From sleek downtown lofts to sky-high condos, Eames furniture can elevate any space with its clean lines, neutral colorways, and timeless silhouettes. Known for their enduring designs, innovative materials, and sculptural forms, Charles and Ray Eames created pieces that are as stunning today as they were when first introduced to the public. From office chairs to lounges, below are ten iconic Eames pieces that will never go out of style.
A Bit About Ray and Charles Eames (And Contemporary Eero Saarinen)
Before exploring this collection of iconic furniture designs, it’s worth noting the creative genius behind it. Ray Eames, Charles Eames, and Eero Saarinen were pioneers of mid-century modern design who were celebrated for their groundbreaking approach to materials and human-centered aesthetics.
Saarinen, Charles Eames, and Ray Kaiser (later Ray Eames) first worked together at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan, where they both studied and later taught. Their collaboration was first celebrated when they won first prize for their Molded Plywood Chair designs in the 1940 “Organic Design in Home Furnishings” competition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.
This competition was an important turning point for both designers, as it introduced the concept of organic, biomorphic forms and industrial design in furniture. It also sparked the modernist movement in American furniture and interior design.
Though production began around World War II, their work remains popular in 2025; it has been repeatedly featured in Architecture Magazine and displayed globally from New York to Moscow. Today, the collection is represented in large part by Eames Office and Herman Miller, through which most of the models listed below are sold.
10 Iconic Eames Furniture Pieces That Stun in High-Rise Apartments
#1 Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Arguably the crown jewel of the Eames collection, the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman boasts a sculptural plywood shell, rich leather upholstery, and a perfectly angled base for relaxation. It is ideal for high-rise apartments, where its low-slung form and 360-degree swivel allow for panoramic city views without sacrificing comfort.
Available in colorways like Ebony Walnut White Ash and Walnut White Oak through Herman Miller, this chair is one of the most versatile and timeless of the Eames designs.
#2 Eames Molded Plywood Chair (LCW)
Once dubbed “the most beautiful chair in the world” by Time Magazine, this lightweight design is a study in material innovation. Made using revolutionary molded plywood techniques developed during World War II, this chair features a gently curved seat and back that flex for comfort. These features have made it one of the most significant furniture designs of the 20th century. Its compact, minimalist form also makes this organic chair perfect for tighter spaces where every inch counts.
#3 Eames Molded Plastic Armchair (DAR)
With its Eiffel Tower-inspired wire base and smooth, ergonomic shell, this chair is a functional work of art. Originally created as part of the groundbreaking Organic Chair competition organized by MoMA and designed in collaboration with Eero Saarinen, the side chair has become a staple in interior design. It fits beautifully into dining areas or as a statement piece in a bright, windowed corner.
#4 Eames Wire Chair
Featuring an intricate wire frame and airy silhouette, this chair makes any room feel both chic and industrial. It draws inspiration from the innovative materials and tooling techniques the Eames Office pioneered, blending engineering and aesthetics. Pair it with a plush seat pad for a surprising level of comfort, which makes it perfect for open-concept high-rise layouts.
#5 Eames Storage Unit (ESU)
Versatile and visually stunning, this modular storage system is perfect for high-rise living where efficient use of space is essential. Boasting bold color panels in hues like blue, green, and orange, it adds a playful, architectural vibe to any room.
This piece highlights the Eames’ ability to merge form and function. It reflects their vision for a better world through thoughtful design.
#6 Eames Compact Sofa
Ideal for tighter floor plans, this sleek, low-profile sofa is incredibly comfortable without the bulk. It is perfect for open-concept living rooms where maintaining clear sightlines is key. The sofa’s structured form and innovative materials showcase the Eames’ dedication to practical, beautiful design.
#7 Eames Aluminum Group Chair
Originally intended for outdoor use, this piece designed by Charles and Ray Eames brings a sleek sophistication indoors with its polished metal frame and supple leather or mesh upholstery. This piece is beautiful as a desk chair or occasional seating. It embodies the blend of industrial design and comfort that defines the Eames aesthetic.
#8 Eames Hang-It-All
This colorful, playful coat rack is a perfect fit for small entryways as it offers both form and function with a bright, ball-tipped hooks that protect clothing and add a pop of personality. Its playful use of color, including red, yellow, green, and multi, echoes the experimental spirit of the Eames Office.
#9 Eames Coffee Table
With its sleek glass top and sculptural wooden base, this table is a stunning centerpiece for modern living spaces. It boasts a light, airy feel while maintaining a strong design presence. Crafted from premium woods like walnut and white ash, this table reflects the Eames’ mastery of organic form.
#10 Eames Molded Fiberglass Chair (DSW)
An original mid-century icon designed by Charles and Ray Eames, this chair’s organic curves and wooden dowel legs make it perfect for dining rooms or as an accent piece because it seamlessly blends both form and function.
Often crafted in a range of colors including classic white, bold orange, and subtle beige, the molded fiberglass chair is still a staple of modern interior design. We continue to celebrate this vintage piece for its timeless silhouette and innovative construction.
Furnish Your Houston High-Rise with Laura U Design Collective
Whether you are drawn to the timelessness of an Eames lounge chair or the sculptural appeal of molded plywood pieces by this iconic couple, investing in enduring, well-designed furniture is an effortless way to elevate your high-rise apartment.
At Laura U Design Collective, we specialize in transforming urban living spaces into personalized, artful retreats. With a keen eye for proportion, texture, and color, our team crafts interiors that reflect your unique aesthetic while complementing your lifestyle.
