The legacy of Charles Eames looms large in design. In partnership with his wife, Ray, Charles was at the forefront of pioneering innovation in the use of molded plywood for furniture making. The Eameses’ cheerful and inviting work has endured among the most important advancements in the history of 20th-century design.
Together, visionary mid-century modern duo Charles and Ray Eames introduced a wide range of renowned furniture to the postwar market, including iconic designs such as the Eames lounge chair and ottoman, the wildly colorful birch plywood-and-plastic-laminate Eames storage unit, the Eames compact sofa and more. The designers were trailblazers in molded plywood furniture and brought lively organic form to metal and plastic.
Charles Eames studied architecture at Washington University in St. Louis. He traveled to Mexico and Europe, and experienced firsthand the work of designer-architects Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. In 1930, upon returning to Missouri, Eames opened an architecture practice with Charles M. Gray but later moved to Michigan in 1938. He received a fellowship at Cranbrook Academy of Art, which would become a breeding ground for the stars of mid-century design. Eames continued his architecture studies at Cranbrook and also taught in the design department.
In 1940, Eames met his future wife, artist and designer Beatrice Alexandra "Ray" Kaiser, who was studying at Cranbrook under Abstract Expressionist painter Hans Hofmann. Charles teamed up with another Cranbrook instructor, Finnish-American designer Eero Saarinen, to explore the possibilities of plywood for use in furniture design.
With support from Ray, Charles and Eero created chairs and case pieces and submitted them to the “Organic Design in Home Furnishings” competition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City — among them was the groundbreaking organic Side chair made of molded plywood with maple legs. It was upholstered by Heywood-Wakefield. This exhibition is considered critical by many to the popularization of what is known as mid-century modernism. Eames and Saarinen won first place for their submissions to the competition.
Charles and Ray were married in 1941 and soon after moved to Los Angeles, California, and lived in an apartment building designed by architect Richard Neutra. Charles worked on set design at MGM, and at night, in a humble workshop they established in the guest bedroom, he and Ray experimented with molded plywood on a homemade device they called the “Kazaam!” machine. In 1942, the couple won a U.S. Navy contract to create molded plywood leg splints that would be used to support wartime medical efforts. Soon, the Evans Product Company was making the splints and the Eameses opened the famed Eames Office and studio.
The Eameses’ innovative use of wire framing, molded plywood and applied fabrics caught the attention of many notable figures in interior design and architecture, including George Nelson, director of design at Herman Miller, a now-legendary modern furniture manufacturer. The company enlisted the Eameses’ talents and was eventually home to the couple’s classic pieces such as the Eames DCW chair and the DCM chair.
Find an extensive array of vintage Charles Eames seating, tables and case pieces on 1stDibs.
Set of 10 Vitra Aluminium Chairs EA 107 by Charles & Ray Eames Hopsak Brown
By Charles Eames, Vitra
Located in Berlin, DE
10 Vitra Aluminium Chairs EA 107 by Charles & Ray Eames in chestnut/moor brown, H 83 cm This set of ten Vitra Aluminium Chairs EA 107, designed by the ...
Textile
Early Eames for Herman Miller CTM Ash Coffee Table, Circa 1950s
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in South Bend, IN
An iconic Mid-Century Modern CTM coffee table Designed by Charles Eames for Herman Miller Produced by Evans Products USA, Circa 1950s Molded ash wood top, with steel legs. Mea...
Steel
$3,711Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair early DCW Dining Chair in black by Charles & Ray Eames, Herman Miller 1950s
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Brussels, Brussels
DCW (Dining Chair Wood) chair created by Charles and Ray Eames around 1945. These are second generation chairs produced by Herman Miller USA between 1950 and 1953 (the production of...
Walnut, Plywood
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Charles and Ray Eames CTW 'Coffee Table Wood' for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Eames for Herman Miller Coffee Table ("CTW"). Iconic Mid-Century Modern designer coffee table bearing "Eames Herman Miller" label. Excellent figuring in the birch wood grain. Bentwoo...
