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.
Eames Herman Miller Brazilian Rosewood 670 Lounge Chair and 671 Ottoman
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original, early 1960s Eames 670 lounge chair and 671 ottoman in classic black leather, issued by Herman Miller, dated to 1964. The molded plywood shells show beautifully figured Braz...
Leather, Rosewood
Restored 1970s Eames Lounge 670 & Ottoman 671 in Brazilian Rosewood & Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Oakland, CA
Restored 1970s production Eames Lounge and ottoman (670 & 671) originally designed by the Eameses (Ray and Charles) and Don Albinson in 1956, constructed of Brazilian rosewood an...
Aluminum
1971 Ultra Rare Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Zebrawood, Model 670 and 671
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a massively unusual Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair in Zebrawood, accompanied by a complimentary period-correct Eames Ottoman in Rosewood. Models 670 and 671 were initially ...
Aluminum
Italian modern black leather lounge chair 670 671 by Eames for ICF, 1970s
By Charles and Ray Eames, ICF Group
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black leather lounge chair 670 671 by Eames for ICF, 1970s Armchair and pouf or chaise longue mod. 607 and 671 with black painted wooden body. The armchair is composed...
Metal
Italian modern black leather and metal lounge chair 670 671 Eames for ICF, 1970s
By Charles and Ray Eames, ICF Group
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black leather and metal lounge chair 670 671 Eames for ICF, 1970s Armchair and pouf or chaise longue mod. 607 and 671 with black painted wooden frame. The armchair is ...
Metal
Fully Restored 3rd Gen Eames Lounge Chair 670 and Ottoman 671 in Black Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Seattle, WA
Prominent grain 3rd Gen Eames lounge chair with ottoman fully restored. New shock mounts, restored original leather and oiled shells, re-polished steel frame.
Leather, Plywood
Eames Herman Miller Vintage Rosewood Lounge Chair & Ottoman Black Leather 1970s
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Eames 670 lounge chair and 671 ottoman in chocolate brown leather, issued by Herman Miller. The molded plywood shells are richly figured Brazilian rosewood, with dramatic gr...
Leather, Rosewood
Eames Leather Lounge Chair by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
This is an original Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, models 670 and 671, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956. This set dates to circa 1970 and has Brazilian rosewood shells.
Metal, Aluminum
2003 Herman Miller Eames Cherry & Tobacco Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in St. Louis, MO
An exceptional, highly sophisticated, and rarely specified mid-century modern design icon: the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (Models 670 and 671), designed by the legendary duo Char...
Aluminum
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
1st Gen 1956-1959 Eames Lounge Chair and Boot Glide Ottoman
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Seattle, WA
Rare and collectible 1958 Eames lounge chair with ottoman, model 670-671 includes all distinct 1st generation details, restored and reupholstered, ready for use. 1st gen details: 1....
Plywood
3rd Generation Eames Lounge Chair in Brazilian Rosewood and Oxblood Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautifully 3rd-generation Eames Lounge Chair in Brazilian rosewood and Oxblood leather. Refinished and Restored Rosewood Shells in a very rare and unusual lighter variety, New Lea...
Aluminum
$19,000 / set
Rare Pair of Early Rosewood Eames Lounge Chairs
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Highland, IN
Here is a rare opportunity to own two early examples of the iconic design by Charles and Ray Eames, these 670 lounge chairs and matching 671 ottoman have been together since they wer...
Aluminum
Stunning Eames lounge chair set & ottoman by Ray & Charles Eames - Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Eames Lounge Chair 670 & Ottoman 671 Set by Charles & Ray Eames, Herman Miller, 1990sBlack Patinated Leather Lounge Chairs on Ash Black Plywood Shells with Exposed Birch Edge This r...
Leather
1964 Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Rosewood and White Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, model 670 and 671, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1956. This set dates to 1964, per its label. The shells ...
Aluminum
C. 1990 Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman in Rosewood w/ Cushion
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, models 670 and 671, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956. This set dates to circa 1990 and has Brazilian rosewood shells. The...
Aluminum
$12,000 / set
H 29 in W 36 in D 33 in
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, these Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in cozy Ivory...
Bouclé
$3,450 / set
H 27.56 in W 39.38 in D 33.86 in
Tito Agnoli For Poltrona Frau Leather Lounge Chairs by, Italy 1970s
By Poltrona Frau, Tito Agnoli
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Lounge chairs by Tito Agnoli For Poltrona Frau, Italy 1970s Magnific set of two lounge chairs manufactured by Poltr...
Leather
$3,200
H 34.5 in W 24.5 in D 19.5 in
Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Executive Lounge Chair - Two Available
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Herman Miller Eames Soft Pad Executive Lounge Chair in brown leather with polished aluminum frames and four-star bases. This is is the lounge version. Please message if interested in...
Chrome
$12,000 / set
H 29 in W 36 in D 33 in
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Ivory Bouclé
By Directional, Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, these Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in cozy Ivory Boucle. Corkscrew shape with sloped back and scrolled arm. The Nautilus chairs swivel making them a good choice for open floor plans - you may align your sight with any person or object in the room simply with a gentle swivel. Matching contoured Ottoman is on casters and seamlessly rolls into place like a puzzle piece inviting you to relax and put your feet up with a good book or a glass of your favorite vino. Fabric is highly durable; it's texture provides for ventilation to keep warm in winter and cool in summer. Want to see more beautiful things? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your 1stDibs on our new inventory. Nautilus Swivel Chairs: 36” W x 33” D x 29” H (Seat Height 17”) Ottoman: 33” W x 21” D x 17” H Photographed along with and also currently available in our shop: Post Modern Karl Springer Style ottoman...
