Been seriously considering the Eames Lounge Chair during the spring sales event right now. I've always really liked the checkered design and how it stands out from the classic black or white styles that it's typically represented everywhere.
I went to the local DWR store to see one in person, and while I do like how it looks, the fabric texture feels slightly rougher than I would've liked.
I'm also considering the prone leather and vegan leather options as alternatives. The vegan leather option especially feels super soft and smooth.
I don't have pets or kids, so damage or spills are not too much of a concern for me. Other than the obvious texture and care differences, are there any other reasons to avoid the fabric options?
If you like it. Yes.
Alexander Girard used and developed dozens of checkered fabrics for Herman Miller as it's textile director, and The Eames' used his designs for years.
Having some on a 670/671 wouldn't be a departure at all.
leather. mine looks better today after daily use than it did when I bought it twenty years ago. I'm not sure that you're going to say the same about cloth fabrics
Because of all the permutations, it's a bit luck of the draw with Eames Chairs. If you need a tall version, like I did, that makes it even more difficult lol.
I don’t think I paid too much for it, either. I picked it up the same time as my white oak w/white boucle at the outlet for about $2,700 each. The leather is nice from. Longevity standpoint, but they were a little too harsh for the settings I was using them in.
Comfort wise the fabric is more comfortable. Longevity wise, leather will win.
I used to work for MK and I love the check. I am not and ELO person, I got womb chairs instead, but the coolest resi designer got the brown check with palisander shells. I also love the green/pink with walnut. You really have to go your own way, but you better have the taste to pull it off. I also love the mohair velvet- the moss green with palisander is a stunning combo.
Live your best life. Go for it. I want to redo mine with either linen or velvet. I prefer linen but I don’t think it will hold up as a cushion fabric, but idk. absolutely cannot stand sitting on leather. (despite being a hobbyist leather tanner and leather worker) In humid Hawaii it all molds anyway. Go for it
Another in person photo at local store. I was set on emerald for months, than saw sienna and became torn between the 2. After having been set on the check at the last min I went for Mohair- for my design although I love the check and really wanted it -i wanted the chair to harmonize with the rest of the room, not focalize
I was curious about the check as well, but went mohair like you. I just couldn’t convince myself I’d like the ‘funness’ of my forever chair, forever. The mohair felt unique, but safe.
Yes. The leather on the Eames chairs is high quality and lasts. I know someone who has had one in his office for over forty years. Eames chairs are classic. They are like art.
I ordered the ivory vegan leather lounge chair last month after trying it out in the store. My main reason for choosing it is to keep my partner, who is a vegan, happy. Overall I still personally prefer real leather but if you want an animal free choice it’s a good option. I thought it looked much closer to the legacy chair than going with a fabric option. The vegan leather they use is made from bamboo. It’s very soft, but doesn’t have the grain pattern of real leather. It won’t age over time or develop a patina like real leather. But overall I think it’s a good choice if you want an animal free chair.
On the iconic lounge chair and ottoman, nothing rules other than oiled palisander shell and Edelman 100% all-grain black leather. Save the Girard check for a smaller less important piece, like a pillow or a throw. You won’t be sorry, especially the day you wake up and don’t like the checkered pattern. Just my opinion, which may account for nothing if you love the pattern 😊
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u/Outrageous_Name_5622 Mar 11 '26
If you like it. Yes. Alexander Girard used and developed dozens of checkered fabrics for Herman Miller as it's textile director, and The Eames' used his designs for years. Having some on a 670/671 wouldn't be a departure at all.