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 EA108 Armchair by ICF 1 of 4 MCM 1970s Swivel Red Leather Chrome Aluminium
By Charles and Ray Eames, ICF Milano 1, Charles Eames
Located in London, GB
One of four fabulous genuine vintage Eames EA108 chromed aluminium and red leather swivel armchairs in excellent condition. Designed by Mid Century giants Charles & Ray Eames in 1958...
Aluminum, Chrome
1950s Herman Miller Eames DKX Wire Dining Chair in White with Black Base
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a DKX chair, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1951. This particular example was produced by Herman Miller in the USA in the 1950s. The chair is comprised of a ...
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
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
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
1 Aluminum Group Lounge Chair for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Pasadena, TX
A chair designed in 1958 as outdoor seating still manages to look both classic and contemporary in 21st century interiors. The chairs` clean, trim lines make them appropriate for all...
Aluminum
Early Salmon color Charles and Ray Eames Arm Shell Chair, 2nd generation X base
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early Salmon color Charles and Ray Eames Arm Shell Chair, 2nd generation. X base. Amazing condition, retains clean, crisp gel coat, large domes o...
Iron
2016 Herman Miller Eames Green Upholstered DSW Side Chair with Walnut Dowel Base
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
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
Set of 6 Vitra EA107 Aluminum Chairs by Charles & Ray Eames 'Mid-Century Modern'
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in CULEMBORG, GE
Charles and Ray Eames designed this chair in 1958 for the private residence of an art collector in Columbus, Indiana (USA). For its construction, the designer couple experimented wit...
Aluminum
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
1970s Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair in Red Naugahyde with Black Fabric Pillow
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Lounge Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. This particular example dates to the 1970s. The design features ...
Aluminum, Steel
Herman Miller Eames DCM Chair in Butter Yellow - Red Aniline Dye Finish
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 over the original red aniline dye finish (you ca...
Chrome
EA116, Early Edition, Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1958
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Barcelona, ES
Rare early edition “EA116” designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. The stamp “Herman Miller Patent Pending” proves the antiquity of the pie...
Aluminum
2010s Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair in White Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Management Chair, Model EA335, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. This particular example was produced in the 201...
Aluminum
Early Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller Midcentury Rope Edge Armchair
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Early Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller midcentury rope edge armchair This chair measures: 24.5 wide x 22 deep x 31 inches high, w...
Metal
2018 Set of Four Herman Miller Eames Plastic Bar Stools in Black
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Eames Plastic Bar stools, which were developed by Herman Miller in 2015. These particular examples were produced in 2018. The stools are comprised of black powd...
Steel
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
2010s Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair in Grey Naugahyde
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
2008 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Management Desk Chair with Griege Suede Seat
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
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 examples were produced in 2008, and ...
Aluminum, Steel
C. 1953 Herman Miller Eames Fiberglass Arm Shell MAX Chair with Black X Base
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an early 1950s (circa 1953) Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller fiberglass MAX arm chair. The piece does not retain its label, but we can accurately date the chair to bet...
Iron
2005 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair in Greige Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
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. This example dates to 2005. The design inc...
Aluminum
Eames LKH-2 Lounge with Girard Upholstery by Herman Miller
By Alexander Girard, Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Highland, IN
This terrific example of the Eames LKH-2 easy chair has a black wire seat, a bikini pad in magenta naugahyde designed by Alexander Girard and a zinc lounge ...
Steel
1952 Herman Miller Eames LCM Lounge Chair Metal Legs with Ebonized Wood Finish
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a vintage Herman Miller LCM (Lounge Chair Metal), designed by Ray and Charles Eames. This example was produced circa 1952 and was later repaired by Herman Miller (...
Metal
2006 Herman Miller Eames Sofa Compact with New Brown Fabric Upholstery
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
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
1 of 3 Vintage Vitra Icf Eames EA105 Hopsak Swivel Office Armchairs
By Charles Eames, Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale 1 of 4 original fully stamped ICF for Charles Eames, EA105 Hopsak chrome swivel armchairs RRP £2,096 each. Super iconic, award winning, what more can you say, these are pretty much the most comfortable office chairs ever made, these are fully stamped with the model number to the base and the Eames label...
Chrome
Armchair for " EA 117 " Charles Ray Eames for ICF USA 1969.
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Lot/Drogenbos, BE
Armchair model " EA 117 " swivel in red fabric and aluminium frame on wheels, original black color, partly repainted. Designed by Charles & Ray Eames for ICF, USA in 1969. D...
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
1957 Herman Miller Eames DKR-2 Dining / Side Chairs Set of Five with Orange Pads
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a rare set of 1957 Eames DKR-2 Dining / Side Chairs produced by Herman Miller with original Redwood avenue labels. These chairs are in very good to excellent vinta...
Metal
C. 1955 Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller DCM Chair in Calico Ash
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
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....
Steel
2010s Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair in White Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Management Chair, Model EA335, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. These particular examples were produced in the ...
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
Mid Century Modern Early Eames DAX Armed Shell Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Early Eames DAX Armed Shell Chair Fiberglass in good condition and structurally sound. Some slight discoloration but overall above average vintage condition. Add...
