Few names in design carry the same weight as Charles and Ray Eames. Their furniture, accessories and playful experiments have shaped the way we think about modern living for more than 70 years.
Today, Vitra, the sole authorised manufacturer of Eames products for Europe, has reworked and expanded the collection to make sure these classics remain relevant, sustainable and inspiring for generations to come.
A New Natural Aesthetic
One of the most significant changes in the updated Eames Collection is the move to European-sourced woods. Walnut, chestnut and oak from within Europe now feature across much of the range, from the Lounge Chair to the iconic Eames Elephant, Stools, Occasional Tables LTR, Hang It All and House Bird. Not only does this reduce transport distances and the overuse of certain timbers, it also brings a warmer and more natural aesthetic.
Surface finishes have been updated too. Glossy varnishes are being replaced with water-based lacquers, creating a softer, more natural look and lowering environmental impact. Linoleum has also been introduced as a sustainable surface option, bringing texture and depth while using bio-based raw materials.
Colour Reimagined
Colour has always been central to the Eames philosophy. In collaboration with the Eames Office, Vitra has revisited archival palettes to introduce new hues that are authentic to the originals yet feel fresh today.
The Aluminium and Soft Pad Groups now come in two additional powder-coated finishes, dark bordeaux and chalk, derived from the Eames colours aubergine and parchment.
Across the accessories collection, shades have been refined and expanded. From the revisited Hang It All colourways to bold new tones for the recycled plastic Eames Elephant, the collection offers endless opportunities to personalise your space.
Updates to Iconic Designs
The Eames Lounge Chair, once a radical departure from the traditional English club chair, has been further refined. Decades of craftsmanship are combined with sustainable materials, offering more options than ever before. Mix and match veneers, leathers and bases to create a chair that feels entirely your own.
The Eames Shell Chair family welcomes back the La Fonda base. Originally designed in the 1960s, it has been reintroduced at an updated dining height and is now available in polished aluminium or two new powder-coated finishes. Meanwhile, the Wire Chairs gain a clever new outdoor “Bikini” pad with a removable clip system, making them comfortable and practical for exterior use.
Other familiar favourites have been reimagined:
- LTR (Low Table Rod Base) - now offered with a stainless steel base and a choice of wood or linoleum tops in rich colours such as jade, dark brick and smoke blue.
- ETR (Elliptical Table Rod Base) - nicknamed the “surfboard table”, is available with a black or white top and matching base for a striking monochrome look.
- Eames Stools - now produced in European walnut and chestnut with a soft matte finish.
- Eames House Bird - perhaps the most photographed design accessory of all time, now comes with updated surface treatments for a more natural, tactile presence.
Designed for the Future
Sustainability is at the core of these updates. Vitra is gradually replacing plastics with recycled alternatives, including the new Eames Elephant RE made from recycled polypropylene. Many products now feature finishes that reduce reliance on solvents and petroleum-based materials, while the switch to European timbers shortens supply chains and eases pressure on global resources.
For the Aluminium and Soft Pad Chairs, this commitment is backed by a 30-year warranty, underlining Vitra’s confidence in both durability and design longevity.
The Spirit of Eames, Alive Today
Charles and Ray Eames never stopped refining their work. They viewed each new material, colour or method as an opportunity to evolve. This philosophy lives on in Vitra’s updated collection. By combining responsible production with thoughtful design updates, these pieces remain as engaging and relevant today as when they were first created.
The Eames Collection proves once again that modern design is not about chasing trends but about constantly improving what already works. With these updates, Vitra ensures that Eames designs continue to enrich homes, offices and public spaces well into the future.