Birch, Bentwood
1st Year Production Charles Eames L C W 'Lounge Chair' Earliest Label (RED CROSS
By Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Extremely RARE 1st year production Charles Eames L C W (lounge chair wood), circa 1945-1946 Retains it's original Earlist Evans label. Beautiful example in ash or birch ? museum qual...
Birch, Plywood
1 Mid-Century Eames H Miller Fiberglass Arm Shell Chair Walnut Moderna Stool
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Pasadena, TX
Charles and Ray married in 1941 and moved to California where they continued their furniture design work with molding plywood. During the war they were commissioned by the Navy to produce molded plywood splints, stretchers and experimental glider shells. In 1946, Evans Products began producing the Eameses' molded plywood furniture. Their molded plywood chair was called "the chair of the century" by the influential architectural critic Esther McCoy. Soon production was taken over by Herman Miller, Inc .,who continues to produce the furniture in the United States to this day. Another company, Vitra International, manufactures the furniture in Europe. The Eameses continued to create new furniture designs into the 1970s. 1 (1) Herman Miller Eames Fiberglass Arm Shell on Walnut Swivel Bar Stool...
Fiberglass, Walnut
1946 Eames Evans Herman Miller OTW Coffee Table in Birch Plywood
By Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
This is an original OTW Coffee Table, designed by Charles and Ray Eames and manufactured by the Evans Products Company in 1946. The acronym OTW stands for Oblong (O) Table (T) with a...
Birch, Plywood
Seldom seen shell color "Ochre Light "Charles Eames / Herman Miller side chair
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Iconic chair designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Molded fiberglass shell in seldom seen Ochre Light Color.. Mounted on vintage black steel H-base. chair in very good ...
Steel
$76Sale Price|39% Off
Eames House of Cards Designed by Charles Eames
By Charles Eames
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
House of Cards designed by Charles and Ray Eames by The Museum of Modern Art, New York in 1986. This special picture deck of stacking cards celebrates familiar objects, animals, and ...
Paper
Set of 4 Walnut DCW Dining Chairs, Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller 1950s
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A matching set of four DCW (Dining Chair Wood) chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames and manufactured by Herman Miller, USA. Introduced as part of the Eames plywood furniture ser...
Plywood, Walnut
1st Generation Charles Eames for Herman Miller ESU Storage unit 270-C (Survivor)
By Charles Eames
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
All original ESU 270-C storage cabinet a first generation designed and produced in 1951-1952. The fixed legs were known to bend and were quickly scrapped for removable legs in 1953....
Steel, Zinc
Black on Black Soft Pad Desk Chair by Charles Eames for Herman Miller, Signed
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames, Ray Eames
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A classic of modernist comfort, this rare color way (black on black) swivel desk chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller is part of the iconic Soft Pad series, originally i...
Aluminum
Mid Century Eames La Fonda Chairs by Herman Miller Newly Reupholstered - Pair
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern Eames La Fonda Chairs by Herman Miller Newly Reupholstered in Zebra Print Cow Hide - Pair Rare pair of mid century modern Eames for Herman Miller chairs on an al...
Aluminum
Pair of Lounge Chairs and Ottoman by Charles and Ray Eames
By Charles Eames, Ray Eames
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of lounge chairs and ottoman designed in 1956 by Charles and Ray Eames, edited by ICF, Italy in 1970's. Walnut plywood and black enamelled metal bases with original black leathe...
Metal
Early Eames Walnut LCW (lounge chair wood) c 1950s. Classic Modernist Design
By Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
The iconic LCW (Lounge Chair Wood) design has earned its place in the most important private and public collections the world over and for good reason. Using technology they develope...
Plywood
Second Generation "Ochre" X-Base Fiberglass Arm Shell Chairs, Charles Eames
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Second Generation "Ochre" X-base fiberglass arm shell chairs. Charles Eames manufactured by Herman Miller. Nice early versions. Seldom seen light ochre color, retaining original gel ...
Steel
Charles Eames Helena Polished Aluminium Wall Lamp by Cassina
By Cassina, Charles Eames
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Charles Eames Helena Polished Aluminium Wall Lamp by Cassina HARMONIOUS INTERPLAY OF LIGHT AND SHADOW A wall lamp designed by Charles Eames to illuminate the interior of the St. Ma...