Fiberglass
Mid-Century Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Chair in White 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
1958, Eames, EA 107 for Herman Miller, Static Non Swivel Alu Chair
By 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, check last pictures on this listing and/or find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Alu chair with the typical elegant legs of the Ea 107...
Aluminum
2010s Herman Miller Eames Executive Soft Pad Desk Chair in White Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
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
1964 Eames for Herman Miller 3473 Sofa with Fresh Black Naugahyde Upholstery
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a 3473 sofa, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1964. It is constructed from aluminum, iron, and plywood. It was recently recovered (2021) in b...
Aluminum, Iron
Early 2nd Generation Charles and Ray Eames Arm Shell Chair
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Mid-Century fiberglass arm shell chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames, 2nd year production featuring early exposed fibers, heavy iron x base, larg...
Iron
Vitra EA 119 Bürostuhl Charles & Ray Eames Hopsak Leder hoch
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen EA 119 Bürostuhl von Vitra aus schwarzem Leder zum Verkauf an. Das Design stammt vom bekannten Designduo Charles und Ray Eames und zeichnet sich durch ...
Metal
Design Classic Eames Vitra EA 124, EA 125 Alu Group Lounge Set, 2000s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra
Located in Renens, CH
The Aluminum Group chairs by Charles and Ray Eames are considered among the significant furniture designs of the 20th century. Introduced in the late 1950s, their construction and ...
Metal
2010s Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair in Grey Naugahyde
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. This pa...
Aluminum
2018 Set of Four Herman Miller Eames DSW Dining Side Chairs in Black Plastic
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a DSW Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1950. This particular example was produced in the United States in 2018. The chair features a b...
Steel
C. 2018 Eames DSX Plastic Shell Chair by Herman Miller in Plastic with H-Base
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames DSX Chair, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in the 1950s. This particular example was produced by Herman Miller in the USA C. 2018. The chair is comprise...
Steel
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
Herman Miller Produced Eames RAR Rocking Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
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
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 Aluminum Group Reclining Lounge Chair w/ Pillow
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group reclining lounge chair, model EA124, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. Th...
Aluminum
2007 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair in Grey Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
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 2007. Their design i...
Aluminum, Steel
1958 Set of 4 Herman Miller Eames DKR-2 Wire Bikini Chairs in Yellow Naugahyde
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four DKR-2 wire dining chairs, designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1951. This particular set of four chairs dates to circa 1958. They have steel wir...
Naugahyde
Pair of C. 1953 Herman Miller Eames LCW Lounge Chair Wood Refinished Red Aniline
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
"Listed for sale is an original pair of circa 1953 production Eames LCW (Lounge Chair Wood) chairs, originally specified in red aniline dye. These examples were refinished and restor...
Wood
C. 1953 Pair of Herman Miller Eames LKR Cats Cradle Lounge Chairs with Bases
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Pair of LKR Wire Side Chairs with Rare "Cats Cradle" Lounge Bases, initially designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller in 1951.This pair dates to circa 1953, and ...
Steel
Ea 117 office chair by Charles and Ray Eames and manufactured by Vitra in 1999
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Ravenna, IT
Ea 117 office chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames and produced by Vitra in 1999. The seat possesses an aluminum frame and is part of the Aluminium Group's large family of operati...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Charcoal 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 most po...
Aluminum
Rocking Chair by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
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
Eames EA116 Grey 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
2006 Herman Miller Compact Sofa by Ray and Charles Eames with New Yellow Fabric
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Compact Sofa, Model S-473, initially designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1954. This particular example dates to 2006 and has been freshly reuphols...
Steel, Chrome
2020s Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Management Desk Chair in Cream Naugahyde
By Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair, Model EA335, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. This particular example dates to the 2020s. The ...
Aluminum, Steel
C. 1954 Set of Four Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller DKX Wire Dining Chairs
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four DKX chairs, originally designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1951. These particular examples were produced by Herman Miller in the USA C. 1954. The chairs are co...
Steel
2023 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Executive Desk Chair in Gray Bristol Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Eames Aluminum Group Executive high back desk chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames and produced by Herman Miller. This model was originally designed in 1958, and this ...
Aluminum
1995 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Management Desk Chair in Grey Leather
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Aluminum Group Management Desk Chair, Model EA335, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. These particular examples date to 1995. The desi...
Aluminum, Steel
2014 Herman Miller Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chairs in Grey Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are Eames Aluminum Group Management Desk Chairs, model EA335, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1958. These particular examples date to 2014. Th...
Aluminum, Steel
1953 Herman Miller Eames RAR Rocking Chair with Fiberglass Shell and White Base
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a RAR Rocking Chair, designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1950. This particular example dates to around 1953. The piece consists of a yellow fiberglass shell seat and back, a...
Metal
Vintage Eames / Zenith PAW Swivel Base Armchair, 1940s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Renens, CH
First generation Eames rope-edge swivel base armchair. Manufactured only for a very short period in the late 1940s by Zenith. This chair is a true collector’s item with less than ...
Fiberglass, Wood