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.
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
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 Eames Aluminum Group Swivel Chairs for Herman Miller, Vitra Italy
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sophisticated pair of Eames Aluminum Group swivel chairs, the celebrated mid-century modern seating design by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, manufactured in Italy by Vitr...
Aluminum
$29,995 / set
Pair of Eames Aluminum Group Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in New York, NY
Hand picked by buyers at Ann-Morris Inc. Pair of modern aluminum chairs. By Charles and Ray Eames.
Aluminum
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
Set of Six Wire Chairs by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1970s
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Set of Six Wire Chairs by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller, Made in Italy, 1970s. Very elegant Set of Six Wire Chairs in black lacquered metal with ORIGINAL red fabric. The four...
Metal
Charles & Ray Eames DSS Seal Brown Stacking Shell Chairs Set of Eight
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in South Bend, IN
An iconic set of eight Eames "DSS" shell side chairs, dining chairs, or office chairs By Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller USA, Circa 1980s Rare "seal brown" colored fiberglas...
Chrome
MCM Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Chair in Hunter Brown Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic mid-century modern Eames aluminum group management chair. A timeless design classic and contemporary with Innovative comfort features. One of Herman Miller's most ...
Aluminum, Steel
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
1954 Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller DCM Dining Chair w/ Ebonized Finish
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a DCM Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1946. This particular piece was produced by Herman Miller and retains its tag under the seat. This example dates ...
Steel
RAR Rocking Chair by Eames for Vitra, Fiberglass & Wood, 1980s
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Berlin, DE
RAR Ray & Charles Eames Rocking Chair for Vitra
Metal
Mid-Century Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Gray Leather Management Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Stunning authentic Mid-Century Modern Eames aluminum group management chair. A timeless design classic and contemporary with Innovative comfort features. One of Herman Miller's most ...
Aluminum
2016 Herman Miller Eames Green Upholstered DSW Side Chair with Walnut Dowel Base
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
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
$911Sale Price|20% Off
Resin Production Chair Herman Miller Design Ray & Charles Eames STYLE
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Resin production chair Herman Miller design Ray & Charles Eames.
Metal
2007 Herman Milles Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair in Brown Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair, model EA335, initially designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. These examples date to 2012. The listed pri...
Aluminum, Steel
Pair of Charles and Ray Eames EA322 Swivel Lounge Chairs for Herman Miller 1984
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Tilburg, NL
Pair of Charles and Ray Eames EA322 Swivel Lounge Chairs for Herman Miller, 1984. This is a nice and original pair of Charles and Ray Eames EA322 (or EA124 as they are called these ...
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
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
Set of 4 Mid-Century Side Stacking Chairs by Charles & Ray Eames, 1960s
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Hamburg, DE
4 Original Vitra Eames Fiberglass Side Chairs in a rare version with a checkered reference according to a design by Alexander Girard. The classic by Charles & Ray Eames with this ve...
Metal
Charles & Ray Eames DSS Seal Brown Stacking Shell Chairs Set of Four
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
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
Eames Yellow Rope-Edge Zenith Fiberglass Armchair
By Zenith, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1st generation rope-edge yellow fiberglass armchair, designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller. This early example has the visual sharpness and material presence that disti...
Fiberglass
Eames Desk Chair EA 117 by Herman Miller, 1990s - 3 Available
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brussels, BE
Eames Desk Chair EA 117 by Herman Miller, 1990s - 3 available.
Metal
2022 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Management Desk Chairs w/ Bristol Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
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. These particular examples date to 2022. Th...
Aluminum, Steel
Pair Charles & Ray Eames for Evans DCW Dining Chairs in Walnut & Cowhide c. 1946
By Charles and Ray Eames, Evans Products Company, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the late 1940s by Charles & Ray Eames, this chair has cemented itself in Mid-Century Design like very few other pieces. Early models like this have become very diffic...
Cowhide, Rubber, Walnut
Mid-Century Distressed Leather Eames Soft Pad Management Chair by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Fabulous mid-century modern distressed gray leather Eames soft pad management chair by Herman Miller. A timeless design, classic and contemporary, with Innovative comfort features. O...
Aluminum
Herman Miller Charles Ray Eames Authentic RAR Rocking Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
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
Early and first generation Eames Herman Miller LSX wire lounge chair on X base
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Charles Eames, Ray Eames
Located in Ferndale, MI
This is an early Eames Herman Miller LSX chair . That is Lounge Side chair on X base . First generation (1950) with screw in domes of silence foot glides . The brace or frame...
