Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. The Eameses were lovers of folk craft who had a genius for making highly original chairs, tables, case pieces and other furniture using traditional materials and forms.
As furniture designers, filmmakers, artists, textile and graphic designers and even toy and puzzle makers, the Eameses were a visionary and effective force for the notion that design should be an agent of positive change. They are the happy, ever-curious, ever-adventurous faces of modernism.
Charles Eames (1907–78) studied architecture and industrial design. Ray Eames (née Beatrice Alexandra Kaiser, 1912–88) was an artist, who studied under the Abstract Expressionist painter Hans Hofmann. They met in 1940 at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in suburban Detroit (the legendary institution where Charles also met his frequent collaborator Eero Saarinen and the artist and designer Harry Bertoia) and married the next year.
His technical skills and her artistic flair were wonderfully complementary. They moved to Los Angeles in 1941, where Charles worked on set design for MGM. In the evenings at their apartment, they experimented with molded plywood using a handmade heat-and-pressurization device they called the “Kazam!” machine. The next year, they won a contract from the U.S. Navy for lightweight plywood leg splints for wounded servicemen — vintage Eames splints are coveted collectibles today; more so those that Ray used to make sculptures.
The Navy contract allowed Charles to open a professional studio, and the attention-grabbing plywood furniture the firm produced prompted George Nelson, the director of design of the furniture-maker Herman Miller Inc., to enlist Charles and (by association, if not by contract) Ray in 1946. Some of the first Eames items to emerge from Herman Miller are now classics: the Eames chair, the LCW, or Lounge Chair Wood, and the DCM, or Dining Chair Metal, supported by tubular steel.
The Eameses eagerly embraced new technology and materials, and one of their peculiar talents was to imbue their supremely modern design with references to folk traditions.
Their Wire chair group of the 1950s, for example, was inspired by basket weaving techniques. The populist notion of “good design for all” drove their molded fiberglass chair series that same decade, and also produced the organic-form, ever-delightful La Chaise. In 1956 the Eames lounge chair and ottoman appeared — the supremely comfortable plywood-base-and-leather-upholstery creation that will likely live in homes as long as there are people with good taste and sense.
Charles Eames once said, “The role of the designer is that of a very good, thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests.” For very good collectors and thoughtful interior designers, a piece of design by the Eameses, the closer produced to original conception the better, is almost de rigueur — for its beauty and comfort, and not least as a tribute to the creative legacy and enduring influence of Charles and Ray Eames.
The original Eames furniture for sale on 1stDibs includes chairs, tables, case pieces and other items.
Charles & Ray Eames DSS Seal Brown Stacking Shell Chairs Set of Four
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in South Bend, IN
An iconic set of four Eames "DSS" shell side chairs, dining chairs, or office chairs By Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller USA, Circa 1980s Rare "seal brown" colored fiberglass...
Chrome
Charles and Ray Eames DKR-2 Wire Chair for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DKR-2 chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, also referred to as the bikini chair features a white Naugahyde seat cushion and seat back resembling a bikini. The chair has ...
Metal
C. 1962 Herman Miller Eames Drafting Shell Chair 622NS
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Drafting Shell Chair, Model 622NS, designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller. It is a rather scarce design and is difficult to find in the vintage marke...
Steel
1951 Herman Miller Eames PKW-1 with Leather Pad and Dowel Base
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a PKW-1 Chair, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames. This example was produced by Herman Miller in the United States and dates to the year 1951. The chair is comprise...
Steel
C. 1961 Set of Four La Fonda Chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four DSL chairs, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1961. These particular examples were produced by Herman Miller in the USA C. 1961. The chairs are co...
Aluminum
2016 Herman Miller Eames Green Upholstered DSW Side Chair with Walnut Dowel Base
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames DSW Side Chair, initially designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1948. This example was produced by Herman Miller in the USA in 2016, and the listed ...
Steel
2022 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair in White Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair, model EA335, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. This example was produced in 2022. The des...
Aluminum, Steel
Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Executive Chair in Gray Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Fabulous mid-century modern Eames soft pad group executive chair. A timeless design classic and contemporary with Innovative comfort features. One of Herman Miller's most popular cha...
Aluminum
2010s Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair in Cream
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Management Chair, model EA335, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. This particular example was produced in the 201...