Bouclé
$7,500 / set
H 31 in W 32.5 in D 36 in
Eames Herman Miller Vintage Rosewood Lounge Chair & Ottoman Black Leather 1970s
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original Eames 670 lounge chair and 671 ottoman in chocolate brown leather, issued by Herman Miller. The molded plywood shells are richly figured Brazilian rosewood, with dramatic gr...
Leather, Rosewood
Eames Leather Lounge Chair by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
This is an original Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, models 670 and 671, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956. This set dates to circa 1970 and has Brazilian rosewood shells.
Metal, Aluminum
Gorgeous Restored Eames Herman Miller Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Simply stunning restored Eames lounge chair and ottoman by Herman Miller. Spectacular color and grain detail on the outer shell...
Metal, Aluminum
Gorgeous Avocado Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Not a color you see often! A classic Eames lounge chair and ottoman with vintage wood and metal components outfitted in brand new leather cushions in Avocado shade. 3-4 week producti...
Leather
$17,500Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 27.25 in W 27 in D 28 in
Sergio Rodrigues 'Kilin' Lounge Chairs in Rosewood & Leather, OCA, Brazil 1970s
By Oca, Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful and authentic pair of Kilin lounge chairs designed by Sergio Rodrigues in Brazil, circa 1970s. These are original period examples, not later reproductions, crafted in sol...
Leather, Rosewood
$12,000 / set
H 29 in W 36 in D 33 in
Pair of Vladimir Kagan Nautilus Swivel Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Curly Camel
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Amongst the most popular Vladimir Kagan designs, these Nautilus swivel lounge chairs are sculptural, comfortable and fun, and were recently professionally reupholstered in super soft...
Bouclé, Upholstery
Unavailable|$7,795 / set
H 32.25 in W 33 in D 35 in
Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller Eames Walnut Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller Eames Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chair and Ottoman The chair measures: 33 wide x 35 deep x 32.25 high, with a seat height of 16.25 inches and ar...
Upholstery, Walnut
Charles Eames, Lounge Chair in black leather by Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Argelato, BO
Eames Lounge is probably one of the most famous armchair designs in the world. The design couple Charles and Ray Eames designed it in 1956 for Herman Miller. It was the first chair ...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Early Eames 670 Lounge Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Fulton, CA
Charles & Ray Eames / Herman Miller 670 lounge chair in Rosewood with original caramel leather. Circa. 1960's. Exceptional figured wood grain with boo...
Aluminum
Eames Herman Miller 670 Lounge Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A rich and dark Brazilian rosewood Eames 670 lounge chair with ottoman, black soft leather seat cushions and cast aluminum swiveling bases, retains ma...
Rosewood
Eames 670 Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
Charles and Ray Eames 670 lounge chair and 671 ottoman darker rosewood oil finish deep figure graining. Ottoman measures: 25.75 ...
Leather, Rosewood
Eames Rosewood 670 Loung Chair w/ Ottoman
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Cincinnati, OH
An iconic Eames Brazilian rosewood 670 lounge chair with matching ottoman in black soft and smooth leather. Manufactured by the Herman Miller ...
Aluminum
Eames 670 671 Leather Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Fulton, CA
Vintage Eames 670 671 rosewood lounge chair and ottoman. Circa. late 1970's to 1980's. Beautiful wood grain to rosewood. Both pieces retain Herman Miller...
Metal
Brown Leather Eames 670 Rosewood Lounge Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1964 Eames 670 lounge chair and ottoman in excellent vintage condition. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Beautiful rosewood shell and sof...
Leather, Rosewood
Eames 670 Lounge Chair and 671 Ottoman
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic 670 lounge chair and 671 ottoman designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Black leather cushions complimented by the rich rosewood frame, footstool shows signs of ...
Leather, Rosewood
Early Eames 670/671 Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Fulton, CA
Here is a very unusual, early example of the iconic Charles & Ray Eames 670/671 Lounge chair & ottoman. Upholstered in original blue leather. Rosewood frame ...
Aluminum
Eames 670 Lounge Chair and 671 Ottoman
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic 670 Lounge Chair and 671 Ottoman designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Lounge chair has all of its original black leather, with ...
Leather, Rosewood
Eames 670 Lounge Chair and 671 Ottoman
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic 670 lounge chair and 671 ottoman, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. A luxuriously soft and comfortable design. Frame showcases the...
Leather, Rosewood
Eames 670 Lounge Chair and 671 Ottoman
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original 670 Lounge Chair and matching 671 Ottoman, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Custom light gray leather is in nice condition—lovingly worn and comfortably ...
Leather, Rosewood
Eames 670 Lounge Chair and 671 Ottoman
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Original 670 lounge chair and matching 671 ottoman, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Custom light gray leather is in nice condition-lovingly worn and comfortably ...
Leather, Rosewood