Aluminum
Eames Action Round Desk Table on Casters for Herman Miller, 70s, vintage
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Paris, FR
Vintage Eames round table on casters for Herman Miller, 1960s-1970s. Table top : 106 cm diameter 74 cm height Table top thickness : 3 cm Brushed al...
Aluminum, Steel
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
Pair of Charles and Ray Eames "Translucent" Arm Shell Chairs
By Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Great pair of lemon yellow arm shell chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames.. manufactured by Herman Miller,, early elusive see-thrugh "Translucent" fiberg...
Steel
Four red leather Eames Herman Miller adjustable soft pad aluminum group chairs
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames, Ray Eames
Located in Ferndale, MI
Attractive set of four Eames aluminum soft pad collection management chairs . Fine set in original red leather which is no longer available . U...
Aluminum
Early Vintage Herman Miller Time Life Lobby Lounge Chair by Charles Eames
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
An Early Vintage example of a Herman Miller Time Life Lobby Lounge Chair by Charles Eames. This is the wider version. The seat width alone is 24". A vintage chair with vintage wea...
Leather
Charles Eames Classic RAR Rocking Chair Herman Miller Lemon Yellow
By Charles Eames
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Classic Charles Eames RAR lemon yellow rocking chair with original birch runners. A survivor in very good original condition-large shock mounts...
Fiberglass
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Upholstered Shell Office Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century upholstered shell office chair This chair measures: 25 wide x 22 deep x 32 high, with...
Metal, Chrome
Black LCW by Charles Eames 1955
By Charles Eames
Located in Dallas, TX
Early Production LCW designed by Charles Eames manufactured by Herman Miller - 1955. Chair is in very good original condition with the original black analine dye.
Plywood, Rubber
Charles Eames Chaise Longue by Herman Miller, Modern Design, 1970s
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in bari, IT
The Charles Eames chaise longue is a masterpiece of modern design, created by Herman Miller in the 1970s. This emblematic piece embodies the innovative vision of Charles and Ray Eame...
Metal
Charles Eames / Herman Miller / Girard Padded Arm Shell Swivel Aluminum Base
By Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Charles Eames / Herman Miller / Girard Padded Arm Shell Swivel Aluminum Base.. White fiberglass shell with amazing green naugahyde and Alexander Girard fabric seat. small ho...
Aluminum
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Charles Eames Sofa Compact
By Charles Eames
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A very rare and rather exceptional sofa compact by Charles Eames for Herman Miller. This example is special for a few reasons. It is a very early model as evidenced by the centre metal bracket. It is also a folding example. Later pieces were fixed in place. This sofa also retains the original vintage Alexander Girard "giant stripe" textile. A very rare thing as most were reupholstered of originally upholstered in a basic vinyl or wool . This textile and construction dates the sofa to approx. 1959. This is most likely the best example of a vintage Sofa Compact available for sale. A true museum example. From Herham Miller website: Why “compact” for a sofa that’s six feet wide and seats three? The clean profile of the Eames sofa compact...
Metal
Early Charles Eames CTW.. (coffee table wood) 1946
By Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early Charles Eames CTW.. (coffee table wood) 1946...Wonderful original condition,, patina ,, finish..Wear consistant with use and age... Retains original black marker (ctw),, These ...
Plywood
Vintage Charles Eames "PAW Chair" Swivel Fiber Glass Shell Dowel Leg 1950's
By Charles Eames
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic dining chair with arms on a swivel dowel base, second edition, ca' 1950's. Salmon color with birch legs, beautiful patina.
Steel
Mid-Century Charles Eames for Herman Miller Fiberglass Dining Chairs in Orange
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Mortsel, BE
Introducing the Mid-Century Charles Eames by Herman Miller Orange Fibreglass Shell Chair, a timeless piece of design history. Each chair carries its own unique character, showcasing ...
