Written by the Decomica Design Team — updated June 2026
Short answer: The “Eames Lobby Chair” refers to the ES104, a taller, upright variant of the Eames seating family designed for reception and lobby use. It is distinct from the Eames Lounge Chair 670. Quality replicas are available from €700–€1,200 with moulded plywood shells, aniline leather, and aluminium bases — the same build standards as the lounge chair range.
The Eames name covers a large family of chairs. The confusion between the Eames Lobby Chair and the Eames Lounge Chair is genuinely common, and understanding the distinction helps you buy the right thing. This guide covers the ES104 specifically: its design origins, build specifications for quality replicas, and how it sits in a contemporary interior.
Eames Lobby Chair vs Eames Lounge Chair: The Distinction
Charles and Ray Eames produced dozens of chair designs between the 1940s and 1970s. The two most frequently confused are:
| Feature | Eames Lounge Chair (670) | Eames Lobby Chair (ES104) |
|---|---|---|
| First produced | 1956 | 1960s |
| Back height | Low-back reclined profile | Tall upright back |
| Intended use | Residential lounge, study | Reception, lobby, waiting areas |
| Ottoman | Yes (671), designed as a set | No ottoman in original spec |
| Recline angle | ~15° recline | Upright / slight recline |
| Shell material | Moulded plywood | Moulded plywood |
| Base | Die-cast aluminium 5-star | Die-cast aluminium |
| Swivel | No | Often yes (ES104 variant) |
The Eames Lobby Chair is taller and more upright because it was designed for spaces where a low lounge chair is impractical — corporate lobbies, hotel receptions, and public waiting areas where sitting for extended periods in a reclined position is not the expected use. It also more commonly features a swivel base, allowing occupants to orient themselves without moving the chair.
Design Origins: Charles and Ray Eames in Institutional Settings
By the early 1960s, the success of the Eames Lounge Chair (introduced in 1956 on NBC’s Home programme, presented by the Eameses themselves) had created demand for Eames-family seating in institutional contexts. The ES104 addressed this — providing the same moulded-plywood and leather vocabulary in a configuration suited to professional environments.
The taller back provides head support for upright sitting, which the 670 does not. The optional swivel function adds practicality in multi-directional reception settings. The shell remains the same fundamental Eames construction: moulded plywood, rubber shock mounts at connection points, die-cast aluminium structural components.
Both the Lounge Chair and the Lobby Chair variant are licensed to Vitra for European production. New Vitra examples carry price tags broadly similar to the 670 — typically €4,000–€6,500 depending on configuration. This has created the same replica market dynamics as the lounge chair.
What to Look for in an Eames Lobby Chair Replica
Shell construction
The defining quality indicator is the same as for the lounge chair: moulded plywood veneer finished on both inner and outer faces, with rubber shock mounts at all shell-to-base connection points. The taller back shell places more stress on the mount connections than the lounge chair does, making shock mount quality even more important for long-term durability and silence.
Leather
Genuine aniline leather is essential for any chair intended for regular sitting. For lobby and reception use — where the chair may be used by many different people over the course of a day — aniline leather’s durability and ease of cleaning with a damp cloth makes it the practical as well as aesthetic choice. Avoid PU or bonded leather in any commercial or high-use context.
Base and swivel mechanism
The ES104 typically features a swivel base. In a quality replica, the swivel mechanism should operate smoothly with no lateral wobble. Test this by sitting in the chair and rotating 90 degrees in each direction — any lateral movement or clicking suggests a poorly-engineered swivel bearing. Die-cast aluminium bases are preferred over zinc alloy for the same reasons that apply to the lounge chair.
Dimensions
- Standard version: 84 cm tall, 84 cm wide, 91 cm deep; seat height 38 cm
- Tall version: 89 cm tall, 84 cm wide, 92 cm deep; seat height 38 cm
Styling the Eames Lobby Chair Replica
The ES104’s upright profile makes it more versatile across room types than the lounge chair:
- Home office: As a visitor’s chair facing a desk, the tall back and slight recline provide comfortable sitting for 30–60-minute conversations without the commitment of the fully reclined lounge position.
- Living room: Paired with a low coffee table, the lobby chair reads as a statement accent piece. Its height gives visual presence in rooms where the lounge chair would disappear into a low sofa arrangement.
- Bedroom corner: A reading chair that sits upright enough for active reading while remaining comfortable enough for extended use.
- Professional reception: Its intended context. Black leather with a walnut or rosewood shell is the standard professional specification.
Care and Maintenance
- Wipe aniline leather with a barely damp cloth; dry immediately. Avoid solvent-based cleaners.
- Condition the leather twice a year with a dedicated leather conditioner to maintain suppleness and prevent cracking.
- Inspect shock mounts annually on chairs in high-use settings. Replacement mounts are available and take approximately 30 minutes to fit.
- Keep out of direct strong sunlight — aniline leather fades more than pigmented leather under UV exposure.
Buying from Decomica
The Decomica Eames Lounge Chair replica collection includes both standard and tall-back versions. Every chair ships with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, free EU delivery (excluding Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, and Malta) within 6–9 working days, and 14-day returns. Payments by credit/debit card or PayPal; all prices VAT-inclusive.
For a broader comparison of replica quality standards across the range, see the expert guide to Eames Lounge Chair replicas. For any question about pre-order availability, specific configurations, or trade discounts, email support@decomica.com — response within 24–48 hours.
FAQ: Eames Lobby Chair Replica
What is the difference between the Eames Lobby Chair and the Eames Lounge Chair?
The Eames Lounge Chair (670) is a low, reclined lounge chair with a matching ottoman, designed for residential use. The Eames Lobby Chair (ES104) is a taller, more upright chair designed for reception and lobby environments. It typically features a swivel base and taller back shell. Both use moulded plywood, aniline leather, and aluminium construction.
Is the Eames Lobby Chair comfortable for home use?
Yes, particularly in a home office or as a reading chair. The tall back provides head support that the lounge chair lacks. The seat height of 38 cm is slightly higher than the lounge chair’s 37 cm, making it easier to get in and out of — a practical advantage for older users or anyone with limited mobility.
Can I use an Eames Lobby Chair replica in a commercial setting?
Decomica’s replicas are intended for residential use. For commercial applications with very high daily usage, contact support@decomica.com to discuss suitability. The 2-year warranty applies to normal domestic use conditions.
Does the Eames Lobby Chair replica come with an ottoman?
The ES104 was not originally designed with an ottoman. Some replica sellers include a footstool as an optional extra. The Decomica tall-back variants in the Eames collection are sold without ottoman as standard, consistent with the original specification. Browse the full collection for current configurations.
