Written by the Decomica Design Team — updated June 2026. The ottoman is not optional on a genuine Eames Lounge Chair — it is part of the design. This guide is specifically about evaluating the chair-and-ottoman as a unit.
The best Eames Lounge Chair and ottoman replica is one where both pieces share the same shell construction, the same veneer batch, and the same leather hide — so they age together. A chair sold without a matched ottoman, or a set where the ottoman uses cheaper materials than the chair, is a red flag.
Charles and Ray Eames designed the Lounge Chair and Ottoman as a single object in 1956. The chair reclines at 15 degrees; the ottoman supports the legs at a complementary angle. Together they create what designers call a “third position” of the human body — not standing, not lying down, but a floating supported recline that is uniquely restorative. Without the ottoman, you have a comfortable armchair. With it, you have the full experience the Eameses intended.
Vitra sells the licensed set in Europe for €5,000–7,000+. A well-made replica set costs €600–1,500 and delivers the same geometry and almost all the comfort.
Why the Ottoman Is as Important as the Chair
Many buyers focus entirely on chair quality and treat the ottoman as an add-on. This is a mistake. The ottoman determines half the experience:
- Height: The ottoman must be at the right height to maintain the angle of the reclined chair. If it is too low, your legs drop and your lower back takes strain.
- Swivel plate: The ottoman should have a functional swivel plate so you can swing your legs to stand up easily. Fixed ottomans are found only on budget replicas.
- Matched construction: Shell veneer, leather colour, and leather grade must match the chair. Mismatched sets look wrong immediately and age differently.
- Cushion depth: The ottoman cushion should be thick enough to support the back of the heel, not just rest the ankle. Thin cushions indicate lower-grade foam.
Ottoman Dimensions: What to Check
| Measurement | Standard ottoman | Tall-version ottoman |
|---|---|---|
| Height | ~43 cm | ~45 cm |
| Width | ~65 cm | ~65 cm |
| Depth | ~54 cm | ~54 cm |
| Swivel plate | Yes | Yes |
| Shell | Moulded plywood, dual veneer | Moulded plywood, dual veneer |
The standard ottoman pairs with the classic 84 cm chair. The tall-version ottoman is matched to the 89 cm chair. Do not mix sizes — the leg angle will be wrong and the chair will not sit level.
Available Sets in Decomica’s Collection
Every Eames Lounge Chair at Decomica is sold as a chair-and-ottoman set with matched construction. Here is the current range on our Eames Lounge Chair collection page:
| Set | Shell veneer | Leather | Base style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Black / Rosewood | Santos Palisander | Black aniline | 5-star aluminium |
| Black / Walnut | Walnut | Black top-grain | 5-star aluminium |
| Tan Brown / Walnut / Chrome | Walnut | Tan brown top-grain | Chrome 5-star |
| Tall Black / Rosewood / Elephant Base | Santos Palisander | Black aniline | Elephant base |
All sets use matched leather and veneer across chair and ottoman. All include the swivel plate on the ottoman.
Evaluating Craftsmanship: Chair and Ottoman Together
Shell Consistency
Inspect (or ask the seller to confirm) that chair and ottoman shells come from the same veneer batch. Veneer colour and grain vary between production batches, and a mismatched set becomes obvious in natural light. Quality sellers cut and match shells from the same batch as standard.
Leather Colour Match
Leather hides dye slightly differently across different tanning lots. A reputable manufacturer sources leather for chair and ottoman from the same lot. Ask about this specifically if you are buying a set where chair and ottoman are sold as separate SKUs rather than as a bundle.
Stitching and Panel Fit
On the ottoman, run your hand along the seam between the cushion and the shell lip. On a quality piece, the seam is tight and the leather does not pucker. Loose stitching here is a sign of rushed production and will open further with use.
Assembly: Chair and Ottoman
Assembly for a Decomica chair-and-ottoman set:
- Attach the 5-star aluminium base to the chair shell using the included bolts — typically four fasteners
- Lower the cushion assembly onto the shell (the shock mounts locate it correctly — no force needed)
- Attach the swivel plate to the ottoman shell underside — four bolts
- Place the ottoman cushion assembly
Most customers complete the full set in under 30 minutes. No specialist tools are required — the included Allen key handles everything.
EU Shipping and Returns
- Dispatch: 1–2 working days handling
- Delivery: 5–7 working days via DPD Ireland across most EU countries
- Free shipping on all orders (except Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Malta)
- 14-day returns from receipt; defect returns are free (Decomica arranges DPD pickup)
- 2-year warranty on all chair-and-ottoman sets
For the full picture on which replica sets are worth buying across the market, see our independently compiled best Eames replica top picks guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy the Eames Lounge Chair without the ottoman?
Some variants are available as chair-only. However, the design was conceived as a set and the reclined position is only fully ergonomically correct with the ottoman at the right height. Most buyers who start with the chair alone end up buying the ottoman later — it is cheaper and simpler to buy the set from the start.
What is the difference between the standard and elephant base?
The standard 5-star base is the classic shape — five arms radiating from a central column with glides. The elephant base is a wider, more dramatic alternative available on the tall version. Both are die-cast aluminium. The elephant base gives the chair a slightly more imposing footprint; the standard base is more discreet.
Can the ottoman be used independently as a footrest with other furniture?
Yes, it functions as a footrest with any low seat, though it looks best paired with the matching chair. The swivel plate means it rotates freely, which is useful as a standalone footrest.
How do I clean the ottoman cushion?
Remove the cushion from the ottoman shell (it lifts clear). Wipe leather surfaces with a slightly damp cloth. Condition with a leather conditioner every 6–12 months. Do not use household cleaning sprays or alcohol-based products on the leather surface.
