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A Close Look at Industrial Furniture
Industrial floor lamps, bar stools, desks and other industrial-style furnishings have experienced a resurgence in popularity with the rise of interest in minimalist design.
It's a look that celebrates the past even as it suggests vigor, productivity and brawn. The newly chic industrial style of decor repurposes the simple, sturdy furniture of an earlier world of commerce — brushed-metal storage cabinets and display shelves, task lamps and pendant lights with enameled shades, work tables with worn wooden tops and cast-iron bases — and couples them with aesthetic touches emblematic of energy and optimism, from bright upholstery fabrics to flowers.
The rise in prominence of the industrial style has come hand-in-hand with the residential repurposing of former manufacturing and warehouse districts throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. In many loft apartments created in shuttered factories, the architectural envelope has been left intact.
Industrial-style interiors feature elements like raw brick walls, exposed steel beams and oak floors whose history is written in every pit and gouge. Iron and glass transom windows give definition and interest to small kitchen areas anchored by kitchen islands made of marble, steel and brass, while taxidermy or vintage neon signs serve as wall art in living rooms dotted with leather club chairs. Patina is the keynote to a decor in sync with such surroundings.
On 1stDibs you will find industrial furniture designs that wear their age beautifully — and were built to last.
Finding the Right Chairs for You
Chairs are an indispensable component of your home and office. Can you imagine your life without the vintage, new or antique chairs you love?
With the exception of rocking chairs, the majority of the seating in our homes today — Windsor chairs, chaise longues, wingback chairs — originated in either England or France. Art Nouveau chairs, the style of which also originated in those regions, embraced the inherent magnificence of the natural world with decorative flourishes and refined designs that blended both curved and geometric contour lines. While craftsmanship and styles have evolved in the past century, chairs have had a singular significance in our lives, no matter what your favorite chair looks like.
“The chair is the piece of furniture that is closest to human beings,” said Hans Wegner. The revered Danish cabinetmaker and furniture designer was prolific, having designed nearly 500 chairs over the course of his lifetime. His beloved designs include the Wishbone chair, the wingback Papa Bear chair and many more.
Other designers of Scandinavian modernist chairs introduced new dynamics to this staple with sculptural flowing lines, curvaceous shapes and efficient functionality. The Paimio armchair, Swan chair and Panton chair are vintage works of Finnish and Danish seating that left an indelible mark on the history of good furniture design.
“What works good is better than what looks good, because what works good lasts,” said Ray Eames.
Visionary polymaths Ray and Charles Eames experimented with bent plywood and fiberglass with the goal of producing affordable furniture for a mass market. Like other celebrated mid-century modern furniture designers of elegant low-profile furnishings — among them Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Finn Juhl — the Eameses considered ergonomic support, durability and cost, all of which should be top of mind when shopping for the perfect chair. The mid-century years yielded many popular chairs.
The Eameses introduced numerous icons for manufacturer Herman Miller, such as the Eames lounge chair and ottoman, molded plywood dining chairs the DCM and DCW (which can be artfully mismatched around your dining table) and a wealth of other treasured pieces for the home and office.
A good chair anchors us to a place and can become an object of timeless appeal. Take a seat and browse the rich variety of vintage, new and antique chairs on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023To 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.
- Is an Eames chair comfortable?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024Whether 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.
- Who designed the Eames chair?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Charles 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.
- Is an Eames chair worth it?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024Eames 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.
- Why is the Eames chair iconic?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023What 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023The 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.
- Is my vintage Eames chair real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Yes, 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. - 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Whether 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023When 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022One 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.