Metal
Series of six chairs, by Charles Eames, Editions Herman Miller, USA, circa 1961
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Paris, FR
Set of six DSL chairs, designed by Ray and Charles Eames in 1961. These six chairs were produced by Herman Miller in the USA C. 1961. The chairs are comprised of a fiberglass shell s...
Aluminum
$1,879Sale Price / set|40% Off
La Fonda Chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Vienna, AT
With their distinctive silhouette and molded fiberglass structure, these chairs harmoniously combine form and function. They were specifically designed in the 1960s for Alexander Gir...
Metal
Mid-Century Folding Sofa by Charles Eames for Herman Miller, 1950s
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century 'Sofa Compact' folding sofa / settee with red, pink, and orange vertically striped fabric upholstered cushions, resting on four curved chrome legs. (Charles Eame...
Metal, Chrome
Early Eames LAR Fiberglass Arm shell Lounge Chair for Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare Eames LAR chair for Herman Miller. Parchment molded fiberglass LAR chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. On wire "cat's cradle" base. This example dates to ...
Iron
Charles Eames DSW dining chairs in black fiberglass by Herman Miller 1970s
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
A beautiful set of six fiberglass DSW chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Offered in black color. One of the most recognized designs of the early modern desi...
Metal
First Edition Charles Eames "Paw Chair" Swivel Fibre Glass Shell Dowel Leg Birch
By Charles Eames
Located in Hamburg, DE
First production / first generation 1949-1950 Zenith Herman Miller / Charles Eames PAW Rope Swivel chair in color salmon (faded) / dowel legs in birc...
Steel
1960s Herman Miller Eames Swivel Office Desk Chair / rare green fiberglass
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage 1960s Herman Miller Eames fiberglass shell office or desk chair. Swivel base with wheels. Seldom seen / green fiberglass Shell in good condition with wonderful exposed fiber...
Aluminum
A Transitional Charles Eames PAW Shell Swivel Chair w Wood Dowel Legs
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
A Transitional Charles Eames PAW Shell Swivel Chair w Wood Dowel Legs. In beautiful attractive condition. Red Venice Label attached on underside. Production Date was 1954-1955. Imme...
Fiberglass
Armchairs in off-white from Charles Eames for Herman Miller Mid-Century Modern
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
A nice set of four fiberglass armchairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Offered in off-white color. The height of the armrests is 65 cm / 25.59 inch. One of the most recognized designs of the early modern design movement. The Eames' are known for their groundbreaking designs and production processes. These chairs are perfect examples of efficient use of material and ergonomic design. These chairs are quite comfortable. Labels in tact on two of the four chairs. Shipping services: Ask for our competitive shipping quote. The Eames Molded Plastic...
Metal
Multiple Eames Aluminum Group EA108 Dining Chairs Charcoal Netweave Mesh, Vitra
By Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra, Charles Eames
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Comfortable dining and/or conference chair EA108 belonging to the iconic Aluminium Series designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller (US) / Vitra (EU). Comfort is guarante...
Aluminum, Other
Classic First Year Production Eames LCW, Evans Label 5 2 5 Screw Configuration
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames, Evans Products Company
Located in Buffalo, NY
One of the nicest examples I ve owned in quite a while, stunning figured birch plywood, circa early 1946-1947, L C W (Lounge chair wood) designed by Charles and Ray Eames, Manufactur...
Birch, Plywood
Pair of Charles and Ray Eames Padded Arm Shell Chairs, Two-Tone /Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic pair of Mid-Century Modern padded arm shell chairs,Designed by Charles and Ray Eames, for Herman Miller. Beautiful two-tone, chairs are in really ni...
Aluminum
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Sofa Compact in Jacobs Coat fabric by Girard
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller, Alexander Girard
Located in Chicago, IL
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Sofa Compact in Jacobs Coat fabric by Alexander Girard 1954 Sofa back folds over for easy transport. 35¼" High × 71½" Width × 29" Deep X 16" Seat ...
Metal, Steel
Set of 4 Herman Miller Eames Orange Pad Swivel PKC1 aluminum base Dining Chairs
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Set of 4 Early Production Herman Miller designed by Charles Eames.. Orange Pad Swivel PKC1 aluminum base Dining Chairs.Nice original condition, minor blemishes to naugahyde (see pho...
