The Life Pursuit: Eames Time Life Executive Chair, ca. 1980s

I’m not sold on the notion of form before function. Sure, it needs to look impeccably cool, but if you can’t use it either because of its fragility – or the very thing that draws you to it in the first place – its beauty, I don’t know really want to know about it.

Case in point; the Eames Time Life or Executive chair, manufactured by Herman Miller. You’ve seen it caressing the cabooses of Don Draper and Michael Parkinson for years and you’ve seen it in high-end 20th Century design stores but it’s only when you sit in one that all the fuss makes sense.

This example is upholstered in subtle, less conspicuous light brown leather rather than classic yet severe, black. The aluminum, particularly around the 4-star base is excellent and the original casters and smooth tilt mechanism make for guaranteed comfort while sneaking a late afternoon cat nap.