Question 1

How can you tell if a chair is an Eames chair?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a chair is an Eames chair, take a look under the seat or cushion. Authentic Eames lounge chairs are manufactured by Herman Miller and Vitra. If your Eames chair is a Herman Miller original, look for the legendary manufacturer’s specific logomarks on the product (these logomarks can be found on the company’s official website). There is also the manufacturing label, which is usually found under the seat or cushion (unless a former owner removed it). All of the classic Herman Miller designs are paired with a certificate of authenticity. Some designs may also have a medallion attached to certify their authenticity. You can then check trusted online resources to determine if the information on the label is correct for the style of chair (and more info on its construction is available on the official Eames website). You won’t see screws outside of the wood shells on an authentic Eames lounge chair, and prior to the 1970s, original vintage Eames lounge chairs were made with no more than five layers of plywood (during the 1970s, the chairs were made with seven layers). Find a variety of authentic Eames chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Who designed the Eames chair?

Accepted Answer

Charles and Ray Eames designed the Eames chair. A married couple, they were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design and have been recognized as among the most influential designers of the 20th century. They produced a line of DCW chairs together in the 1940s and went on to unveil their now iconic lounge chair in 1956. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Eames lounge chairs.

Question 3

Is an Eames chair comfortable?

Accepted Answer

Whether an Eames chair is comfortable is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, part of the reason why the iconic chair designed by Ray and Charles Eames has remained popular decade after decade since its introduction in 1956 is because many people find it comfortable. The chair's shape and the angle of its backrest have an ergonomic design intended to complement the contours of the human body and deliver optimal support. Explore a collection of Eames lounge chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 4

Why is the Eames chair iconic?

Accepted Answer

The Eames chair is iconic due to its sleek and handsome design, making it the first lounge chair of its time to depart from more traditional, bulky styles. It is also exceptionally comfortable. This mid-century chair was designed by Charles and Ray Eames for the furniture company Herman Miller. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Eames chairs from top sellers worldwide.

Question 5

Why is the Eames chair so popular?

Accepted Answer

The Eames chair is popular for a number of reasons. Many people appreciate the bold, clean lines of the piece. In addition, some find its gently reclined back and ergonomic cushioning comfortable. In addition, the chair is a famous mid-century modern design that is easy to recognize. Shop a variety of Eames chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 6

Is an Eames chair worth it?

Accepted Answer

The Eames lounge chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames, is one of the most famous and popular lounge chairs in the world due to comfort and support. An Eames lounge chair and ottoman can be very expensive owing to the universally recognized brand names behind the chair (Herman Miller, the Eameses), the use of quality specialized materials in manufacturing and because these beloved furnishings are renowned for their durability (think of it as an investment). The seat has inspired many knock-offs, but authentic versions are currently manufactured by both Herman Miller and Vitra, and vintage Eames lounge chairs can be found on 1stDibs.

Question 7

Why are Eames chairs so expensive?

Accepted Answer

Eames chairs are so expensive for a couple of reasons. First, Eames chairs feature fine materials, such as leather and wool, which are costly to source. Each chair is also made by hand, which makes manufacturing Eames chairs costlier than producing furniture that is made by machine. In addition, demand for the chairs is often greater than supply, driving up prices. Find a selection of Eames chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What makes an Eames chair so special?

Accepted Answer

What makes the Eames chair so special is its innovative design pioneered by Charles and Ray Eames. It features supple leather upholstery and a bentwood frame produced using a handmade apparatus that the duo developed. Ever fascinated by ergonomics, the Eameses carefully calibrated the pitch of the seat. It has enough flexibility for comfort but not so much that stability is sacrificed. This precise shape comes by way of three connected plywood pieces. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Eames chairs.

Question 9

Is an Eames wire chair comfortable?

Accepted Answer

The comfort of an Eames wire chair is a matter of preference, but the chair was designed to be comfortable. That said, the company did design pads to be used with this chair to boost the comfort level for some. The initial pads were found to be too moveable so more stable pads were created in later models. Shop a collection of Eames chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What was the original Eames chair made of?

Accepted Answer

The original Eames chair was made out of molded plywood and leather. Charles and Ray Eames designed the iconic mid-century modern chair for Herman Miller in 1958. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Eames chairs.

