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.
$2,352Sale Price|20% Off
La Fonda coffee table by Alexander Girard for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in San Diego, CA
La Fonda coffee or large end table designed by Charles and Ray Eames and manufactured by Herman Miller. This series was designed for the La Fonda restaurant, designed by Alexander Gi...
Slate, Chrome
Eames Time Life "Lobby" Chair - Green Leather - 1st Generation Model 675
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Charles Eames, Ray Eames
Located in Decatur, GA
Time Life Lobby Chair by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller, circa 1960. Rare 1st Gen in original British Racing Green leather. In very good, all original condition. The green ...
Aluminum
1960's Eames DCM Chair by Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames, Ray Eames
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The iconic mid-century modern DCM chair designed by Herman Miller for the Eames company is a standout of 1960s design. Simple designs with two bentwood pieces making the seat and bac...
Metal, Chrome
Four red leather Eames Herman Miller adjustable soft pad aluminum group chairs
By Herman Miller, Ray Eames, Charles 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
Seldom seen shell color "Ochre Light "Charles Eames / Herman Miller side chair
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
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
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Zebrawood DCM Chairs, Rare
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in St. Louis, MO
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Zebrawood DCM chairs, rare set. Zebrawood was used from 1954-1959. Very nice original condition, minor scuffs ...
Chrome
Rare Palisander Veneer Custom Eames Dining / Conference Table, Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare Palisander Veneer "Custom" order Eames Dining / Conference Table designed by Charles Eames manufactured by Herman Miller.. Originally designed in 1962, Custom made for client b...
Aluminum, 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
Multiple Eames Aluminum Group EA106 Dining Chairs in Black Netweave Mesh, Vitra
By Charles Eames, Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Comfortable dining and/or conference chair EA106 belonging to the iconic Aluminium Series designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller (US) / Vitra (EU). Comfort is guaranteed w...
Aluminum, Chrome
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
1960s Mid Century Walnut & Leather Lounge Chair by Eames for Vitra - Set of 2
By Charles Eames, Vitra
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century lounge chair and ottoman set designed by Charles Eames and manufactured by Vitra circa 1980s. This set is truly one-of-a-kind with its black leather upholstery and unique...
Leather, Walnut
Multiple Eames Aluminum Group EA108 Dining Chairs in White Netweave Mesh, Vitra
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames, 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 guaranteed w...
Aluminum, Other, Chrome
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
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
La Fonda Chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Charles Eames
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
Charles Eames Helena Polished Aluminium Wall Lamp by Cassina
By Charles Eames, Cassina
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
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
Eames Action Round Desk Table on Casters for Herman Miller, 70s, vintage
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames, 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
Pair of Lounge Chairs and Ottoman by Charles and Ray Eames
By Ray Eames, Charles 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
Midcentury Charles Eames by Herman Miller Orange Fiberglass Shell Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Mortsel, BE
Introducing the midcentury Charles Eames by Herman Miller Orange Fiberglass Shell Chair, a timeless piece of design history. We are pleased to off...
Metal
Vintage 1st Generation Black LCW Lounge Chair by Charles Eames for Evans 1940s
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Troy, MI
1st generation LCW lounge chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames Produced by Evans Plywood Products circa 1948-49 Molded Ash plywood in black finish Remarkable condition with 5-2-5...
Ash, Plywood
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
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 lounge chair for Herman Miller 1970s. (first production )
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
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
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
Early Herman Miller LCM Lounge Chair, Labeled
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Antwerp, BE
Iconic LCM lounge chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Beautifully bent seat and backrest. Chrome base with shock-mounts in exce...
Metal, Chrome
Rare Eames House Book w/Architectual Model by James Barkley
By Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Charles and Ray Eames fans, here's a rare opportunity to acquire the seldom seen large format 16 page softcover book by James Barkley. The book is comprised of an illustrated Introd...
Paper
Classic First Year Production Eames LCW, Evans Label 5 2 5 Screw Configuration
By Herman Miller, Evans Products Company, Charles Eames
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
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
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
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
1969 Eames Herman Miller/Fehlbaum Extremely Rare White Barstools in Green Fabric
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
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, find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Four extremely rare Eames bar stools...