Aluminum
2018 Herman Miller Eames Fiberglass DAW Dining Chair in Tan Fabric w/ Walnut Leg
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are DAW Armchairs, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1948. These examples hail from 2018. The listed price includes one chair, and we have several chairs available...
Steel
Eames Alu Group Lounge Set by Herman Miller, 1970s
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Renens, CH
The Aluminum Group chairs by Charles & Ray Eames are one of the most important designs of the 20th Century. Their original design from the 1950s is still relevant today, giving interiors all over the world a touch of modern elegance. On offer we have a set consisting of the EA124 Lounge Chair and EA125...
Aluminum
1954 Herman Miller Eames Wire Shell Chair X Base DKX-1 Redwood Avenue Label
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a super rare and original Eames for Herman Miller 1954 DKX chair with wire top, upholstered pad, and early X base. This piece can be dated due to the use of this ...
Metal
Coffee table Lafonda by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller - 1970s
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Uccle, Bruxelles
Magnifique table basse imaginée par Charles et Ray Eames pour Herman Miller dans les années 1970. Cette table basse dispose d'un pied dit Lafonda car ils ont été développés lors de...
Marble
Mid Century Blue Sofa Compact by Eames for Herman Miller 1970s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Detroit, MI
This classic vintage mid century modern Eames Compact Sofa Model S-473 is circa 1970. The sofa has been professionally reupholstered in a gorgeous Herman Miller blue nubby fabric. Th...
Steel, Chrome
1953 Herman Miller Eames RAR Rocking Chair with Fiberglass Shell and White Base
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a RAR Rocking Chair, designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1950. This particular example dates to around 1953. The piece consists of a yellow fiberglass shell seat and back, a...
Metal
2008 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Management Desk Chair in Spotted Felt Fabric
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair, model EA335, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. These examples date to 2008. Their design i...
Aluminum, Steel
Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller – Swiveling Parchment Fiberglass Arm Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Dronten, NL
An original 1960s swiveling fiberglass arm chair designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller. This highly desirable early production example features the classic parchment-colo...
Aluminum
2006 Herman Miller Eames Sofa Compact with New Brown Fabric Upholstery
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Sofa Compact, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1954. This particular example was produced by Knoll in the USA C. 2006. The sofa's design features brow...
Steel
Tandem Eames for Herman Miller for Three Shells and a Table Top
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
Tandem Base and Table without shells. Show signs of use. 35 cm H incl the height of the bar of the base/ 40 incl the top of the seat support/ 42 cm incl the top of the table top su...
Metal
2020s Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair in Beige Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair, Model EA335, designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. This particular example was produced in the 2020s. Th...
Aluminum
1960s Pair of Herman Miller Eames Rosewood DCM Dining Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of DCM Chairs, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1946. This pair dates to the 1960s, and the listed price includes the pair of two chairs as shown. They w...
Steel
Eames Desk by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Eames Desk Unit (ESU - 2nd Generation) by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller. The 2nd generation was a short lived collection being manufactured for only a few short years (1952...
Metal
1970s Herman Miller Aluminum Management Side Chairs in Black Naugahyde
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Eames Aluminum Group Desk Chairs, Model EA308, initially designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. These particular chairs were manufactured in the 1970s...
Aluminum
Herman Miller ES105 Time Life Lobby Office Chair by Charles Eames
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Aachen, NW
Wonderful black leather Lobby Executive Chair model ES105 produced by Herman Miller/Vitra in the 70s/80s. The chair features a chromed aluminium frame on a chromed aluminium base. The version offered here is the wider ES105 variant. Overall the Lobby chair is in a very good condition. We have 4x of these Lobby chairs available. All chairs are fitted with rolls. Only one chair has slight chrome flaking below the armrest as showed in the pictures. We are able to ship the Eames lobby chair...
Aluminum
1952 Herman Miller Eames LCM Lounge Chair Metal Legs with Ebonized Wood Finish
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a vintage Herman Miller LCM (Lounge Chair Metal), designed by Ray and Charles Eames. This example was produced circa 1952 and was later repaired by Herman Miller (...
Metal
1946 Pair of Eames Evans DCW Dining Chairs in Calico Ash Wood
By Charles and Ray Eames, Evans Products Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of DCW Dining Chairs in Calico Ash, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1946. These are ultra-rare, early examples that were produced by the Evans Plywood ...
Steel
2023 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Management Desk Chair in White Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair, Model EA335, designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. This particular chair was produced in 2023. The desig...