Steel, Wire
Charles and Ray Eames DAX chair by Herman Miller, 70s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
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
1940s Pair of Early Charles Eames for Herman Miller Lcw Lounge Chairs in Birch
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Evans Products Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the late 1940s by Charles Eames, this chair has cemented itself in Mid-Century Design like very few other pieces. Early models like this are difficult to come by and are very rarely in such good condition, as many have been worked on in some way or another before their value shot up. These chairs feature a super sleek design of steam-bent plywood, an incredibly innovative technique pioneered by Herman Miller in collaboration with the Eames's and manufacturing firm Evans. The large seat and back are mounted to a molded plywood base with rubber shock mounts, another Eames staple. This allows them to have excellent contrast through spacing, which gives them an excellent stance, almost insect-like. Both are early chairs with the 5-2-5 screw configurations beneath. This pair features all original hardware, finish, and shock mounts. Very few blemishes, and those that exist are minimal, barely visible even in our high-res pictures. At this time, we have two early pairs, as seen in in photos. We also have another single early model, and two extremely rare pre-production chairs with the accompanying molded plywood coffee table...
Rubber, Wood, Plywood
Fine Charles Eames for Evans Sold by Herman Miller Ash Grain DCM Dining Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Evans Products Company
Located in Ferndale, MI
Very nice early production Charles and Ray Eames designed dining chair metal (DCM ). Clean chrome frame supports ash grain seat and back. Retains original Eames Evans Herman Miller w...
Chrome
Impeccable Molded Swiveling Armchair by Charles and Ray Eames
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impeccable molded swiveling armchair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Contractor base model.
Steel
Early Red Aniline Dyed Eames LCM Lollipop Lounge Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very nice fairly early c.1948-1950 Red analine Eames LCM chair in usable condition. Frame has 'lollipop' back rest drop outs.
Metal
Swivel Chair Mod. "ea107" Design Charles and Ray Eames for Icf De Padova, 1960s
By Charles Eames, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in taranto, IT
original chair model "ea 107", ICF De Padova production under license from Herman Miller, design by charles & Ray Eames, 1960s version with armrests It measures 82 cm in height...
Metal
Charles & Ray Eames MAX Parchment rope edge Armchair Herman Miller 1951
By Zenith, Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Iconic MAX fibreglass chair (Medium height / Armchair / X-base) designed by Charles and Ray Eames 1950s. First generation Zenith Plastics for Herman Miller production with rope edge ...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern LCM Chair By Charles And Ray Eames, Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
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
VITRA EAMES ALU CHAIR EA 124 with Ottoman BLACK
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Stuttgart, DE
VITRA EAMES ALU CHAIR EA 124 with Ottoman in black in a very good condition
Aluminum
Early edition Eames EA124 Aluminium Group Lounge Chair by Herman Miller, 1970s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in ABCOUDE, UT
EA124 Aluminium Group swivel lounge chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, upholstered in its original grey fabric and produced in the early 1970s. The aluminium...
Aluminum
Herman Miller Eames Side Shell Chair in Seafoam Light on Black H Base
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1950s Herman Miller Eames Side Shell Chair in Seafoam Light on original black H base. Chair looks to have had a repair to the fiberglass at the s...
Fiberglass
Authentic RAR Rocking Chair by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1960s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic and rare RAR Rocking chair designed by Ray & Charles Eames for Herman Miller. This rocking chair was manufactured in the 1960s. The rocking chair is in original vintage con...
Metal
$2,800Sale Price / set|22% Off
Set of Four Eames for Herman Miller Black DKR Wire Chairs on Eiffel Bases
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Ferndale, MI
Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller DKR wire chairs on Eiffel tower bases. All four chairs have been refinished in a correct tone matte black powder...
Steel
Herman Miller Eames Ivory Leather Management Desk Chair with Pneumatic Lift
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful edition of the classic Eames office chair. Herman Miller edition Eames aluminum group Management chair in ivory leather. Features the pneumatic height lift adjustment which...
Leather
Early Eames Elephant Hide Gray Rope Edge Fiberglass Armchair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
First-generation Zenith rope-edge armchair designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, produced in the 1950s. This early fiberglass shell shows the dense, irregular threadin...
Fiberglass
Eero Saarinen Knoll Mid Century Modern Secretarial Desk Chair Eames' Fabric 50s
By Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames, Knoll
Located in Miami, FL
Mid Century Modern vintage Eero Saarinen Secretarial Swivel Desk Chair, model 76 S produced by Knoll from 1953-1968. The minimalist office desk chair was designed in the 50s and popu...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
LAH by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This LAH (low Armchair H base) armchair has a leatherette seat and a fiberglass shell. This chair is the lounge version of the DAH or DAX. It is still in very good condition and perf...
