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.
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
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
Rare Pair of "Kleinhans" Chairs, circa 1939 Charles Eames/Eero Saarinen
By Eero Saarinen, Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Iconic "Kleinhans" armchairs, designed by Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen, early chair, collaboration of two modern masters, designed for the Mary Seaton room at Kleinhans music hall...
Birch, Plywood
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Mid Century Upholstered Shell Office Chair
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
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
EA105 chair, by Charles Eames for ICF, 1960s with swivel seat and red fabric
By Charles Eames, ICF De Padova
Located in Milano, Lombardia
EA105 chair, designed by Charles Eames for ICF 1960s, with swivel seat. Seat and backrest joined in a single, slightly curved frame, upholstered in the original red fabric. The chrom...
Aluminum
1969 Eames Herman Miller/Fehlbaum Extremely Rare White Barstools in Green Fabric
By Herman Miller, Charles 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, find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Four extremely rare Eames bar stools...
Metal, Chrome
"La Fonda" Charles Eames by Hermann Miller Design Fiberglass Shell Two Chairs
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Brescia, IT
"La Fonda" Charles Eames & Alexander Girard by Hermann Miller, circa 1960s. Ivory fiberglass shell seat Aluminium base.
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
Dining or Game Table by Charles Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A square dining or game table with an ash top, on folding steel legs. Model DTM.
Steel
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
1 of 10 Vitra Eames Herman Miller Black Leather Swivel Office Chairs
By Charles Eames, Vitra, Herman Miller
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale 1 of 10 original vintage Charles & Rays Eames, Vitra, Herman Miller high back black leather office swivel ar...
Chrome
Set of 4 Space Age swivel chairs. Original upholstery. Charles Eames – Herman Mi
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Set of 4 Space Age swivel chairs. Original upholstery. Charles Eames – Herman Miller. Height adjustable. Upholstery can be changed on request: +€90 per chair.
Chrome
Mid Century Eames La Fonda Chairs by Herman Miller Newly Reupholstered - Pair
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
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
Early Vintage Herman Miller Time Life Lobby Lounge Chair by Charles Eames
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
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 & Ray Eames MAX Parchment rope edge Armchair Herman Miller 1951
By Charles Eames, Zenith, Charles and Ray 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
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
Charles Eames lounge chair for Herman Miller 1970s. (first production )
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
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
Set of 3 Vitra Charles Eames Alu Chairs, Herman Miller, swivel, White Leather
By Charles Eames, Vitra
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
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 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
Charles & Ray Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman Mobilier International edition
By Charles Eames
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Charles & Ray Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman Mobilier International edition Very good condition Leather professionally restored with smooth vintage leather in excellent condition Bra...
Leather, Palisander
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
Charles Eames Alexander Girard Herman Miller Shell Chairs in Checkerboard
By Charles Eames, Alexander Girard
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
Charles and Ray Eames Early DCW Ash Plywood Dining Chairs for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames, Charles and Ray Eames
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
Pair of Herman Miller Aluminium Group Lounge Chair
By Charles Eames
Located in London, Lambeth
Original designed in 1958 with much R&D development this is a design to work with the shape of the seater’s body super comfortable.The chair featured elegant sculptural one piece ...
Aluminum
Pair of Herman Miller White Fiberglass Charles & Ray Eames "PSW" Barstools
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful pair of barstools designed by Charles & Ray Eames, featuring off-white fiberglass shell seats mounted on elegant maple swivel dowel bases. The shells retain their original ...
Steel
Charles Eames Aluminum Group Lounge Chair and Ottoman for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Charles and Ray Eames 'Aluminum Group' lounge chair model EA124 and ottoman model EA125. This is an early production... possibly late 1950s ? one-owner example that has been very we...
Aluminum
Dat-1 Swivel Desk or Office Armchair by Charles Eames for Herman Miller, 1960s
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
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
$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
Charles & Ray Eames Early ETR "Surfboard" Coffee Table, 1950s
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames, Ray Eames, Charles 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
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
$1,126Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
Rare "Kleinhans" Chair, circa 1939 Charles Eames/Eero Saarinen / MODERNIST
By Eero Saarinen, Charles Eames
Located in Buffalo, NY
Iconic Kleinhans armchair , designed by Charles eames and Eero Saarinen . Early chair ,designed by two modern masters,, I believe this to be they're only collaboration... designed ...
Naugahyde, Birch, Plywood
$941Sale Price / item|20% Off
Charles Eames Helena Wall Lamp by Cassina, Aluminum, Post-Modern
By Charles Eames, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Charles Eames Helena Black Wall Lamp by Cassina HARMONIOUS INTERPLAY OF LIGHT AND SHADOW A wall lamp designed by Charles Eames to illuminate the interior of the St. Mary church in ...
Aluminum
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
Early and first generation Eames Herman Miller LSX wire lounge chair on X base
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller, Ray Eames, Charles Eames
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
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
Set of 4 Charles & Ray Eames Aluminum Group EA107 Chairs in Yellow fabric, Vitra
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames, Charles 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
Herman Miller Eames DAX Fiberglass Chair / Lemon Yellow / Classic Modernist
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
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
$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
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 and Ray Eames Storage unit 2 modular bookcase by Vitra
By Charles Eames
Located in Milano, IT
COD-CV174 Charles and Ray Eames Storage unit, 2 modular bookcase with 3 or 6 shelves in birch plywood with open compartments and compartments closed by colored metal panels. Vitra...
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
Early Charles Eames for Herman Miller Red Aniline DCM
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
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
$1,126Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
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
Early LCM Red Aniline Dyed by Charles Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Gladstone, NJ
Early LCM red aniline dyed by Charles Eames for Herman Miller.
Set of 4 Charles Eames for Herman Miller PAC Armchairs in White Fiberglass 1970s
By Herman Miller, Ray Eames, Charles 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
$1,325Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
$965Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
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
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
Large Table by Charles and Ray Eames, manufactured by ICF, 1960s–1970s
By Charles Eames
Located in Milano, IT
Large conference table designed by Charles and Ray Eames for an ICF production in the 1960s. The legs are made of chrome-plated and painted metal, while the top is made of black lami...
Metal
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 6 Eames Aluminum Group EA106 Dining Chairs in Black Netweave Mesh, Vitra
By Charles Eames, Charles and Ray Eames, Vitra
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
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
Set 4 Eames black leather chairs, model Soft Pad EA 205
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames, Vitra
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
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" fiberglass parchment shells...
Steel