Herman Miller Just Released a New Eames Stool—and We’re Obsessed

Even if you’re not familiar with the name Herman Miller, we’re nearly positive you’re acquainted with the eponymous furniture brand's work. Aeron Chairs and Mirra Chairs are ubiquitous in offices. At home, Herman’s a particular favorite among mid-century modern decor fans; the Noguchi Table, Marshmallow Sofa and Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman are all coveted pieces.

One of the most eye-catching parts of the collection is the newly renamed, and newly redesigned Eames Turned Stool. A blend of form and function, this side table is a striking objet d'art thanks to its concave top and bottom and mirror image design, which means that either side can face up.

The sculptural stool/side table was previously called the Eames Walnut Stool, and was available in three shapes (A, B and C). Walnut was a fitting moniker before, as that is the sole material it has been constructed with—until now. In honor of Herman Miller’s 100th anniversary, the company updated the stool to add a fourth shape (D) to the collection, and now offers any of the shapes in a chic ebonized ash finish.

A little history: The original stools are inspired by designs and technical drawings by Ray and Charles Eames, a husband-wife team of textile and furniture designers and filmmakers. In 1960, the Eames were commissioned to design three lobbies in the newly built Time & Life Building at Rockefeller Center in New York City, and this particular stool became one of the most recognizable and signature elements of that space—and later, Herman Miller’s collection.

“According to photo documentation in the Library of Congress and technical drawings from the Herman Miller Archives, the Eames Office initially prototyped 10 variations of turned stool designs,” Amy Auscherman, director of global archives and brand heritage at MillerKnoll says in a press release. “Of those 10 designs, four were selected for the lobbies of the Time & Life Building, and three made their way into Herman Miller’s product line. Shape ‘D’ was included in the original Time & Life lobbies and offers a worthy addition to this now iconic family of Eames designs.”

The previously missing design now joins the collection, and stands out thanks to its two thick circular discs in the center. All four of the styles showcase reliable construction, the brand confirms.

The Eames’s mission statement, after all, was “what works good is better than what looks good, because what works good lasts,” according to Ray, which means that this is one piece that’s definitely poised to become a vintage heirloom.

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