The 5 ways to style an Eames Lounge Chair

The single most famous piece of furniture in history, clad with leather, timber and upon it resting centuries of history and inspired creations post. A design so famous it catapulted its creators into interior infamy where they have remained ever since, it transcends the knowledge of your standard design geek and is recognisable (if not by name, then at least by sight) to even the untrained eye. The Eames Lounge Chair sits (figuratively and literally) amongst the annals of design folklore like no other.

So to own one is something of a goal for every self-respecting interior aficionado. It will without doubt be the centrepiece of any room it is placed and whichever setting you place it must be able to do it justice. Fortunately, we’ve developed something of a knack for it, afterall we’ve been selling them for as long as we can remember. So we’ve put together a cheat-sheet 5 simple but special ways that you can style your space around furniture’s greatest gift.

The first of these recommendations requires a quick history lesson. The 1956 love child of Charles and Ray Eames, the eponymously named lounge chair instantly took the world of design by storm. But for it to garner the acclaim it did so quickly, it had to be more than a design of the future, it had to be a solution for the present. To excite people about the course of design, while finding a place amongst the already stylish lounges and libraries of mid-century homes.

Something it did, and did incredibly well. It slipped seamlessly between Saarinen tables and low-slung conversation pits, while offering something new, something bold. Thanks to this it is essentially the figurehead of 50’s furniture. When creating your own retro reading area try this combination of 20th century inspired interiors.

From New York to London, lofts and luxury apartments have seen their desired aesthetics change considerably over the last few decades. However, as the second industrial revolution took hold in the late 90's, one thing has remained a stalwart, our aforementioned icon. Not satisfied with being a symbol of one design era, the Eames found a home among the strong steel and free standing floor lamps of another.

The all-black edition is particuarly good for this style choice. From its strong and steely charateristics to the obsidian colourway, it lends itself effortlessly to the raw, monochromatic pre-requisites that indsutrial design demands.

Select one key investment (a sofa, bed, dining table, etc.) to act as the room’s visual centre of gravity. It’ll set the tone for the space and make deciding on supporting pieces much easier.

Layer multiple materials to add intrigue, and create depth and richness. Varying surfaces balance the senses – hardness creates a foundation, softness brings warmth, and together they make a space feel lived-in and inviting.

Opt for pieces with practical storage options – shelving is your friend, as is hidden storage such as that under beds or within upholstered objects. No one wants clutter all over the place, and stashing it neatly away will allow your edit to shine.

For a final touch, bring in statement items such as striking rugs, lamps or mirrors to add personality. Accent with cushions, throws and decorative objects that can be easily refreshed, while the core pieces retain their lasting appeal.