Vitra Stool Eames Elephant
Vitra Stool Eames Elephant

Eames Elephant

$470

Made by Vitra

Designed by Charles & Ray Eames

Few objects in modern design history carry the warmth of the Eames Elephant. Charles and Ray Eames first conceived it in 1945, shaping plywood into the gentle form of an elephant with oversized, outward-sweeping ears. The prototype was never produced in their lifetime, making its eventual realization by Vitra a quiet act of completion.

Now molded in durable plastic and offered in a range of considered colors, the Elephant occupies a rare position: it functions as a child's companion, a small seat, and an object of design culture in equal measure. Its proportions are precise, its gesture unmistakably affectionate.

  • Originally designed in 1945, produced posthumously by Vitra
  • Molded plastic construction in multiple colorways
  • Scaled for children, collected by adults
  • Designed by Charles and Ray Eames

The Eames Elephant belongs to a tradition of design that refuses the boundary between the functional and the playful. It is at home in a child's room, on a studio shelf, or beside a reading chair.

Color
Color: Pale Rose

In stock, ready to ship.

Last one!

Pairs well with

Product Details

Details
  • Material: dyed-through polypropylene, matt finish.
  • Can be used as a toy, decorative object, or low stool.
  • Available in a variety of colors.
Measurements

H × W × D × Seat H
16.25 × 16.25 × 31 × 13 in.
41.5 × 41 × 78.5 × 33 cm.

  • Plastic
Shipping & Returns

Please refer to our shipping and return & exchange policy.

Warranty

Luminaire is an authorized retailer of Vitra. The product comes with a full manufacturer warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the Eames Elephant produced during Charles and Ray Eames's lifetime?

No. Charles and Ray Eames designed the Elephant in 1945 as a plywood prototype, but it was never put into production during their lifetimes. Vitra later realized the design, first in plywood and then in molded plastic.

What material is the Vitra Eames Elephant made from?

The current production version is made from molded plastic, which gives it durability and allows for a wide range of colors. An earlier limited edition was produced in plywood, closer to the original 1945 prototype.

Is the Eames Elephant suitable as a functional seat for children?

Yes. The plastic version is designed to bear the weight of a small child and can serve as a low seat or stool. It is equally at home as a decorative object in adult spaces.

Why do the Eames Elephant's ears have that distinctive shape?

The broad, outward-facing ears were a deliberate formal choice by Charles and Ray Eames, giving the piece both visual balance and an immediately recognizable silhouette. They also function structurally, stabilizing the form.

How does the Eames Elephant fit within the broader Eames design philosophy?

The Eameses consistently believed that good design should serve people at every stage of life, including childhood. The Elephant reflects their conviction that rigor of form and a sense of delight are not opposing qualities.

Brand & Designer

Vitra
Wooden Dolls

Vitra

Vitra is a Swiss contemporary design and furniture brand, founded in 1950 by Willi and Erika Fehlbaum in Birsfelden, Switzerland.
Charles & Ray Eames
Eames House Bird

Charles & Ray Eames

Charles and Ray Eames were one of the 20th century's most influential design partnerships, renowned for their innovative furniture, architecture, and multimedia work that made modern design accessible and elegant.