Metal, Aluminum, Iron
$3,000Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage original Charles Eames ETR white laminate surfboard coffee table 1951
By Charles Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Early 1st Generation Vintage original authentic Mid Century Charles Eames ETR Elliptical Rare White laminate surfboard coffee table. Iconic California inspired designer coffee table ...
Steel
Charles Eames Vintage Orange Upholstered Swivel Chair
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Charles Eames Vintage Orange Upholstered Swivel Chair (Height Adjustable) Will confirm dims. Please contact for additional photos and Dealer Shipping Quote.
Fiberglass
Eames Office radio for Emerson
By Charles Eames
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A nice radio design by the Eames office. Model 578A. Mahogany veneer case with plastic face and dials.
Metal
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Early Pair of Dax Transitional Shell Chairs
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
Excellent early example of a pair of Transitional Herman Miller Dax red/orange armshell chairs. All original. Early black X-base with large shock mou...
Fiberglass
Vintage Eames Aluminum Group 42" Oak Laminate Table
By Charles and Ray Eames, Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bring home the iconic functionality of American Mid-Century Modern design with this classic pedestal table designed by the legendary Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller. Develope...
Metal, Aluminum
Early Pair of Charles Eames Herman Miller Shell Chairs in Beautiful Light Coral
By Charles Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a fine early matched pair of possibly Evans or early production years with Herman Miller. They have solid wrought iron X-bases. Large Shock Mounts. Wonderfully faded red fibe...
Fiberglass
Set of 6 Charles Eames Alu Chairs by Herman Miller, White Leather
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Berlin, DE
6 Charles Eames Alu Chairs by Herman Miller, White Leather, H 84.5 cm Item description: This set of six Charles Eames Alu Chairs, produced by Herman M...
Leather
Early Production RED "CTW" Molded Plywood Coffee Table by Charles & Ray Eames
By Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Seldom seen ,, Early Production ,1950s in RED aniline dye "CTW" Molded Plywood Coffee Table by Charles & Ray Eames,, Amazing original f...
Plywood
Labeled Eames IT-1 Incidental Table for Herman Miller, 1950s
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames, Charles Eames
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Early and rare Eames IT-1 Incidental Table in production till 1956. Metal folding legs with plywood tabletop finished with birch wood veneer. Excellent original condition and hard to...
Steel
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Royal Blue Compact Sofa
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in New York, NY
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Royal Blue Compact Sofa. Overall excellent vintage condition. Some minor wear to chrome and metal. Sofa has been professionally reupholstered in a R...
Chrome
Charles Eames Mid-Century Modern Yellow Fiberglass Arm Chair, Circa 1950s
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in South Bend, IN
An iconic Mid-Century Modern DAX arm chair By Charles Eames for Herman Miller USA, Circa 1950s Yellow fiberglass, with metal frame. Measures: 24.75"W x 24.5"D x 29.5"H. Seat heig...
Metal
Rare "Kleinhans" Chair, circa 1939 Charles Eames/Eero Saarinen / MODERNIST
By Charles Eames, Eero Saarinen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Iconic Kleinhans side chair , designed by Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen . Early chair ,designed by two modern masters,, I believe this to be they're only collaboration... designed ...
Fabric, Birch, Plywood
Herman Miller Elephant Gray Armshell Chair Charles and Ray Eames Design
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Fraser, MI
Elephant Gray Armshell Chair on Zinc Wall Saver Base. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller.
Zinc
Fiberglass armchair by Charles Eames for Herman Miller, 1960
By Charles Eames
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
The fiberglass shell chair designed by Charles Eames for Herman Miller is an icon of 20th-century design. Elegant and functional, it is distinguished by its simple, organic shape, wh...
Iron
DCW' Dining Chair by Charles Eames for Herman Miller, 1946
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An early, Mid-Century Modern oak 'DCW' dining chair designed by Charles Eames with a double shock-mount to the backrest. Manufactured by Herman Miller in the USA, circa 1950s.
Oak