Aluminum, Steel
Charles and Ray Eames DAX chair by Herman Miller, 70s
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Athens, Attiki
The fully upholstered DAX chair is part of the Eames plastic armchairs collection, first presented as part of a New York Moma competition. An iconic piece o...
Metal
2006 Herman Miller Ray and Charles Eames Sofa Compact Purple Fabric Upholstery
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an original Herman Miller Eames Sofa Compact designed by Ray and Charles Eames. The sofa compact was designed to be as eff...
Metal
$1,038Sale Price|20% Off
American Mid Century Charles & Ray Eames Contract Base Coffee Cocktail Table
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare example of an Eames Contract base coffee table part of the aluminum group, with marbelized, grey laminate top over wood with cast aluminum base and lacquered steel great condi...
Aluminum
2022 Herman Miller Eames DAW Dining Chair with Fabric Seat and Eiffel Base
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames DAW Chair, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1950. This example was produced by Herman Miller in the USA in 2022. The chair fe...
Steel
Sofa Compact by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. New Paul Smith Fabric
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
This distinctive Eames Sofa Compact has been expertly reupholstered in Paul Smith Stripes fabric. This modern armless sofa has a high backrest split into two horizontal cushions. It...
Steel, Chrome
Original 1x Vitra Charles & Ray Eames Stuhl EA 108 Leder schwarz
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen von insgesamt drei wunderschönen Vitra EA 108 Stühlen mit schwarzem Lederbezug zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Charles und Ray Eames und gilt heute als wahrer...
Steel, Chrome
2010s Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair Leather 2x Avail
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a single (multiple chairs are available, though sold individually) Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. Th...
Aluminum
1 Herman Miller Time Life Office Executive Leather Chair 4-Star Base
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Pasadena, TX
Herman Miller Time Life Executive Chair Originally designed in 1960 for the lobby of the Time-Life building in New York. Anodized aluminium 4- star base and frame Original taupe l...
Aluminum
2010s Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Lounge Chair with Black Frame and Tan Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Lounge Chair, model EA216, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1968. This particular example was produced by Herman Miller in the...
Aluminum
Eames Fiberglass Shell Chairs by Charles and Ray Eames, 1986
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Denton, TX
Eames for Herman Miller fiberglass shell chairs with original blue upholstery. These can be stacked or used anwhere around the house.
Metal
1958 Ray and Charles Eames, Fabric, Adjust, Tilt 2 Office Chair 4 Wheels No Arms
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...
Aluminum
2010s Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Management Desk Chair in Dark Grey
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Eames Aluminum Group Management Chairs, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. These particular examples were produced in the 2010s. Their ...
Aluminum
Eames for Herman Miller 1957 DAG Chair in Red Orange
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Dallas, TX
Considered a Third Generation Chair. The DAG was added to the series in 1954 and was exact to the DAX only with longer rear legs to ‘guard’ the shell against wall impact and thus the...
Steel
Original First Generation Eames Zenith Rope-Edge LAX Lounge Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This first generation Zenith DAX lounge chair in Lemon yellow was designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. It features the original rope edge beneath the chair, as well a...
Metal
C. 1957 Herman Miller Eames Wire DKX-1 in Black Steel with Bikini Pad
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a DKX-1 Wire Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1951. This example was produced by Herman Miller circa 1957. The chair features a sculptural black steel w...
Steel
Eames PAC Yellow Padded Swivel Armchair w/Gray Fiberglass Shell & Aluminum Base
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Topeka, KS
Iconic vintage Eames PAC, pivoting armchair on cast aluminum base, with yellow Naugahyde padded swivel seat on gray fiberglass shell. It is in wonderful vint...
Aluminum
Pkw-2 Pivoting K-Wire Wood Base Side Chair, Eames Herman Miller, Bikini, Seng
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
eames‘ chairs are so common and widespread today that you’ve actually seen them far too often. but there are some versions that are a bit more special – making them collector’s items. for example, these ray & charles eames side chairs ‚pkw-2‘, meaning a pivoting, k-wire chair on a wooden base. version 1 would be a fully covered seat, version 2 is the cut-out „bikini“ cover, where you can see the wire mesh construction. this is also known as a ‚bikini swivel wire chair‘. here we have a black and a white one. we understood they were imported from the united states as a pair to Europe – but then sold on to different customers. years ago we bought the white one as the first piece in our eames-1st-generations-collection. by chance or serendipity, we were now able to find and buy the black one also and thus reunite the pair. together they make impressive and scarce art objects to grace any collection of early midcentury design. interestingly the dowel-leg-version was discontinued after 1954: the open ball-bearing connection and the elegant thin wooden legs weren’t very practical. weight and power, when swivelling, sometimes resulted in cracks or breakage. (that’s why we wouldn’t recommend them to use as a kitchen chair, maybe.) they are functional, showing a wonderful patina and are great pieces to admire and to understand the thinking behind the design. set of 2 side chair, model pkw-2, swivel dowel-base 1 white powder coated wire-shell, cognac-coloured leather bikini...
