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.
$1,400 / set
Pair Eames DCM in Worn Original Ebonized Finish
By Charles Eames, Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of early production Dining Chair Metal DCM designed by the Charles and Ray Eames team . Black wrought iron frames support black aniline dyed wood seats and backs. Finish shows w...
Steel
Charles & Ray Eames MAX Parchment rope edge Armchair Herman Miller 1951
By Charles and Ray Eames, Zenith, Herman Miller, Charles Eames
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
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
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
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
$940Sale Price|20% Off
Eames Herman Miller DCW Chair in White Ash
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
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
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
Original Vitra EA 217 Bürostuhl Charles Eames leder weiß Chefsessel
By Vitra, Charles Eames
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
Pair of Charles Eames Bucket Chairs with Two-Tone Original Fabric
By Charles Eames
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very unusual pair of Charles Eames, it is quit rare with a two-tone fabric, Alexander Girard fabric with naugahyde.
Metal
Mid Century Modern Folding Room Screen by Charles Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Freehold, NJ
This mid century modern folding screen by Charles Eames for Herman Miller features unique bentwood construction, canvas flexible material between wooden slides, original finish and c...
Bentwood
Charles Eames Alexander Girard Herman Miller Shell Chairs in Checkerboard
By Alexander Girard, Charles Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
A good pair of orange and yellow Charles Eames and Alexander Girard chairs for Herman Miller. Custom order label on underside. Dated May 6, 1974. More pics to come. Upholstery is in...
Fiberglass
Labeled Eames IT-1 Incidental Table for Herman Miller, 1950s
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller, Charles and Ray 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 Parchment Arm Shell Chair, Herman Miller
By Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Super clean example of this classic fiberglass arm shell chair, designed by Charles Eames, manufactured by Herman Miller. Beautiful parchment white color, ex...
Metal
Set of 3 Vitra Charles Eames Alu Chairs, Herman Miller, swivel, White Leather
By Vitra, Charles Eames
Located in Berlin, DE
3 Vitra Charles Eames Alu Chairs by Herman Miller, Swivel, White Leather This set of three Vitra Charles Eames Alu Chairs (Herman Miller) embodies the...
Leather
Eames EA108 Armchair by ICF 1 of 4 MCM 1970s Swivel Red Leather Chrome Aluminium
By Charles Eames, ICF Milano 1, Charles and Ray 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
Set of 4 Charles & Ray Eames Aluminum Group EA107 Chairs in Yellow fabric, Vitra
By Vitra, Charles Eames, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Comfortable dining and/or conference chair EA107 belonging to the iconic Aluminium Series designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller (US) / Vitra (EU). Comfort is guaranteed w...
Aluminum
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
Early Eames DCW (With Evans Label) black aniline
By Evans Products Company, Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare Herman Miller DCW chair from the late 1940s featuring the elusive Evans Products label. Appears to have its original black aniline dye.. worn thru in several areas,, A true co...
Plywood
Charles Eames & Eero Saarinen for Vitra Organic Conference Chairs, Set of 4
By Eero Saarinen, Vitra, Charles Eames
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The iconic classic organic chair was designed by Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen in 1940 as a joint entry to the "organic design in home furnishings" A competition organized by the M...
Fabric, Ash, Oak
Charles and Ray Eames Early DCW Ash Plywood Dining Chairs for Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Iconic pair 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 over...
Rubber, Ash, Plywood
Multiple Eames Aluminum Group EA108 Dining Chairs in White Netweave Mesh, Vitra
By Charles Eames, Vitra, Charles and Ray 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
Charles Eames "PAW Chair" Swivel Fiber Glass Shell Dowel Leg aCa
By Charles Eames
Located in Hamburg, DE
Second series after 1950 Zenith Herman Miller / Charles Eames PAW Swivel chair in color salmon (faded) / dowel legs in birch / all original parts / the awesome dowel base reads Seng Chicago...
Steel
Early and first generation Eames Herman Miller LSX wire lounge chair on X base
By Ray Eames, Charles Eames, Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Ferndale, MI
This is an early Eames Herman Miller LSX chair . That is Lounge Side chair on X base . First generation (1950) with screw in domes of silence foot glides . The brace or frame...
Steel, Wire
Rare Alexander Girard Fabric Herman Miller Eames Black Fiberglass Arm Shell
By Charles Eames, Alexander Girard
Located in Buffalo, NY
Extremely rare Alexander Girard Jacobs Coat Eames fiberglass arm shell chair by Herman Miller. There are 6 available,, ***PRICE PER CHAIR , Good original condition,, fabric no longe...
Metal
$9,500 / set
Early Charles Eames Dining Set
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Charles Eames Dining Set, This set consists of Four DCW Dining Chairs in Birchwood and Rare DCW-1 Walnut Dining Table. Tables measures; 29¼ h × ...
