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.
1980s Pair of Herman Miller Eames Fiberglass DAX Dining Arm Shell Chairs
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of DAX Dining Arm Shell Chairs, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1950. These examples were produced by Herman Miller in the 1980s. Each chair features a...
Steel
Charles and Ray Eames Galaxy White 120 cm Pendant Lamp by Cassina
By Charles and Ray Eames, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Charles and Ray Eames Galaxy Lamp Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) Charles and Ray Eames Galaxy White 120 cm Pendant Lamp by Cassina EXPLOSION OF LIGHT Designed in 1949, a product...
Metal
1950, Charles and Ray Eames, Set of Four DKR Chairs Red Leather Bikinis
By Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra
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,...
Chrome
$3,837Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair early DCW Dining Chair in black by Charles & Ray Eames, Herman Miller 1950s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Brussels, Brussels
DCW (Dining Chair Wood) chair created by Charles and Ray Eames around 1945. These are second generation chairs produced by Herman Miller USA between 1950 and 1953 (the production of...
Walnut, Plywood
1986 Herman Miller Eames Time Life Executive Desk Chair in Leather with Frame
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Time Life Executive Desk Chair, Model ES104, initially designed in 1961 by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. This example dates to 1986 and is stamped as such. The m...
Aluminum
$1,250 / item
Herman Miller Eames Elephant Hide Grey DSR Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Herman Miller Eames DSR fiberglass chair on Eiffel base in elephant hide grey. Chair dates to 1961. Base has excellent patina and new glides. No s...
Steel
Charles & Ray Eames Herman Miller DSS Original Fibreglass Stacking Chair 1980s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Charles & Ray Eames Original Herman Miller Dss Fibreglass Green Coloured Upholstered Chair, With Original Seat Cushion, Chrome Base And Labels 1980's Item has attribution mark to th...
Steel
Set of 8 Royal Blue Herman Miller Eames Dining Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of 8 Herman Miller Eames fiberglass dining chairs. Authentic vintage tops and bases. In good vintage condition with normal wear. All new shock mounts ...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern LCM Chair By Charles And Ray Eames, Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This iconic Midcentury Modern LCM chair is by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. The LCM chair was designed by the duo in 1946 and manufactured by Herman Miller in the late 40s...
Steel, Chrome
8x Vitra EA208 Soft Pad Management Chair by Charles Eames Brown
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Aachen, NW
Rare opportunity to purchase a set of 8x Eames soft pad management office chairs model EA208 produced by Vitra. The chairs features a chromed aluminium frame and a very soft brown ...
Aluminum
Early Eames Swiveling Dowel Legged Wire Chair, DKW-1
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare early swiveling dowel leg chair with walnut legs, designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller, model DKW-1, 1951/1952. Wire top and timeworn weaved fabric seat. Original t...
Wire
Charles And Ray Eames Set of Two Dot Pattern Light Appliques Spheres by Cassina
By Cassina, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Charles And Ray Eames Set of Two Dot Pattern Light Appliques Spheres by Cassina ICONIC PATTERN Initially created for a textile design competition launched in 1947 by the Museum of ...
Aluminum
$1,217Sale Price|30% Off
1960s Red Leather 'Dax' Armchair by Charles & Ray Eames
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Hilversum, NL
This exquisite 'Dax' armchair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller Co., showcases the iconic mid-century modern style. Created in the 1960s, the chair features a dist...
Steel
charles and Ray Eames lounge chair, 1956 Knoll mid-century
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
Charles and Ray Eames Galaxy Black 120 cm Pendant Lamp by Cassina
By Charles and Ray Eames, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Charles and Ray Eames Galaxy Lamp Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) Charles and Ray Eames Galaxy Black 120 cm Pendant Lamp by Cassina EXPLOSION OF LIGHT Designed in 1949, a product...
Metal
1950s Herman Miller Eames PSC Swivel Desk Chair, Alexander Girard Checkerboard
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A real Mid-Century Icon that can still hold a place in a collectors home, by the CSS Wall Unit or the ESU Desk. This is a rare 1st generation PSC chair in poor distressed condition. ...
Aluminum
Charles and Ray Eames Galaxy White 100 cm Pendant Lamp by Cassina
By Cassina, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Charles and Ray Eames Galaxy Lamp Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) Charles and Ray Eames Galaxy White 100 cm Pendant Lamp by Cassina EXPLOSION OF LIGHT Designed in 1949, a product...
Metal
A Pair of Charles Eames LCW's Early Original Examples Evans
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare pair of early production (5x2x5 screw mounts) Charles Eames LCW (lounge chair wood). Original analine black finish in very good condition. Bac...
Ash
Set of 4 Vintage Wooden Dining Chairs from Sirch, Bitzer, 1990s
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Hamburg, DE
Schlichter stacking chair from the Allgäu Holzmanufaktur Sirch. A purist design of special materials and processing. Like all furniture designs by Sirch also carries this model an u...
