Eames Where You Least Expect It

You may be familiar with the iconic Eames office chair, but you probably don’t know the whole story.

Charles and Ray Eames designed the original Aluminum Group Chair for the terrace of a private residence, which Herman Miller then turned into the iconic office chair, which has gone through countless iterations and imitators. It was recently re-released by Herman Miller to serve its original purpose: as high-quality outdoor seating, unlike anything else on the market (still true today as it was in 1958).

Above: In the 1950s, aluminum was a newly affordable material and the slung mesh seat was a technological innovation.

Above: The complete set, shown with the Luau Portable Lamp ($198).

Above: Available in graphite or white, the Aluminum Group Lounge Chair is $2,147 at Design Within Reach.

Above: The chair has a matching Aluminum Group Ottoman; $1,007.

Above: The Eames’ 1950 Wire-Base Table has been reintroduced for outdoor use with a powder-coated frame and stone top; the Outdoor Wire-Base Table starts at $1,528 at Design Within Reach.

Above: A detail of the Outdoor Wire-Base Table.