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.
$1,520Sale 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
Early LCM Red Aniline Dyed by Charles Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Early LCM red aniline dyed by Charles Eames for Herman Miller.
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
$2,196Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Round Coffee Table Charles Eames Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Baltimore, MD
Rare 1950's coffee table designed by Charles Eames for Herman Miller, early production, Aluminum Group. Features a beautifully circular molded laminated Formica white top with grey e...
Metal
American grey armchairs La Fonda by Charles Eames for Herman Miller, 1960s
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in MIlano, IT
American grey fiberglass armchairs La Fonda by Charles Eames for Herman Miller, 1960s Set of six armchairs model La Fonda with curved monocoque seat and backrest in gray fiberglass. ...
Aluminum
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
Pr 1950s Charles & Ray Eames Dax Fiberglass Shell Armchairs/ Tan Dark
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Matched Pair of late 1950s early 60's Charles & Ray Eames Dax Fiberglass Shell Armchairs// Unusual (seldom seen) Tan Dark color,,,Nice original condition,Exposed fibers, nice gel-c...
Metal
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
Eames DAR ARM SHELL Fiberglass Chair/ Electric Blue on White Eiffel Tower Base
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
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
Rare RED ANILINE L C W (lounge chair wood) Charles Eames / Evans
By Charles Eames, Evans Products Company
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare RED ANILINE RED LCW (Lounge Chair Wood) chair created by Charles and Ray Eames around 1945. Chair sold by Herman Miller, but produced by Evans Plywood...
Plywood
Table de conférence en noyer et inox brossé exemplaire unique par Charles Eames
By Herman Miller, Mobilier International, Charles Eames
Located in TOURCOING, FR
Monumentale table de conférence en noyer et inox brossé exemplaire unique réalisé sur mesure par Charles Eames pour Mobilier International piètement Herman Miller 1970's Monumentale...
Walnut
Charles Eames Herman Miller Mid Century Modern Multi Color Compact Sofa Loveseat
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Charles Eames Herman Miller Mid Century Modern Multi Color Compact Sofa Loveseat Bench
Steel, Chrome
Set of 4 Space Age swivel chairs. Original upholstery. Charles Eames – Herman Mi
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
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
Swivel Chair Mod. "ea107" Design Charles and Ray Eames for Icf De Padova, 1970s
By Charles Eames, ICF Group
Located in Argelato, BO
Charles & Ray Eames, EA 107 Aluminum Chair for ICF (Signed) Designed by the legendary designers Charles & Ray Eames, offers a perfect combination of iconic design and functionality....
Aluminum
1939 Charles Eames & Eero Saarinen Kleinhans Armless Chair in Beech, Fabric
By Eero Saarinen, Charles Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Kleinhans Armless Chair, designed by Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen in 1939. The two designers were working together at the Cranbrook Academy of Art at the time, and this ...
Beech, Plywood, Fabric, Foam
Pair of Fine Early DKX Charles Eames Chairs for Herman Miller
By Charles Eames
Located in Chicago, IL
A good early pair. More detail pics available. Seats need to be attached better. Possibly worked on by an upholsterer. All original pieces. Missing the foot glides. They can be...
Metal
Swivel Chair Mod. "ea107" Design Charles and Ray Eames for Icf De Padova, 1970s
By ICF Group, Charles Eames
Located in Argelato, BO
Charles & Ray Eames, EA 107 Aluminum Chairs for ICF (Signed) Designed by the legendary designers Charles & Ray Eames, offers a perfect combination of iconic design and functionality...
Aluminum
Early LCM Red Aniline Dyed by Charles Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early LCM red aniline dyed by Charles Eames for Herman Miller... Retains original patina.. minor repair to rear of seat (see photo), Stamped , Incised. L C M. also dated 1953.. wond...
Metal
American modern armchairs La Fonda by Charles Eames for Herman Miller, 1960s
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in MIlano, IT
American modern beige armchairs La Fonda by Charles Eames for Herman Miller, 1960s Set of four armchairs model La Fonda with seat and backrest curved monocoque in beige fiberglass. A...
Aluminum
Rare Pair of "Kleinhans" Chairs, circa 1939 Charles Eames/Eero Saarinen
By Charles Eames, Eero Saarinen
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 and Ray Eames Red Beech DCM Chairs, Herman Miller, Dining, Side Chair
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Buffalo, NY
PRICED PER CHAIR.... Charles and Ray Eames red (aniline dye) beech DCM chairs manufactured by Herman Miller, dining, side chair. Labeled. Designed in 1946. Produced in 2019. Authentic Eames chair...
Metal
Set of 10 Vitra Aluminium Chairs EA 107 by Charles & Ray Eames Hopsak Brown
By Vitra, Charles Eames
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
2x DAF Swag Leg Arm Stuhl Charles Eames George Nelson Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten insgesamt zwei wunderschöne und äußerst seltene DAF Swag Leg Arm Stühle von Herman Miller Collection zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von George Nelson bzw. Charles Eame...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Ebonized Wood and Chrome DCM Eames Chair
By Charles Eames
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-Century Modern ebonized wood and chrome chair by DCM Eames. Very nice condition. Dimensions: 21" depth x 19" W x 29.5" H, seat height 17.5".
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
1 of 10 Vitra Eames Herman Miller Black Leather Swivel Office Chairs
By Vitra, Herman Miller, Charles Eames
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
1 of 3 Vintage Vitra Icf Eames EA105 Hopsak Swivel Office Armchairs
By Vitra, Charles and Ray Eames, Charles 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
2010s Charles Eames & Eero Saarinen Organic Chairs by Vitra in Dark Gray Fabric
By Vitra, Charles Eames, Eero Saarinen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a set of five Organic chairs designed by Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen as part of their submission for the Organic Designs in Home Furnishings exhibition at the ...
Metal
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
Dining or Game Table by Charles Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A square dining or game table with an ash top, on folding steel legs. Model DTM.
Steel
2021 Charles Eames & Eero Saarinen Organic Chair by Vitra in Dark Green Fabric
By Vitra, Charles Eames
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an Organic chair designed by Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen as part of their submission for the Organic Designs in Home Furnishings exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in...
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Charles Eames & Eero Saarinen for Vitra Organic Dining Chairs Pair
By Charles Eames, Eero Saarinen, Vitra
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 ...
Fabric, Ash, Oak