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.
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
Armchair for " EA 117 " Charles Ray Eames for ICF USA 1969.
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Lot/Drogenbos, BE
Armchair model " EA117 " swivel in red fabric and aluminium frame on wheels, original black color, partly repainted, on castors added (higher seat). Designed by Charles & Ray Eames ...
Metal
Mid-Century Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Chair Espresso Leather
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
1983 Herman Miller Eames EC175 Fiberglass Desk Chair in Blue Naugahyde & Canvas
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an EC175 Desk Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1971 for Herman Miller. This particular example was produced in 1983. This is one of the more unique and ...
Aluminum
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
Eames for Herman Miller MCM Dark Blue Padded Fiberglass Swivel Office Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Dark Blue Padded Fiberglass Swivel Office Chair This office chair measures: 25.5 wide x 24 deep x 32.75 high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm ...
Metal
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
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Eames Molded Fiberglass Black Armchair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Gorgeous vintage mid-century modern Eames molded fiberglass black armchair. Arguably one of the 20th century's most beloved designs, the Eames ...
Steel, Chrome
Midcentury Eames Aluminum Group Managment Chairs for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration are a set of 6 Eames side chairs upholstered in gorgeous fabric. Elegance and comfort separates this iconic chair from the rest. The upholstery is in wonderful...
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
Eames EA108 Swivel Task Chair Licensed & Manufactured Made By ICF De Padova
By ICF De Padova, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Charles and Ray Eames EA108 Hopsack Swivel Task Chair from The Aluminium Group Manufactured Under License By ICF De Padova of Italy Each chair has an ...
Steel, Chrome
Model EA 116 Chair by Eames for Herman Miller, 1960's
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice original EA116 Chairs, early edition. These swivel chairs are designed by Charles and Ray Eames and fabricated by Herman Miller in the 60's. They have the original grey "H...
Metal
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
1970s Pair of Herman Miller Eames DCMU Dining Chairs with Blue Fabric Upholstery
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of Eames DCMU Chairs, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1970. These particular examples were produced in the United States and date back to the 19...
Steel
1st Generation Eames RKR Rocker by Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Highland, IN
Charles and Ray Eames designed their fiberglass and wire chairs to be fitted with a wide variety of bases to offer a range of heights, uses, and aesthetics. One of the most desirable...
Steel
Eames Herman Miller DCM Chairs in Red Stained Birch
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Dallas, TX
The Eames Molded Plywood Dining Chair (1946) began as an experiment in the Eameses’ apartment and became one of the world’s most widely recognized and highly coveted chairs. Low-slung with an expertly crafted molded seat and back, this chair supports you in a comfortable ergonomic position. Rubber shock mounts buffer against jarring movement. Its seat and back were so thin the design was nicknamed the “potato chip chair...
Steel
$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
Rocking Chair by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An early example of the iconic RAR rocker with a molded, rope-edged fiberglass seat with large shock mounts, made by Zenith Plastics for Herman Miller, set upon cross-braced steel st...
Steel
1st Generation Eames LKX Lounge Wire Mesh Side Chair 1951
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Detroit, MI
Hard-to-find First Generation Eames LKX (Low/Wire/X-base) lounge chairs, only made one year with this configuration; 1951. Made by Charles & Ray Eames for He...
Steel, Wire
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
Armchair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1970s
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in bruxelles, BE
Swivel chair on casters in metal and fiberglass. Wear due to time and age of the chair (see photo) FOR SHIPPING, REQUEST US FOR RECEIVE THE BEST PRICE
Metal
$3,116Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Set of Four DKR Bikini Chairs by Charles Eames
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Catania, CT
Good vintage condition with trace of age and use for this set of four Bikini chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Some rust spots on the metal. Original from 60s.
Steel
1 OF 3 BROWN 1989 VITRA EAMES HERMAN MILLER EA 108 MODEL OFFICE SWIVEL CHAiRS
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale 1 of 3 original 1989 Triple Stamped original vintage Charles & Ray Eames, Vitra, Herman Miller EA 108 sw...
Chrome
1959 Herman Miller Eames DAX Fiberglass Arm Shell Chair with Green Removable Pad
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a circa 1959 production Herman Miller Eames DAX dining / side chair with dark green original naugahyde removable pad and fiberglass shell (with painted back). The ...
Aluminum
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 & Ray Eames Herman Miller Original DSS Seal Brown Fibreglass Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
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
$7,768 / set
LCW lounge chairs by Charles and Ray Eames
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
LCW lounge chairs by Charles and Ray Eames in excellent original condition from around 1960-70s
Plywood
Aluminum Group EA 116 Chair by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller, USA, 1990s
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a rare, vintage Model EA 116 Swivel Chair designed by Eames couple for their now iconic 'Aluminium Group'. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1958, the aluminum chair i...
Aluminum
2010s Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair in Cream
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
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
Eames for Herman Miller MCM Blue Padded Fiberglass Swivel Office Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Blue Padded Fiberglass Swivel Office Chair This office chair measures: 25.5 wide x 24 deep x 32.75 high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm heigh...
Metal
1960 Herman Miller Eames DAX Dining Arm Shell Chair in Parchment Fiberglass
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a DAX fiberglass dining chair, initially designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1950. This particular example was produced by Herman Miller in the USA C. 1960. The design incor...
Steel
Model EA 105 Aluminium Swivel Chair by Eames for Herman Miller, 1970s
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
The Aluminium Chair EA 105, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1958, is an icon of modern design and craftsmanship. This chair perfectly blends timeless elegance with exceptional c...