Faux Leather, Fiberglass
$8,240Sale Price|20% Off
Charles & Ray Eames DAR Eiffel Rope Edge Chair, 1st Generation, 1950
By Zenith, Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charles Eames (1907-1978) & Ray Eames (1912-1988) for Zenith Plastics / HermanMiller DAR Eiffel rope-edge chair Venice, California / Zeeland, Michigan, 1950 fiberglass, enameled steel early sticker label Measures: 24 7/8" W x 23 5/8" D x 31 3/8" H All original parts, including rare first gen. feet, which date the piece to the first batch of production (1950). Labelled. Gorgeous museum worthy piece. Quite possibly one of the most famous and iconic chairs ever, the Eames DAR would most commonly become known as the ‘eiffel chair’ due to its sculptured wire base resembling that of Europe’s most notorious landmark. The very first generation of the Eames DAR Eiffel Chair was recognizable not only for the ‘rope edge’ shell but also due to the protruding ‘1st gen’ feet as opposed to boot glides or later plastic feet. The abbreviated Eames DAR Chair stands for the Eames Dining (D) height, Arm (A) Chair, on Rod (R) Base released in the first year of arm chair production of the fiberglass series developed to the marketplace in 1950. The early success of the Eames arm chairs, released in 1950, was a co-ordinated effort between the Eames . Office (Designers), Zenith Plastics (Manufacturers) and Herman Miller (Distributors). The chair series was always designed to have interchangeable bases and the DAR was one of the ‘original 5’ alongside the DAX X-base, LAR cats cradle...
Stainless Steel
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
Mid Century Modern Early Version C1946 Evans Eames LCW Lounge Chair in Birch
By Charles and Ray Eames, Evans Products Company
Located in Port Jervis, NY
What more can be said about this chair. Such a revolutionary design which took a fair amount of time to perfect. This particular chair is crafted from birch and bears all the origina...
Birch, Plywood
1992 Herman Miller Eames Time Life Desk Chair in Burgundy Leather
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 1992 and is stamped as such. The d...
Aluminum
1950s Herman Miller Eames PSC Swivel Desk Chair, Alexander Girard Checkerboard
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
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
$2,600 / set
Pair of Eames DCM Herman Miller Dining Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Eames designed DCM (Dining Chair Metal). Chairs This pair of chairs are currently in later, but not new, orange paint finish, the metal frames are also in later black paint f...
Metal
Charles & Ray Eames "La Fonda" Blue Fiberglass Chairs Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in The Hague, NL
Mid- Century modern La Fonda chair by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller, 1960's circa. The "La Fonda" designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1961 for the La Fonda del Sol restau...
Aluminum
Eames Herman Miller Black Leather Office Chair Thin Pad Aluminum Group
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Detroit, MI
The Aluminum Group Management height office chair designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller is from the Eames Aluminum Group Collection. These distinctive chairs resulted...
Aluminum, Steel
Early Eames Alu Group Recliner Chair and Ottoman
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an early Aluminum Group 684 lounge chair and matching ottoman by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Extremely cool and comfortable piece despite the wear. We're selling...
Aluminum
Charles and Ray Eames LCM Chair w/ Mongolian Lamb Wool , c. 2010
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
Iconic LCM lounge chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Unique edition as it has been issued with the wood finished with red aniline dye and covered in black Mongolian la...
Steel
Set of two Vitra 671 Lounge Chairs by Charles and Ray Eames
By Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra
Located in CULEMBORG, GE
For sale is a lovely set of two iconic Vitra 671 Lounge Chairs, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956. The Eames’ wanted to create a spacious armchair that combines ergonomics — ...
Chrome
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
Eames for Herman Miller Dax Fiberglass Shell Dining Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Wichita, KS
Early model Eames for Herman Miller fiberglass dax shell dining chair in orange. it is stamped Herman Miller and has the zenith Prime circle logo st...
Metal
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
2019 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Executive Desk Chair 7x Avail
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Executive Desk Chair, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. These examples were produced in 2017, and the listed pric...
Aluminum
Greige Light Grey Eames for Herman Miller Vintage 1960s Fiberglass Shell Chairs
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multiple Available. Price for Stacking base. Original Molded Fiberglass Shell Chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Vintage shell chairs are prized for their at...
Fiberglass
American Yellow Shell Chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1970s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in MIlano, IT
American modern Yellow Shell Chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1970s Pair of chairs belonging to the Shell Chairs series with curv...
Metal