Birch, Walnut
Dat-1 Swivel Desk or Office Armchair by Charles Eames for Herman Miller, 1960s
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Classic Mid-Century Modern office or desk armchair, model DAT-1 on castors and tilt swivel in off-white with molded fiberglass shell on a chrome base. Tilt s...
Metal
Set of 6 Eames Aluminum Group EA106 Dining Chairs in Black Netweave Mesh, Vitra
By Charles Eames, Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Comfortable set of 6 EA106 dining and/or conference chairs belonging to the iconic Aluminium Series designed by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller (US) / Vitra (EU). Comfort i...
Aluminum, Chrome
Charles Eames Helena Polished Aluminium Pendant Lamp Large Version by Cassina
By Charles Eames, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Charles Eames Helena Polished Aluminium Pendant Lamp by Cassina HARMONIOUS INTERPLAY OF LIGHT AND SHADOW A pendant lamp designed by Charles Eames to illuminate the interior of the ...
Aluminum
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 Helena Black Pendant Lamp Small Version by Cassina
By Charles Eames, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Charles Eames Helena Black Pendant Lamp by Cassina HARMONIOUS INTERPLAY OF LIGHT AND SHADOW A pendant lamp designed by Charles Eames to illuminate the interior of the St. Mary chur...
Aluminum
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
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
Charles Eames RAR Rocker Chair Second Generation Lemon Fiberglass 1950s
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early production Charles Eames rocker with early fibre glass shell, zinc Eiffel tower base and wood rockers wood birch, second generation .. Large shock mounts (domes of silence) c19...
Zinc
Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs by Charles Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A nice early set of four DCW chairs designed by Charles Eames and produced by Herman Miller in the 1950's. These feature dark stained plywood construction. Nice warm patina and likel...
Plywood
Original Vitra ES 104 Lounge chair Charles Eames Bürostuhl Sessel
By Vitra, Charles Eames
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Vitra ES 104 Armlehnstuhl in schwarzem Leder zum Verkauf an. Der Stuhl wurde von Charles Eames entworfen und gilt bis heute als absoluter Designklassik...
Steel, Chrome
Charles Eames Helena Black Pendant Lamp Large Version by Cassina
By Cassina, Charles Eames
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Charles Eames Helena Black Pendant Lamp by Cassina HARMONIOUS INTERPLAY OF LIGHT AND SHADOW A pendant lamp designed by Charles Eames to illuminate the interior of the St. Mary chur...
Aluminum
Charles Eames by Hermann Miller Design Red Fabric and Fiberglass Shell Chairs
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Brescia, IT
Charles Eames by Hermann Miller, circa 1960s. Ivory shell seat and red fabric metal and aluminum base. Very good condition.
Metal
Charles Eames for Herman Miller DSX Shell Chair
By Charles Eames, Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Ray Eames
Located in New Windsor, NY
Charles Eames for Herman Miller fiberglass DSX shell chair. Circa 1970. Retains all it's plastic glides. Shock mounts are in good condition with no visible drying or cracking. Struct...
Metal, Steel
First Edition Charles Eames Paw Chair Swivel Fibre Glass Shell Dowel Leg Walnut
By Charles Eames
Located in Hamburg, DE
First production/first generation 1949-1950 Zenith Herman Miller/Charles Eames PAW Rope Swivel chair in color lemon yellow parchment/dowel legs in walnut/all original parts/the awesome dowel base reads Seng Chicago...
Steel
Set of 4 Charles Eames for Herman Miller PAC Armchairs in White Fiberglass 1970s
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames, Ray Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in post-war America, these chairs were made in the 1970s. Commonly attributed exclusively to Charles Eames by literature of the era and Herman Miller itself, Ray was certain...
Aluminum
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 Vintage Charles Eames Herman Miller Arm Shell Chair / SAX or DAX / X Base
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Vintage Charles Eames Herman Miller Arm Shell Chair. SAX or DAX, uncertain which name is correct for this version. Zinc X Base Nice early chair that has a nice attractive nat...
Fiberglass
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 grey elephant / dowel legs in birch / all original parts / the awesome dowel base reads Seng Chicago...
Steel
Charles Eames Helena Polished Aluminium Pendant Lamp Small Version by Cassina
By Charles Eames, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Charles Eames Helena Polished Aluminium Pendant Lamp by Cassina HARMONIOUS INTERPLAY OF LIGHT AND SHADOW A pendant lamp designed by Charles Eames to illuminate the interior of the ...