Aluminum
PAiR OF VINTAGE HERMAN MILLER HILLIE STAMPED BLACK LEATHER SWIVEL LOUNGE CHAIRS
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this pair of original First Edition Herman Millie Hillie stamped Eames Ea124 lounge or office chairs with bl...
Chrome
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, innovation, and timeless aestheti...
Chrome
2006 Herman Miller Eames Sofa Compact with New Brown Fabric Upholstery
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
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
1951 Herman Miller Eames RAR Fiberglass Rocking Chair w/ Rope Edge & Zenith Tags
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a very rare, early 'RAR' Rocking Chair, initially designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1950. This particular chair dates to around 1951, as determined by the early Zenith lab...
Steel
Charles & Ray Eames Late 20th-Century Black Aluminum Office Chair for ICF
By ICF De Padova, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Conversano, IT
If you would like to receive additional photos of this item, please feel free to contact us directly through the 1stDibs messaging system. We will be happy to provide you with furthe...
Aluminum
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
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 20thC Ea217 Chair In Black Leather By Charles & Ray Eames For ICF
By ICF Group, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A classic EA217 Soft Pad Chair, one of the most recognisable designs by Charles and Ray Eames, originally introduced in 1969 as an evolution of their earlier Aluminium Group seating....
Aluminum
Vintage 20thC Ea217 Chair In Black Leather By Charles & Ray Eames For ICf
By Charles and Ray Eames, ICF Group
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A classic EA217 Soft Pad Chair, one of the most recognisable designs by Charles and Ray Eames, originally introduced in 1969 as an evolution of their earlier Aluminium Group seating....
Aluminum
Vintage 20thC Ea217 Chair In Black Leather By Charles & Ray Eames For ICF
By Charles and Ray Eames, ICF Group
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A classic EA217 Soft Pad Chair, one of the most recognisable designs by Charles and Ray Eames, originally introduced in 1969 as an evolution of their earlier Aluminium Group seating....
Aluminum
Vintage 20thC Ea217 Chair In Black Leather By Charles & Ray Eames For Icf
By Charles and Ray Eames, ICF Group
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A classic EA217 Soft Pad Chair, one of the most recognisable designs by Charles and Ray Eames, originally introduced in 1969 as an evolution of their earlier Aluminium Group seating....
Aluminum
Model EA 105 Aluminium Chairs by Eames for Herman Miller, 1970s, set of 2
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
The Aluminium Chair EA 105, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1958, is an icon of modern design and craftsmanship. This chair perfectly blends timeless elegance with exceptional c...
Aluminum
Italian modern Black plastic chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra, 2017
By Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Black plastic chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra, 2017 Set of 10 iconic chairs with seat and backrest in curved black monoco...
Metal
Pair of Charles and Ray Eames Adjustable Swivel Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Nice pair of adjustable height swivel chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames,, Retain original Girard naugahyde padded fiberglass shell as well as early cast aluminum 4-star base,,...
Aluminum
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
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
German postmodern black wooden chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra, 2000s
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in MIlano, IT
German postmodern black wooden chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra, 2000s Pair of chairs model DCM in black wood. The seat and back are rounded with enveloping sides, the struc...
Metal
Charles & Ray Eames office chair mod. EA117 ICF production, 1970s
By Charles and Ray Eames, ICF De Padova
Located in Parma, IT
Charles & Ray Eames office chair model EA101 produced by ICF in the 1970s. Die-cast aluminum frame, 5-star base with wheels, padded fabric seat, and lever for height adjustment. Wit...
Aluminum
2008 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Management Desk Chair in Spotted Felt Fabric
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 Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. These examples date to 2008. Their design i...
Aluminum, Steel
2000s Eames Molded Plastic Side Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Esperance, NY
Modern Living — In the 1950s, the Eames molded shell changed everything about what a chair could be–sculptural, practical, mass-produced. Now in recyclable polypropylene, this staple of modern living fits every body and any space. 2000s Eames Molded plastic side chair...
Metal
2010s Herman Miller Eames Executive Soft Pad Desk Chair in White Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad Executive Desk Chair, Model EA437, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1969. This example dates to the 2010s. Th...
Aluminum, Steel
1977 Eames Herman Miller EC175 Upholstered Fiberglass Shell Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a rare and marvelous EC175-8 chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames, produced by Herman Miller. This is one of the more unique and later Eames designs, building...
Fabric, Fiberglass
EC228 Secretary Chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Uncommon chair upholstered in red/orange fabric. Signed.
Fabric
Herman Miller Produced Eames RAR Rocking Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic mid-century modern shell rocking chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for the Herman Miller Company, and used by the CUNY University. Leather slip is in tact over the fibe...
Chrome
Early Red Aniline Dyed Eames LCM "Lounge Chair Metal", Signed with Evans Label
By Evans Products Company, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Kansas City, MO
Very early Charles Eames and Ray Eames LCM, for Evans Products Company, Venice, CA, circa 1945. Red aniline-dyed molded plywood, polished c...
Chrome
1959 Mid Century RAR Gray Rocking Chair by Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Detroit, MI
The iconic RAR chair - Rocking (R) Arm (A) Chair on Rod (R) Base - was designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1950 and launched as one of the original 5 base option...
Metal
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
C. 1952 Rare Herman Miller Evans Eames DCM Chair w/ Original Upholstery & Label
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames DCM Side Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1946. This early example was manufactured circa 1952, and it appears to be a late Evans / early Herma...
Steel