Metal, Chrome
Vintage Eames Aluminum Group 42" Oak Laminate Table
By Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames, 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
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Charles and Ray Eames CTW 'Coffee Table Wood' for Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
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
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
$940Sale Price|20% Off
Eames Herman Miller DCW Chair in White Ash
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful single original like new condition Eames DCW by Herman Miller, in white ash finish elegant corner dining chair.
Ash
Charles Eames Zenit RAR Rocker Chair First Edition Rope Edge Color Lemon
By Charles Eames
Located in Hamburg, DE
Early production Charles Eames rocker with rope edged fibre glass shell, zinc Eiffel tower base and wood rockers wood birch, original label, first producti...
Fiberglass, Birch
$1,520Sale Price / item|20% Off
1 Herman Miller Parchment Shell Fiberglass RAR Rocker by Eames
By Charles Eames
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 Herman Miller parchment shell fiberglass RAR rocker by Eames Manufactured in the 1960s-1970s this rocker is one of the most iconic designs from Cha...
Fiberglass
Charles and Ray Eames set of 4 early DCW Ash Plywood Dining Chairs Herman Miller
By Charles and Ray Eames, Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Iconic set of 4 Charles & Ray Eames DCW dining side chairs in Ash plywood. Early Herman Miller production from the fifties (5-2-4 screw configuration), just after Herman Miller took ...
Rubber, Ash, Plywood
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Royal Blue Compact Sofa
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
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
Pair of Charles & Ray Eames Aluminum Group Lounge Chairs in Seafoam Green, 1990
By Charles Eames, Vitra
Located in Dronten, NL
There is a particular honesty to an Eames chair that has been truly lived in. This pair of authentic Aluminum Group lounge chairs, produced by Vitra in 1990, wears its history on its...
Aluminum, Chrome
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Red and Pink Upholstered Chrome 'Sofa Compact'
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
Rocking Chairs by Charles Eames for Herman Miller with Alexander Girard Textile
By Charles Eames
Located in Dallas, TX
Matching pair of rocking chairs designed by Charles Eames for Herman Miller. Chairs have the original Alexander Girard upholstery - excellent original condition with the original zin...
Fiberglass
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
Lounge Chair by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller, 1970s
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in bruxelles, BE
Grey leather and black wood swivel armchair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Seat height: 41 cm. Stamped Herman Miller. Ottoman dimensions: H: 45cm W: 65cm D: 55cm. Wear d...
Metal
Original Vitra EA 217 Bürostuhl Charles Eames leder weiß Chefsessel
By Charles Eames, Vitra
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Vitra EA217 Soft Pad Bürostuhl mit weißem Lederbezug zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Charles & Ray Eames und gilt bis heute als wahrer Desig...
Steel, Chrome
Series of six chairs, by Charles Eames, Editions Herman Miller, USA, circa 1961
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
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
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
Tandem Five-Shell Seating by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Tandem Five-Shell (side scoops) Seating by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller,, Seldom seen black fiberglass shells,, all embossed "DESIGNED BY cHARLES EAMES" 40 years in this b...
Aluminum, Steel
Charles & Ray Eames MAX Parchment rope edge Armchair Herman Miller 1951
By Charles and Ray Eames, Zenith, Charles Eames, Herman Miller
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
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
Classic Eames /Herman Miller Fiberglass Cats Cradle LAR Lounge Chair
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Mid Century Modern Early "Cats Cradle" LAR formed fiberglass lounge chair designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller. Circa. 1950's. Seldom seen dark olive green fiber...
Metal
Charles Eames Herman Miller Pivot Side Chair on Castors (PSCC)
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
Charles Eames Herman Miller Pivot Side Chair on Castors (PSCC) in a scarce Purple Fabric Upholstery is not tight against seat anymore. Loose in some areas. Some fading as shown. Fi...
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
Herman Miller, 2 Shell Fiberglass RAR Rockers by Eames (Old Edition)
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Argelato, BO
An icon of Mid-Century design, this is an all-original example of the famous Eames Rocking (R) Armchair (A) on Rod (R) base. This extraordinary pair of rocking chairs, perhaps the m...
Fabric, 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. The Eames Molded Plastic...
Metal
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
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