to the world in 1956, there was nothing else quite like it. 60 years later, it is an unsurpassed design icon, displayed in museums and enjoyed in the comfort of many homes. The design was the result of Charles and Ray Eames’ investigations into moulding plywood, and a desire to improve a familiar fixture in many living rooms – the lounge chair.
In continuous production since its release date, the Lounge and Ottoman are universally recognisable, and widely admired as one of the most significant designs of the 20th century. However, Charles and Ray’s original scheme for the chair was far more simple. They set out to create, “a special refuge from the strains of modern living.” Such a concept still resonates with designers, manufacturers and consumers to this day, and is probably just part of the reason for the lounge’s positioning in design history.
Born out of the legendary Office of Charles and Ray Eames, the Lounge and Ottoman was one of the first moulded plywood chairs – the product of a brand new process of super-heating the wood and then bending it into impossibly perfect and smooth curves. The undulating seat and the curved back both contributed to the paradox Eames strove for with nearly all of their furniture; the balance between modern processes and natural forms and inspiration.
Five things you might not know about the Eames Lounge and Ottoman:
The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is exclusively available in Australia at Living Edge.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
As MillerKnoll offers a deep-dive into some of the company’s ESG initiatives with the recently released 2023 Better World Report, we take a closer look at their unwavering commitment to transformative design – and the belief that with great design comes great responsibility.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
A visit to Copenhagen is not complete without popping by the Gubi showroom to experience the brand ‘at home’ – and what a place to explore and enjoy!
The Italian fabric and wallpaper powerhouse, Colony, produces elaborately beautiful collections that speak creatively to a rich tapestry of cultures, eras and interior styles.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Award-winning novelist Amanda Lohrey’s latest novel, The Conversion, is deeply concerned with issues of home renovations, architectural theory and the psychology of dwelling.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
This year, the Image Makers Association of Australia has expanded its offering with three exhibitions in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
What began in creative response to Alexander Calder’s 1960s opera, has blossomed into a two-part opera that reveals the creative genius of artist William Kentridge. For ‘Sibyl’, he brings new vision to set design, fusing opera, animation and live performance to enrapture audiences.