Question 1

Does the Tulip chair swivel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Tulip chair does indeed swivel. It is a pedestal swivel chair made with an aluminum base and a fiberglass shell, which was very innovative when it was designed in the mid-1950s. You can shop a collection of Tulip chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 2

Who designed the Tulip chair?

Accepted Answer

Eero Saarinen designed the Tulip chair. It was part of Saarinen's Pedestal collection of armless chairs, stools, dining tables and more — a mid-century modernist exercise in simplifying. The series was designed for Knoll, which continues to produce it today. Interestingly, the Tulip armchair's shape suggests one single plastic form, but despite Saarinen's many experiments to achieve this, it is actually constructed in two pieces: an aluminum frame obscured in a plastic finish and a fiberglass upper-shell seat. In two parts or one, it achieves Saarinen's desired streamlined effect. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Eero Saarinen Tulip chairs.

Question 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

How can I tell if a tulip chair is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a Tulip Chair is real, check for the Knoll logo and if Eero Saarinen’s signature is engraved on the underside of the chair. These are original markings that should not exist on knock-offs. Shop a large collection of Tulip Chairs from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 11

How do I identify a Saarinen Tulip chair?

Accepted Answer

To identify a Saarinen Tulip chair, turn it over and examine its round base. Authentic Tulip chairs will display the Knoll logo and Eero Saarinen's signature. Knock-offs will typically be unmarked or show off a different maker's name. When in doubt, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer for assistance with identification. Explore a diverse assortment of Eero Saarinen Tulip chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 12

What chairs work with a Tulip Table?

Accepted Answer

Many chairs can work with a Tulip table. The Tulip armchair, for example, was part of Eero Saarinen’s Pedestal collection of armless chairs, stools, Tulip side tables and more. The series, produced for Knoll, was a mid-century modernist exercise in simplifying, and Tulip chairs, with their curvy contours, match Tulip side tables and Pedestal dining tables very well. However, you can also try other mid-century modern chairs to see what works best in your space. Shop a collection of mid-century modern dining chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

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