Wood
Charles and Ray Eames Walnut LCM Lounge Chair by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Highland, IN
The LCM is our favorite of the Eames plywood chair designs. The metal frame gives an overall visual lightness and makes the wood seat and back appe...
Steel
Herman Miller Eames DCM Chair Butter Yellow- Red Aniline Dye Finish beneath #2
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1950s Vintage Eames for Herman Miller dining chair metal with chrome frame. It is offered as found and was painted butter yellow o...
Chrome
Charles and Ray Eames Galaxy Aluminium 100 cm Pendant Lamp by Cassina
By Cassina, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Charles and Ray Eames Galaxy Lamp Manufactured by Cassina (Italy) Charles and Ray Eames Galaxy Aluminium 100 cm Pendant Lamp by Cassina EXPLOSION OF LIGHT Designed in 1949, a pro...
Metal
Six Stacking Chairs, Charles & Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Red Fiberglass, 1974.
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of six stackable dining room chairs by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller, manufactured in midcentury, 1974. The chairs are labe...
Metal, Chrome
Pair of Ray & Charles Eames Fabric Fiberglass Shell Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of eames fabric fiberglass with waterfall edges on a low wire base. Each chair measures 26" wide, 25" deep and 13.5" high. Seat height is 13.5. These low wire bases are new fr...
Steel
1954 Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller DCM Dining Chair in Walnut
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an early DCM Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1946. The piece was produced by Herman Miller and retains its tag under the seat. This example was produce...
Steel
Set of Six Vintage Eames for Herman Miller Stacking DSS Chairs in Tweed Fabric
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Set of six stacking DSS chairs, designed by Eames, for Herman Miller, having beige/ clay colored tweed upholstery, dark gray fiberglass shells, and metal legs. All are in very good...
Upholstery, Fiberglass
Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Millerr Midcentury Rocking Chair 1960s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
American Mid-Century Modern design rocking chair designed by Charles & Ray Eames and produced by Herman Miller with original fiberglass frame and fabric upholstered seat, refurbished...
Metal
C. 1958 Herman Miller Eames Fiberglass Dining Shell Chair in Elephant Hide Gray
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Eames DSX side chairs, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in the 1950s. These particular examples were produced by Herman Miller in the USA C. 1958. The chairs ar...
Steel
1984 Herman Miller Eames 3734 T&em Four Seater Arm Shell Bench in Gray Naugahyde
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a Herman Miller Eames Tandem four seater bench, model 3734 base and 3730 top, designed by Ray and Charles Eames. This set was manufactu...
Steel
1st Generation Charles and Ray Eames Dar Chairs, Pair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
This pair of Dars is in great, vintage condition. Both are Zenith plastics first generation rope edge! Read the history of the iconic fiberglass shell armchair and how Zenith was so ...
Fiberglass
Herman Miller Charles Ray Eames Authentic RAR Rocking Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Baltimore, MD
Authentic rare Mid-Century Modern early RAR rocking chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. This gorgeous mid-century rocking chair was produced between 1956 -1959...
Fiberglass
Classic Vintage Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller DCM chair
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Vintage Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller DCM chair.
Chrome
Vitra Eames Aluminium Lounge Chair, Model EA124
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Delft, NL
Vitra Eames aluminium lounge chair , model EA124 Eames Alu ( Eames Aluminium Group) Lounge Swivel chair in black Hopsack fabric ( basket weave pattern) with ...
Aluminum
Eames PAC Yellow Padded Swivel Armchair w/Gray Fiberglass Shell & Aluminum Base
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
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
Rare Early Set of Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller Chairs in Zebrawood
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in North Miami, FL
A set of 4 of beautifully grained early DCM chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in a very hard to find zebrawood pressure molded plywood on chr...
Steel
ES102/Intermediate chair by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller - 1960s
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Uccle, Bruxelles
Magnificent ES102 armchair designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1968. This edition is a rare model, as it was only produced between 1968 and 1973 due to its high pro...
Chrome
Black Fiberglass Desk Armchair Charles & Ray Eames Herman Miller Mid-Century
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a rare black fiberglass armchair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. This specific model is an early, rare early generation version featurin...
Aluminum
4x Vitra Olive Green EA208 Soft Pad Management Chair by Charles Eames
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Aachen, NW
Rare opportunity to purchase a set of 4x Eames soft pad management office chairs model EA208 produced by Vitra in a ultra rare Khaki Olive Green colour. The chairs features a chrome...
Aluminum
Lounge Chair with pouf, Charles e Ray Eames, Knoll
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This is perhaps the dream chair of all of us. The Eames Lounge Chair and ottoman are furnishings made of molded plywood and leather, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for the Herman ...
Leather
2016 Herman Miller Eames DFAW Fiberglass Shell Arm Chairs in Parchment w/ Base
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are DFAW Armchairs in Parchment Fiberglass with Walnut Dowel Bases, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1950. These examples hail from 2016. The listed price include...
Steel
Adjustable Translucent Yellow Eames Desk Armchair on a Rolling Base
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Oakland, CA
1950s translucent yellow fiberglass adjustable shell desk armchair with both height and tilt adjustments. The yellow shell has a parchment quality that allows light to past through i...
