Herman Miller Revolutionises Classic Design with Bamboo Upholstery.

In a move that blends innovation with sustainability, Herman Miller has introduced bamboo upholstery as a new option for their iconic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman. This update to the classic design, which has been in continuous production since 1956, showcases the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and material innovation.

The Eames Lounge Chair, often referred to by design enthusiasts as “670” and “671”, has long been celebrated for its timeless design and comfort. Now, it’s taking a step into the future with the introduction of bamboo upholstery. This new material option not only maintains the chair’s signature aesthetic but also significantly reduces its environmental impact.

Herman Miller’s Vice President of Product Design, Noah Schwarz, explains the significance of this update: “Charles and Ray Eames pioneered the use of moulded plywood in furniture, one of the central material innovations of their time. Today, Herman Miller is among the first furniture brands to offer a plant-based leather alternative—made almost entirely from bamboo.”

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Bamboo isn’t just a sustainable choice; it’s also a practical one. This material is soft and durable, more scratch-resistant and colourfast than leather, naturally antimicrobial and non-toxic.

Perhaps most impressively, using bamboo upholstery instead of leather reduces the chair’s carbon footprint by 35%. This aligns perfectly with Herman Miller’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, a focus that dates back to 1953.

The new bamboo upholstery is available in three colourways: ivory, russet, and black. These can be paired with any existing shell types—walnut, santos palisander, ash, or oak—in both standard and tall sizes, allowing for a wide range of customisation options.

Herman Miller’s introduction of bamboo upholstery for the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is a prime example of how classic designs can be updated to meet contemporary environmental concerns without sacrificing style or comfort.

Eames Lounge and Ottoman with bamboo upholstery can be specified through Herman Miller and MillerKnoll dealers. For more information, click on the link below.

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[Images courtesy of Herman Miller.]