Question 11

Is my vintage Eames chair real?

Accepted Answer

To know if your vintage Eames chair is real, check for a reclining mechanism. On original chairs, the back had a permanent reclined position, so no mechanism is necessary. Also, a vintage piece is around 32 inches high, while later reproductions are normally bigger. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of expertly vetted Eames chairs.

Question 12

Are Charles Eames chairs comfortable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Charles Eames chairs are comfortable. The Eameses — Charles and Ray — were fascinated by ergonomics and designed chairs with comfort in mind. The legendary mid-century modernist designer-couple famously called their Eames lounge chair and ottoman “a special refuge from the strains of modern living” and described their design as having the “warm receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt.”

While the couple’s DCW chairs, introduced in the 1940s, prioritized ease of production and affordability of materials, the Eames lounger, which debuted in 1956, was Charles and Ray’s interpretation of luxury furniture. And to the Eameses, luxury meant, above all, comfort.

Find vintage Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 13

Do Eames chairs hold their value?

Accepted Answer

Whether Eames chairs hold their value depends on a variety of factors, including how well the pieces are cared for and how demand and supply change over time. Because it can be difficult to predict how the value of items will fluctuate, choose chairs that appeal to you and will work in your space. The Eames lounge chair was a fresh, subversive new take on a classic club chair and a culmination of experimentation by its inventive creators Ray and Charles Eames. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Eames chairs and other mid-century modern seating from some of the world’s top dealers.

Question 14

How do I identify an Eames fiberglass chair?

Accepted Answer

To identify an Eames fiberglass chair, flip it over and check the underside of the seat for a label. What information appears on the label varies, but most will say "The Herman Miller Furniture Company" and "Charles Eames." You may also see "Zenith Plastics," a reference to the company that manufactured the fiberglass. Some chairs made during the 1960s may have the Herman Miller name in raised letters directly on the seat. Newer chairs may display a "Vitra" label instead of "Herman Miller." A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can help with the identification process. Find a selection of Eames fiberglass chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 15

Who makes the original Eames chair?

Accepted Answer

The original Eames chair and matching ottoman were designed by Charles and Ray Aemes for the Herman Miller furniture company in 1956. The Eames chair is considered the epitome of modern interior design and is widely coveted by home decor enthusiasts. Browse a range of authenticated Eames chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 16

How do I restore an Eames fiberglass chair?

Accepted Answer

To restore an Eames fiberglass chair, wash it gently with a soft bristle brush and dish soap in warm water. Use a clean damp cloth to wipe off the soap, and then dry with another cloth. You can use a safe wax for fiberglass to enhance the shine. Shop a collection of Eames chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 17

Is the Eames lounge chair ergonomic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Eames lounge chair is ergonomic. The Eames lounge chair and ottoman are created with molded plywood and leather designed to curve to the human form. The Eames lounge chair is a highly coveted furniture item by both home décor enthusiasts and vintage collectors alike. Shop a selection of Eames lounge chairs on reputable sites, such as 1stDibs.

Question 18

How do I clean an Eames molded plywood chair?

Accepted Answer

To clean an Eames molded plywood chair, wipe it down with a soft cloth dampened with warm water and a mild dish soap. Then, use a second cloth moistened with water to wipe off the soap. Finally, use a soft towel to dry. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Eames chairs.

Question 19

How can I tell if my Eames plastic chair is real?

Accepted Answer

One of the first places to check when determining the authenticity of your Eames chair, is the underside. Nearly all chairs were marked or labeled. Shop a collection of Eames chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 20

How much did an Eames chair cost when it debuted?

Accepted Answer

When it debuted in 1956, the Eames chair cost $310. Adjusted for inflation, that sum equates to around $3,100 today. The mid-century modern chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames features a plywood base and leather upholstery. The couple dipped a toe in making virtually every type of furniture, including coffee tables, dining tables, desks and even their clever Eames storage units, given the moniker “working art” upon their 1949 debut at the Detroit Institute of Arts. A fitting label, indeed, for all of the couple’s furnishings, even if they’re best remembered for their chair designs. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of vintage Eames chairs.

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