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.
C. 1961 Set of 6 Herman Miller Eames Orange Bikini Pad Swivel PKC2 Dining Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a very rare and original set of six Herman Miller Eames PKC-2 dining / side chairs, designed by Ray and Charles Eames. This set is special...
Aluminum
Eames Herman Miller Aluminum Group Thin Pad Brown Leather Office Chair, 2008
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Detroit, MI
This authentic Eames for Herman Miller Aluminum Group Thin Pad office chair was manufactured in 2008 as part of the 50 Year Anniversary issue. This management height desk chair featu...
Aluminum, Steel
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
Eames 671 Lounge Ottoman in Rosewood & Cognac Leather by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
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
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
$853Sale Price|20% Off
“Dax” Chair by Charles & Ray Eames for Vitra, Italy, 1970
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Torino, IT
“Dax” Chair by Charles & Ray Eames for Vitra, Italy, 1970 Additional information: Country of Manufacture – Italy Design Period – 1970 Production Period – 1970 Style – Midcentury / I...
Fiberglass
Set of Five Charles & Ray Eames Molded Shell Chairs for Herman Miller, USA 2016
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This set of five original molded shell chairs was designed by Charles Eames and Ray Eames and manufactured by Herman Miller. Produced in 2016, the chairs represent a faithful continu...
Metal
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
Mid-Century Fiberglass Side Chair with La Fonda Base by Charles & Ray, 1960s
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Hamburg, DE
Original Herman Miller Eames Fiberglass Side Chair with black Hopsak and elegant La Fonda Base. The classic by Ray & Charles Eames. The black Hopsak upholstery is framed with a whit...
Metal
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
Herman Miller Eames RAR Rocking Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Eames molded fiberglass shell in the fairest color of them all, Seafoam Green. Original top circa late 1950s-early 1960s. On later metal and wood base, in good condition with...
Fiberglass
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
Six Stacking Chairs, Charles & Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Red Fiberglass, 1974.
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
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
Mid-Century Fiberglass Side Chair with La Fonda Base by Charles & Ray, 1960s
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Hamburg, DE
Original Herman Miller Eames Fiberglass Side Chair with black Hopsak and elegant La Fonda Base. The classic by Ray & Charles Eames. The black Hopsak upholstery is framed with a blac...
Metal
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
Early First Edition Eames Walnut LCM Chair for Evans
By Charles and Ray Eames, Evans Products Company, Herman Miller
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
Original Vitra Charles & Ray Eames Stuhl EA 108 Leder schwarz
By Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Vitra EA 108 Stuhl mit schwarzem Lederbezug zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Charles und Ray Eames und gilt heute als wahrer Designklassiker. Der...
Steel, Chrome
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
Eames lounge chair by Ray & Charles Eames by Mobilier International for Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Exceptional find! Stylish & original early Eames lounge chair. The perfect combination : Brazilian rosewood with black patinated leather. Still 10...
Wood
Set Of 6 Eames Dar Eiffel Chairs By Charles & Ray Eames For Vitra From 2011
By Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of 6 Eames DAR Eiffel Chairs, designed by Charles & Ray Eames and manufactured by Vitra, is a classic example of mid-century modern furniture design. Each chair is made from...
Plastic
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 Set of 4 Yellow "H-Base" Chairs for Herman Miller, 1960
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in The Hague, NL
Set of 4 classic chairs the "H-Base" designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1961 produced by Herman Miller. All the chairs are originally marked under seating. The chairs have a Yellow...
Metal
Set of 16 Saddle Leather DCM Chairs by Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Dallas, TX
Hard to find an incredible set of 16 classic EC-127 padded DCM dining chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, circa 1971-1981. This version was developed in 1969 in an effort to sidestep the challenges of the glued shock mounts found on the plywood versions. These famed chairs...
Metal
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
Set of Four Herman Miller Eames DCM Dining Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Herman Miller Eames DCM dining chair set. Executed in ash and chrome steel bases. All screws and self leveling glides intact. In even condition with...
Steel
Italian modern black leather lounge chair 670 671 by Eames for ICF, 1970s
By ICF Group, Charles and Ray Eames
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
1960s Set of Ten Herman Miller Eames DCM Dining Chairs in Brazilian Rosewood
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Eames DCM Side Chairs, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1946. These examples date to the 1960s. The listed price includes the set of ten chairs as shown. Thei...
Steel, Chrome
$1,250 / item
Herman Miller Eames Elephant Hide Grey DSR Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
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
Eames Yellow Rope-Edge Zenith Fiberglass Armchair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Zenith
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
Set of Four Eames Zenith Dar Armchairs by Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Highland, IN
The earliest fiberglass Eames chairs were produced by Zenith Plastics and came in a limited palate of five colors including lemon yellow. The Zenith produced shells are distinctive f...
Steel
$896Sale Price|25% Off
Elephant Hide Gray Eames Herman Miller Molded Fiberglass DAX Arm Shell Chair H B
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome example of the Charles and Ray Eames DAX fiberglass arm shell chair for Herman Miller. It is in elephant hide gray with a black H base and unusual glide feet. It retains a pa...
Metal
Early 2nd Generation X Base Translucent Arm Shell Lounge Chair by Charles Eames
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early 2nd generation X base translucent arm shell lounge chair by Charles Eames for Herman Miller. Amazing condition, featuring low aluminum X base, large domes of silence shock moun...