Metal
Eames 671 Lounge Ottoman in Rosewood & Cognac Leather by Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Stamford, CT
This is an excellent example of an all-original Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller 671 Ottoman. Its highly sought after Rosewood shell and Cognac Leather remain in very good c...
Aluminum
Vintage Set of 6 Cherry Red Fiberglass Dowel Chairs by Charles & Ray Eames
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Geneva, CH
Set of 6 vintage cherry red fiberglass dowel side chairs by Charles & Ray Eames, Vitra ca. 1970's Very good condition, solid walnut new bases.
Fiberglass, Walnut
2010s Herman Miller Eames Plastic DSR Side Shell Chair with Eiffel Base
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a DSR Chair, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1951 for Herman Miller. These particular examples were produced in the 2010s. The chairs feature plastic shells i...
Steel
Italian modern leather office chair by Charles and Ray Eames for ICF, 1970s
By ICF Group, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern dark grey leather office chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for ICF, 1970s Office chairs, model EA108, on casters. The seat and backrest are upholstered in dark grey leat...
Metal
Eames Early Label Armshell Chair by Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An elephant gray green toned fiberglass armshell chair with satin black iron X-base, rubber and metal boot feet , large early shock mounts and the red second generation decal label w...
Fiberglass
691 coffee table by Eames for Herman Miller, USA 1950s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in ECHT, NL
Eames 691 coffee table by Herman Miller, USA 1958 Mid century design coffee or side table. Designed in the 1950s by Ray and Charles Eames and produced by Herman Miller in the 1970s. ...
Aluminum
Original 1960's Herman Miller Charles & Ray Eames Bikini Wire Chairs set of 4
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Set of 4 Herman Miller "Bikini" chairs in factory white with aluminum bases and dark green vinyl cover. Circa early 1960's. Well loved and cared for. One has been reweld repaired and...
Aluminum, Iron
Square 1950s Herman Miller Square Contract Table with Walnut Laminate Top
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
A contract grade table designed by Charles and Ray Eames circa 1955. It features a chrome pedestal base. The top appears to be a walnut laminate. The table can be found in Eame...
Chrome
Set of 6 Eames Aluminum Group EA106 Dining Chairs in Black Netweave Mesh, Vitra
By Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra, Charles Eames
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Comfortable set of 6 EA106 dining and/or conference chairs belonging to the iconic Aluminium Series designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller (US) / Vitra (EU). Comfort i...
Aluminum, Chrome
La Fonda Chairs by Charles & Ray Eames for ICF, 1960s
By Charles and Ray Eames, ICF Group
Located in bruxelles, BE
Fiberglass chairs with red fabric and metal legs by Charles & Ray Eames. Model: La Fonda. Seat height: 46 cm. Stamped on the underside. Wear due to age and time FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST...
Metal
Original Vitra Segmented table Tisch Charles Ray Eames Klassiker
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen, quadratischen Esstisch von Vitra zum Verkauf an. Das Modell "segmented table" wurde von Charles & Ray Eames entworfen und steht hier in der begehr...
Steel, Chrome
Eames "Baby Rocker" RAR by Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Highland, IN
If an employee of Herman Miller were to have a child, they were given an Eames "RAR" rocking chair to rock the newborn. It would be marked with a small placard commemorating the name...
Zinc
$2,200 / set
Eames Wire Scoop Dining Chairs for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A set of five white wire shell scoop dining chairs with H based legs tipped with plastic foot pads to protect your floors . Designed by Ray and Charles Eames the iconic husband and w...
Metal, Wire
$1,200Sale Price|33% Off
Eames Herman Miller DKR Chair on Early Production Low X-Base
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Ferndale, MI
Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller DKR lounge chair. The chair is earlier production evidenced by the solid steel "X" base. Original burlap back...
Steel
Mid Century Modern Elliptical Surfboard Coffee Tables by Herman Miller for Eames
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Elliptical Surfboard Coffee Tables by Herman Miller for Eames Mid Century Modern Eames Surfboard Coffee Table has a b...
Metal
Eames for Herman Miller DCM Plywood and Chrome Chair Mid Century Modern
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Enhance your home or office with the iconic Mid Century Modern charm of this Eames for Herman Miller DCM Chair. Showcasing the distinctive molded plywood construction, it combines n...
Chrome
Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Wheeled Shell Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Wheeled Shell Chair This chair measures: 18.5 wide x 24 deep x 32 high, with a seat height of ...
Metal
Early First Edition Eames Walnut LCM Chair for Evans
By Herman Miller, Evans Products Company, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Hard to find pair of early LCM chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames and manufactured in the 1940s by Evans Products Company. These chairs are in very good condition with minor we...
Steel
EA178 Loose Cushion Arm Chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1979. We reupholstered and refoamed the loose cushion in a nubby brown/white boucle but kept the chair fabric original.
Fabric, Bouclé