Herman Miller has announced the introduction of bamboo upholstery to its classic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman range, reflecting the company’s dedication to sustainability and a cleaner future in furniture design and construction. 

Herman Miller is expanding its premium upholstery options for the renowned Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, designed by Charles and Ray Eames, to now include bamboo. This highly renewable material is celebrated for being non-toxic and naturally antimicrobial. The move to bamboo also means that no pesticides are used when propagating the plant, which aligns with Herman Miller’s commitment to integrating environmentally responsible materials across its entire product range.

Since 1953, Herman Miller has prioritised environmental stewardship, philosophy initiated by founder D.J. De Pree with his commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen. One might say he followed the inspiring saying related to bamboo, ‘Bend but don’t break. Be flexible yet firmly rooted’.

Over the years, the company has taken initiative to innovate and experiment with materials for various designs, including the Eames Moulded Plastic Chair, which is now crafted from 100 percent recycled plastic, and the Aeron Chair, made with ocean-bound plastic that could end up polluting our oceans and resident sea life.

What looks soft is strong

Known for its softness, durability and superior scratch resistance compared to other materials like leather, bamboo is now gaining popularity as an upholstery option. This next generation leather alternative is biodegradable in landfill, yet just as supple and durable as leather. Its versatility extends to high-end designer handbags, footwear and luxury car interiors. Now, it finds a place in the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, putting a fresh and sustainable touch to this iconic piece.

Renowned as one of the most sustainable resources, bamboo boasts rapid growth, high CO2 absorption, and requires only a third of the water needed by other natural plants. By upholstering the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman with bamboo instead of leather, Herman Miller reduces the chair’s carbon footprint by 35 percent.

Classic design never wanes

Introduced on television in 1956 by Charles and Ray Eames, the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, known by collectors and enthusiasts as the ‘670’ and ‘671’ models, has been a staple of Herman Miller’s offerings ever since. When introduced, it set a new standard for lounge seating, becoming a symbol of the company’s design savvy and commitment to quality. The iconic design remains one of the most identified pieces of 20th-century furniture, featured in museums, homes, offices and films. Designer Charles Eames once said he drew inspiration from the English club chair, aiming to create a modern version with “the warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt”.

“Charles and Ray Eames were pioneers in the use of moulded plywood, a key material innovation of their era,” Herman Miller vice president of product design Noah Schwarz says. “Today, Herman Miller is among the first to offer a bamboo-based alternative to traditional leather. This new upholstery option upholds the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman’s renowned aesthetic and quality, maintaining the standards that have defined it for nearly 70 years.” 

The new bamboo upholstery comes in ivory, russet, and black colorways. It can be combined with any of the existing shell options—walnut, santos palisander, ash, or oak—and is available in both standard and tall sizes.

For those interested, the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman with bamboo upholstery can be ordered through Herman Miller and MillerKnoll dealers.

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