The lounge will go in place of the rocker. Also what are people's opinions on paying up for the higher grade leather? Thanks! :)

Go for the white! (Its my dream chair.) You can put a sheepskin over the seat to help keep it clean if you like.

Going with the highest grade leather will pay big dividends in the long run, especially if you go with the white leather.

I wonder whether the people who told you that the white one looks worse over time were dealing with a high quality reproduction (like Herman Miller), or one of the cheaper ones? Also, how did they care for it?

If your heart is set on the white leather, go with the white leather! Go with the absolute best quality possible, and you won't regret it!

I prefer black. White remindes me of the dentists chair. Although both are nice (Eames rules!).

Was just reading the Herman Miller site, and it seems that over the past couple of decades, they switched to a standard contract-grade leather because it faded less and wore better than the original aniline-dyed product, but that the current MCL option is very durable and color fast. So the issues raised about long-term durability may be irrelevant to the choices you are now presented with; they are using different material now.

Personally, if I were in love with the white, I would go with the white with the understanding that everything ages over time; it is only to be expected. I think that it would be most beautiful, and would age most gracefully, if combined with the oil-finished wood. Just lovely together.

(now you have me longing for one!)

Go with which ever you like more. They are both beautiful. Question: Is that corner big enough for the Eames? It looks like it might be kind of crowded.

Personally I think the black is more classic. I have a ~5 year old (Herman Miller) Eames lounge in black with rosewood backing and it sits in a similar position as yours with floor to ceiling windows. To make sure the leather doesn't get damaged I will close the shades while I'm at work to help shield it from the sun.

It's quite an investment, so you should definitely go with your heart's desire here. White - it's just as timeless as black.

I think the black is more classic too.
My friend has the cream leather version and it just seems off to me, some how it cheapens the look of this chair. He got the cream leather because it is in a rather dark room with no natural light.

It is really a matter of personal preference. Also, consider if you were to use it else where which one would work best with your other pieces.

If you go with black but you want white, it will always nag at the back of your mind that it isn't quite what you wanted. Especially with something that is going to cost some money, I say go with what makes you happiest!

decision decision... why not buy both? you will always find a place for a black leather lounger...

I say go for the one you LOVE! Congrats...I can't wait to one day be able to have the same choice to make! :)

From the little I see of your other furniture you seem to have a darker color taste... I'm sure black would last 20 years but white not so sure. Plus you could potentially use black in most places if you move and not worry about it getting damaged.

You just missed the Herman Miller sale...

Jennifer, I don't want to be a party pooper, but i had until recently 2 Eames Lounge chairs in my house--and they really need room to breathe in order to look good. Unless you can rearrange to make more space in the corner I think it would look crowded there with just the chair, impossible if you are also getting a foot stool.
ps love it in black--white not so much, but get what you love--you can always reupholster. Mine were over 50 years old when i sold them--been reupholstered twice and still looked like magic.

Hi Jennifer - I sell these at our store all the time (the Herman Miller real deal...). GO with the black - you will be happier in the long run. Also the seat and ottoman cushions are interchangeable which you should do to get an even wear on both. Lastly, if you go with the black leather make sure someone prices you at Price Category 9.
Good Luck!

The next HM sale will be in December and it usually is a short window and offers 15% off.

FYI at NeoCon HM showed a new option on the Eames lounge chair - a slightly bleached Ash veneer. It was shown in white leather and the Ash has a very milky blond tone. It's bit against the current grain as everything in recent years has been dark, dark, dark however I can tell you that from certain leading indicators only obvious to manufacturers (market prices in lighter woods, custom requests, market saturation, etc.) that we are at the very leading edge of a trend toward light blond wood tones. They were huge in the eighties and all fashion is cyclical so if you buy a white and ash lounger today you can expect to be a tad ahead of the curve for a year or two after which you'll look like a trendsetter and enjoy probably a decade or so of being spot on style wise.

I say white - but if that's the corner it's supposed to go in, it's not going to fit unless you clear alot of furniture out of there...

we have the white lounger and adore it!!! there was no other option for us we just new the white was classic and would be perfect for us. we have had it for 4 years now and have 2 dogs and a toddler and it has kept up beautifully to those conditions. just a light cleaning of the leather here and there is all it takes. one not though make sure that dark denim is protected when sitting on any light colored furniture eames or not :) enjoy it!

I echo all the comments that the space may be too confined for the lounger - it's bulky and it swivels. I've become used to having guests swing mine around to get up and slamming the back of it into the windows or the coffee table.

If I were you I'd keep that natty little rocker and spend the money replacing a certain other item of furniture. I think you know the one I mean.

My personal preference would be cow hide. If I had to go with either black or white, I would go with black. But it's a very personal decision.
Get what you love and don't worry about what somebody else would prefer.
Enjoy your chair!