Aluminum
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
$1,296Sale Price / item|20% Off
Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller DKX-1 Chair, Black Leather, H-Base, 1955
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller DKX-1 chair, black leather, H-base, circa 1954, Boot glides .Pricing is per chair. Please change quantity to 4 to purchase entire set. The ab...
Steel
LKR chair by Charles and Ray Eames 1960s orange
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
LKR chair by American designers Charles and Ray Eames, produced in the 60s. Seat and base in white lacquered steel, seat covered with original orange fabric, which can be removed. Be...
Steel
Charles and Ray Eames RAR
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early Lemon yellow rocker with its original base. Manufacturer's Label and Date Stamp.
Fiberglass
Vitra Eames Aluminium Lounge Chair, Model EA124
By Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra
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
C. 1948 Charles and Ray Eames LCM Lounge Chair in Birch by Evans / Herman Miller
By Evans Products Company, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an early LCM Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1946. The piece was produced by Evans/ Herman Miller sometime in the late 1940s. Its design features a ben...
Steel
Mid-Century Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Gray Leather Management Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
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
Eames Soft-Pad Executive Chairs in Charcoal Wool by Herman Miller, Set of 6
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Stamford, CT
The great portfolio of Charles & Ray Eames is widely celebrated and serves as a model of inspiration for designers to this day. One of their most recognizable designs is the Alum...
Aluminum
Charles & Ray Eames MAX Parchment rope edge Armchair Herman Miller 1951
By Charles Eames, Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Zenith
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
Eames For Herman Miller Mid Century Yellow Fiberglass Shell Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Eames For Herman Miller Mid Century Yellow Fiberglass Shell Chair The chair measures: 24.75 wide x 22 deep x 31.25 high, with a s...
Chrome
Italian post modern office chair EA108 by Charles and Ray Eames for ICF, 2000s
By ICF Group, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian post modern office chair EA108 by Charles and Ray Eames for ICF, 2000s Swivel office chair with wheels and armrests. The seat and backrest are covered in dark forest green f...
Metal
A Time Life stool by Charles and Ray
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Time Life stool by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Literature: Eames Design: The Work of the Office of Charles and Ray Eames, Neuhart, Neuhart and Eames, ppg. 248-249 Pro...
Walnut
Eames Herman Miller Black Leather Office Chair Thin Pad Aluminum Group
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
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
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
Charles and Ray Eames Ea117 Office Chair, Cast Aluminum, Synthetic Leather, 1958
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in New York, NY
Original Condition.
Metal
Eames EA116 Brown Lounge Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra
Located in Warminster, GB
Rare Eames Lounge chair from the 'Aluminium Group'. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1958, The Aluminium Chair is one of the most outstanding furniture designs of the 20th ce...
Fabric
$1,600Sale Price / item|42% Off
Eames for Evans Aniline DCM
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scarce, early red aniline dye DCM dining chairs, designed by Charles and Ray Eames, made by Evans for Herman Miller. Molded plywood has great age, wearing its original patina handsom...
Plywood
4 Eames Aluminum Group Side Chairs Vicenza Leather Cream Herman Miller 2015
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 4 original Eames Aluminum Group Side Chairs in Vicenza Leather Cream. 360-degree swivel. Made by Herman Miler 2015
Aluminum
C. 1950 Herman Miller Eames Zenith SAX Fiberglass Rope Edge Arm Shell Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Zenith SAX Arm Chair, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1950. This particular example was produced by Herman Miller in the USA C. 1950. The chair is comprised...
Steel
Vintage Mid Century DAX Purple Lounge Chairs by Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Detroit, MI
These vintage mid century modern purple DAX bucket lounge chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller were produced between 1965-1978. The iconic DAX chair - Dining (D...
Aluminum, Steel
Early Charles & Ray Eames LCW Lounge Chair, Evans Production, USA 1940s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Evans Products Company
Located in GORINCHEM, NL
Designed in 1946 by Charles and Ray Eames, the LCW (Lounge Chair Wood) remains one of the most celebrated and influential furniture designs of the twentieth century. Developed as par...
Rubber, Ash
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
Set of Four Mid Century Modern Eames DKX Black Powder-Coated Wire Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Portland, OR
A good set of four Mid Century Modern DKX wire chairs, designed by Charles & Ray Eames, and made by Herman Miller. In 1951, Charles and Ray Eames met the challenge of making a reaso...
Steel, Wire
Dining chairs by Charles Eames and Ray Eames Model Dax 1970
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Oirlo, LI
The legendary Charles Eames and Ray Eames transformed modern furniture design with their iconic Eames DAX chair — a perfect balance between comfort, in...
Chrome
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
C. 1956 Pair of Herman Miller Eames DKR Wire Dining Chairs with Eiffel Bases
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of DKR Wire Dining Chairs, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1951. These particular examples were produced by Herman Miller circa 1956. The pair features...
Steel
Charles & Ray Eames Herman Miller Original DSS Seal Brown Fibreglass Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Charles & Ray Eames Herman Miller Original DSS Fibreglass Green & Seal Brown Chair Brand imprint to underneath of chair seat Charles Ormond Eames Jr. (June 17, 1907 – August 21, ...
Steel
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