When it comes to iconic furniture, some pieces transcend their function and become part of design history. The Repos chair by Vitra is one of those pieces. I recently had the pleasure of acquiring one within my living space, and this review is my attempt to distill what makes it special and whether it truly lives up to the hype. Note- this is not a sponsored review. I bought the chair with my own money and decided to review it because I could not find any reviews online that talked about people's experiences owning this chair.
Brand History: The Vitra Legacy
Vitra is a Swiss company with roots going back to 1950, and it has become synonymous with innovative, timeless furniture that blends art and everyday living. They’ve collaborated with some of the most legendary designers in history, from Charles and Ray Eames to Verner Panton and George Nelson. Vitra’s philosophy has always been about longevity- not just in materials, but in cultural relevance.
That sense of heritage is palpable in the Repos chair. It isn’t just a comfortable armchair; it’s a continuation of Vitra’s mission to create furniture that will still look and feel right decades from now.
This chair has often been compared to the Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair (also produced by Vitra) so the question to ask is: is this a true contender to the legendary Eames chair? My answer, as you will see below, is a sound "yes".
The Designer: Antonio Citterio
The Repos chair was designed by Antonio Citterio, an Italian designer known for his architectural precision and quiet elegance. Citterio has a way of making furniture that feels both modern and timeless, luxurious yet restrained. His work often balances technical innovation with a deep respect for classic forms, and the Repos chair is a perfect example.
Unveiled in 2011, the chair was created in collaboration with Vitra to redefine what a lounge chair could be: plush, inviting, but also adjustable and supportive.
The hallmark of Citterio’s approach is that nothing feels excessive. Every curve, every seam, every stitch feels deliberate, which makes the Repos as much a piece of architecture as it is a chair.
Usability: More Than Just a Lounge Chair
The Repos chair isn’t the kind of chair you casually drag from room to room. It’s substantial, with a presence that anchors a space. But that weight is part of its appeal: it signals solidity and seriousness of purpose.
What surprised me most was its flexibility. The Repos integrates a synchronous mechanism that allows the backrest to move with you. With a simple adjustment, you can go from an upright reading position to a nearly reclined lounge without losing support.
Unlike many recliners, this mechanism feels seamless and discreet. There’s no clunky lever or awkward shift. Instead, the movement feels like an extension of your own body.
This adaptability makes it practical in ways you might not expect. I used it for morning reading, late-night movie marathons, and even short power naps. Each use felt natural.
You can customise the base, cover material, seat height and base gliders to suit your needs. I chose a Vitra L20 Marron leather, which looked amazing in my brown/beige home. Of course, leather is a tougher and harder fabric to sit on, so if you want the utmost comfort I'd recommend going for a soft fabric chair.
Comfort: A Chair You Melt Into
I’ve tried my fair share of so-called “luxury” lounge chairs, but the Repos genuinely stands out. The first thing you notice is the high backrest, which supports not only your shoulders but your head and neck. The cushioning is generous without being overstuffed; you sink in, but you don’t lose posture.
Then there’s the ottoman, which is practically essential. With it, the experience transforms from “very comfortable chair” to “ultimate relaxation system.” My legs felt supported in a way that made hours in the chair pass without strain.
Another detail that makes a difference is the integrated head cushion. It’s soft, but also structured enough to cradle the head at different recline angles.
If you are not happy with the backrest, you can also choose their Grand Repos, which comes with a "wing" back style for the ultimate comfort. That type of design truly allows you to rest your head on either side, although in my view it looks a lot clumsier and clunky than the slim Repos chair.
Style: Elegance Without Shouting
The Repos is not a flashy chair. It doesn’t scream for attention the way some statement pieces do, but it holds the room with quiet authority. The sleek, sculpted lines give it a modern profile, while the generous padding suggests luxury without ostentation.
You can order the chair in a wide range of leathers and fabrics, each of which changes its character. In supple leather, it feels like something out of Don Draper’s private office; in textured fabric, it becomes more casual, suitable for a modern living room. The polished aluminum base adds just enough shine to elevate it, while maintaining a certain understated dignity.
What I love most is that the Repos seems to blend into different styles of interiors. In my minimalist apartment, it became the focal point. In a more eclectic, art-filled room I visited, it harmonised seamlessly with everything around it. That’s the hallmark of a great design: adaptability.
Build Quality
This is Vitra, so expectations are high, and the chair delivers. Every stitch is meticulous, every seam tight.
The upholstery feels rich and durable, the kind you know will age beautifully rather than degrade. The swivel base is engineered to glide smoothly, and the reclining mechanism feels robust enough to last decades.
It’s also worth mentioning the eco-conscious side: Vitra has made sustainability central to its manufacturing process, with recyclable materials and long-lasting designs that aim to reduce waste.
Practical Considerations: Space and Price
No review would be complete without acknowledging the practical side. The Repos is a large chair. It demands room to breathe- ideally a corner where it can be admired and used to full potential. If you live in a compact apartment, you’ll need to measure carefully.
And then there’s the price. The Repos sits firmly in the high-end bracket, with configurations easily running into several thousand dollars.
This is not an impulse buy, nor should it be. It’s an investment piece, one that you’ll likely live with for decades. Personally, I see it as comparable to purchasing art: you’re paying for design, craftsmanship, and heritage, not just a seat.
Comparisons: How Does It Stack Up?
When people think of iconic lounge chairs, the Eames Lounge Chair inevitably comes up. I’ve sat in both, and while the Eames remains unmatched for mid-century cool, the Repos feels more modern and versatile. It’s less about making a style statement and more about delivering everyday comfort in a refined package.
Against other luxury recliners, the Repos wins on subtlety. Many recliners look clunky (like the Poltrona Frau Jay); the Repos looks elegant, no matter the angle.
Price Point: Vitra Repos vs. Eames Lounge Chair
When I first checked the numbers, the cost of luxury seating really made me pause. The Vitra Repos chair (with ottoman) typically starts around USD 7130 in the U.S. Meanwhile, the Grand Repos & Ottoman, a more expansive variant, can climb to USD 10200 or even more depending on materials and finish.
In comparison, the Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman usually retails between USD 5600 (with occasional 20 % promotional reductions from about USD 7045). Other sources suggest authentic Eames sets can span from USD 5400 to nearly USD 10000, depending on specifications and retailer.
I find that the Repos often commands a higher price upfront especially in premium moods or fabrics, placing it at the upper end of contemporary lounge seating. In contrast, the Eames, while still firmly in luxury territory, tends to be slightly more accessible. That said, both chairs offer enduring design value that can justify their price tags for anyone treating furniture as more than just décor.
Final Verdict
After weeks of use, I can confidently say the Vitra Repos chair lives up to its reputation. It combines heritage, design, usability, and sheer comfort in a way very few chairs manage. I literally sit in mine every single day and it supports my back the way chairs should.
Star Rating
★★★★★ (5/5)
What a stylish design! I'm glad you have had such a positive experience!
ReplyDeletethe creation of beauty is art.