Aluminum
Round dining table model La Fonda by Charles Eames for Herman Miller. USA 1960s
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Catania, CT
This elegant mid-century modern dining table features a circular top in white laminated wood supported by a cast aluminum pedestal base with four splayed legs. Designed by Charles an...
Metal
Early 2nd Generation X Base Arm Shell Lounge Chair by Charles Eames
By Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early 2nd generation X base elephant gray arm shell lounge chair by Charles Eames for Herman Miller. Amazing condition, featuring early solid iron X base, .Amazing color. Elephant gr...
Iron
Set 4 Eames black leather chairs, model Soft Pad EA 205
By Herman Miller, Vitra, Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
, original 1980's Herman Miller / Vitra licenced Charles & Ray Eames EA205 soft pad dining/ conference chairs in they're original black leather. An iconic piece of design, this trul...
Aluminum, Chrome
Charles Eames Herman Miller Pivot Side Chair on Castors (PSCC)
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
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
First Edition Charles Eames Paw Chair Swivel Fibre Glass Shell Dowel Leg Walnut
By Charles Eames
Located in Hamburg, DE
First production, first generation 1949-1950 Zenith Herman Miller, Charles Eames PAW rope swivel chair in color grey elephant, dowel legs in birch / all original parts. The awesome dowel base reads Seng Chicago...
Steel
Charles Eames Wire Chairs with Bikini Cover on Eiffel Base's
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic pair Eames wire chairs on a black Eiffel base with the bikini covers for Herman Miller, Naugahyde bikini tops missing elastic connector...
Steel
Eames DAR ARM SHELL Fiberglass Chair/ Electric Blue on White Eiffel Tower Base
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Eames DAR ARM SHELL Fiberglass Chair/ Electric Blue on White Eiffel Tower Base, Amazing color , fabulous exposed fibers. ***NOTE*** PRICED PER CHAIR ,, Classic modernist design,,, From the design offices of Charles and Ray Eames the fiberglass DAR chair . This one on Eiffel tower base . DAR is the abbreviation for Eames Dining (D) height, Arm (A) Chair, on Rod (R) Base released in the first year of arm chair production in the fiberglass series developed in 1950. The early success of the Eames plastic arm chairs was a co-ordinated effort between the Eames Office (Designers), Zenith Plastics (Manufacturers) and Herman Miller (Distributors). The chair series was always designed to have interchangeable bases and the DAR was one of the ‘original 5’ alongside the DAX X-base, LAR cats cradle...
Metal
Charles & Ray Eames Early ETR "Surfboard" Coffee Table, 1950s
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames, Ray Eames
Located in Coronado, CA
An early and rare edition of the 'ETR' (Elliptical Table Rod base) known as the 'Surfboard' coffee table. Design by Charles & Ray Eames in 1951 for Herman Miller. Black laminated tab...
Steel
Herman Miller Charles Eames Shell Chair Is a Nice Orange on Taupe Fiberglass
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
A very nice color combination of a popping upholstered color on a understated neautral Taupe-ish grey color. need to confirm dims on this chair.
Fiberglass
Early Charles Eames for Herman Miller Red Aniline DCM
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in St. Louis, MO
Early Charles Eames for Herman Miller red Aniline stained DCM with early glides, no label. Shock mounts are still solid, there is wear and loss to fi...
Plywood
Classic Eames /Herman Miller Fiberglass Cats Cradle LAR Lounge Chair
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
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
Red /orange Fiberglass Charles Eames Side Shell Chair, Scoop, Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Mid-Century Modern side shell chair, "SCOOP" designed by Charles and Ray Eames manufactured by Herman Miller, amazing red / orange fiberglass, retain beautiful gel coat, exp...
Metal
Pair of Leather Eames DKX-1 Side Chairs for Herman Miller
By Charles Eames
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Pair of orange leather Eames DKX-1 side chairs for Herman Miller with original labels. Two pairs available. Sold as-is. Please note wear in leather upholstery.
Iron
Herman Miller Eames DAX Fiberglass Chair / Lemon Yellow / Classic Modernist
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Gorgeous Bright Lemon Yellow fiberglass Herman Miller Eames armchair. Model DAX with H base. All shock mounts intact as well as feet. Stamped Herman Miller , 1960 under chair . Ama...
Iron
Eames Herman Miller Unusual Patriot Pattern Upholstered Shell Chair
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Chicago, IL
Quite an interesting statement Eames chair. Possibly a corporate branded (by upholstery). American Airlines for example. Or, maybe a political event. or possibly a custom order by a ...
Metal
RAR Rocking Chair Eames yellow original vintage - Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Authentic Armchair RAR (Rocking Arm Chair) shell Eames original and vintage edition Herman Miller Designed by Charles EAMES - 1950 Original fiberglass hull in pale young color. Trac...
Steel