Metal
charles and Ray Eames lounge chair, 1956 mid-century Herman Miller
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Lounge Chair, Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra Production 1990s, United States, 1956 (original design). Bent plywood frame with rosewood finish, leather upholstery, and die-cast aluminum...
Leather, Wood
Original Charles & Ray Eames Mid Century Leg Splint in Molded Plywood, 1943
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare leg splint by Charles & Ray Eames in molded plywood and its unopened original wrapping produced by Evans 1943. A true mid century collectible...
Plywood, Paper
2010s Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair in Black Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chairs, model EA335, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. These particular examples date to the 2010...
Aluminum, Steel
Mid-Century Modern EA 116 Aluminium Chairs Charles Ray Eames Herman Miller Vitra
By Vitra, Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Hamburg, DE
Set of 2 Mid-Century Modern EA 116 Aluminium Lounge Chairs by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller, Vitra, 1960s Aluminum Lounge Chairs by Herman Miller (Vitra), designed by Ray an...
Metal
Set of Six Iconic EA108 Eames "Aluminium Group" Swivel Chairs by Vitra in Black
By Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra
Located in Dronten, NL
A wonderful set of six EA108 swivel chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra. These authentic mid-century masterpieces feature polished chromed aluminum frames and the original blac...
Aluminum, Chrome
2020 Pair of Herman Miller Eames Plastic DSW Dining Shell Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Eames DSW Side Chairs, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1948. These examples were produced by Herman Miller in the USA in 2020. The...
Steel
2022 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair in Tan Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chairs, Model EA335, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. These particular examples were produced i...
Aluminum, Steel
Charles & Ray Eames - Pair Of Armchairs And Ottomans
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Beaune, FR
Pair of “Lounge Chair” armchairs and their ottomans, the shell in thermoformed rosewood veneer covered in black leather, the cruciform base in chrome-plated and black lacquered steel...
Leather, Rosewood
Set of Four La Fonda Chairs by Eames, Fiberglass, USA, 1960s
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of Four 1960s 'La Fonda' chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, USA. Charles and Ray Eames designed these incredible La Fond chairs at request from their friend Ale...
Aluminum
1990 Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Executive Desk Chair w Dark Postmodern Fabric
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a single (the price listed is for one chair, but multiple chairs are available) 1990 production Herman Miller Eames aluminum group executive high back desk chair, ...
Metal
1964 Eames for Herman Miller 3473 Three Seat Sofa in White Naugahyde #1
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 3473 sofa, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1964. It's constructed from aluminum, iron, and plywood. It may be the original white naugahyde...
Aluminum, Iron
2024 Pair of Herman Miller Eames Plastic Counter Stools with Chrome Bases
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Eames Plastic Counter stools, which were developed by Herman Miller in 2015. These particular examples were produced in 2024. The stools are comprised of chrome bas...
Chrome
Charles and Ray Eames Early DCW Ash Plywood Dining Chairs for Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Iconic pair Charles & Ray Eames DCW dining side chairs in Ash plywood. Early Herman Miller production from the fifties (5-2-4 screw configuration), just after Herman Miller took over...
Rubber, Ash, Plywood
Set of Four Herman Miller Eames Fiberglass Dining Chairs
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of four Herman Miller Eames vintage fiberglass dining chairs. Multicolored set featuring seafoam green, elephant hide grey, red orange, and royal blue. No cracks or holes. All sh...
Steel
2015 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair in Grey Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair, Model EA335, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. This particular example was produced in 201...
Aluminum
Herman Miller Black Naugahyde Arm Chair by Charles and Ray Eames, 1950
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Miami, FL
Single black stitched Naugahyde over moulded fiberglass shell DAX chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. This chair was initially acquired for The City University of New Y...
Steel