Arne Eames-Style Shell Chair: Curved Plywood Shell, 38cm Seat, 92cm Wide, Rosewood or Walnut
By Furniture1002 min read
The Arne is the sculptural one among our Eames-style lounge chairs: a single curved plywood shell in a rosewood or walnut finish, black padded upholstery, and a low, wide, gently reclined seat. No footstool, no mechanism, just the shape. It is the chair for a corner where the chair itself is the point.
What it is
A mid-century lounge chair with a curved laminated plywood shell showing wood grain, a black padded seat and backrest, and a flowing laminated wood frame on tapered legs. The product page describes the seat as wide and shell-shaped and the backrest as gently reclined.
The stated figures:
| Height | 75cm |
| Width | 92cm |
| Depth | 83cm |
| Seat height | 38cm |
That 38cm seat is the thing to know. It is about 8cm lower than a dining chair, which puts you into a reclined, lounging posture the moment you sit. It is superb for reading and less good for anyone who needs to get up quickly.
Who it suits
A living room, a bedroom, a reading corner or a reception area that wants a piece of mid-century sculpture you can sit in. It is wide, at 92cm, so it needs a proper corner rather than a gap.
Arne, Milo or Kingsley
Three Eames-style chairs, three different ideas:
- Arne: the shell alone, low and sculptural, no footstool, no mechanism.
- Milo: the classic lounge chair and ottoman on a swivel base.
- Kingsley: the version with a footstool that reclines to 135 degrees.
If you want the closest thing to the original set, the Milo. If you want to recline, the Kingsley. If you want the shape as an object and have the corner for it, the Arne.
Rosewood or walnut
Rosewood is the darker, redder finish and the closer match to the classic lounge chair. Walnut is warmer and lighter, and suits a room with other walnut pieces. Both have the black padded seat.
Living with it
Dust the shell with a soft cloth; wipe the padded seat with a damp one. Keep it out of direct sun for hours at a time, which fades any wood finish.
Find yours
Free UK delivery and 30-day returns.
See the Arne in rosewood or walnut. For the design history and how our versions compare, read our Eames lounge chair guide. Or browse all the accent and lounge chairs.
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Arne?
The product page states 75cm high, 92cm wide and 83cm deep, with a seat height of 38cm. It is wide and low: a chair to recline into rather than sit up in.
Why is the seat so low?
A 38cm seat is about 8cm lower than a dining chair. The shell reclines gently and the low seat puts you into a lounging posture, which is what the shape is for. It is not a chair for getting up from quickly.
Is the shell real wood?
The page describes a curved laminated plywood shell in a rosewood-effect or walnut finish, showing wood grain. The frame is flowing laminated wood on tapered legs.
Does it come with a footstool?
No. The Arne is the chair alone. For an Eames-style set with an ottoman, look at the Milo, and for one that reclines, the Kingsley.
Rosewood or walnut?
Rosewood is the darker, redder finish and the one closest to the classic lounge chair look. Walnut is warmer and lighter and suits a room with other walnut pieces. The black padded seat is the same on both.
