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 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
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
La Fonda Chairs by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames, 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
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
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
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
Set of Two Herman Miller Mid Century Modern Charles Eames "PSW" Barstools
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Dronten, NL
Beautiful pair of barstools designed by Charles & Ray Eames in off-white fiberglass with a maple swivel dowel base. The stools are marked with the embedded Herman Miller logo undern...
Steel
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
$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
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
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
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
$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 Herman Miller, Charles and Ray Eames, Charles Eames
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
Set of 6 Charles Eames Alu Chairs by Herman Miller, White Leather
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 & Ray Eames MAX Parchment rope edge Armchair Herman Miller 1951
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames, Charles and Ray Eames, Zenith
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
$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
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
Charles Eames for Herman Miller Red and Pink Upholstered Chrome 'Sofa Compact'
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
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
Herman Miller, 2 Shell Fiberglass RAR Rockers by Eames (Old Edition)
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
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
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
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
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
Tandem Five-Shell Seating by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
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
Rare "Kleinhans" Chair, circa 1939 Charles Eames/Eero Saarinen / MODERNIST
By Charles Eames, Eero Saarinen
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
Pair of Charles & Ray Eames Aluminum Group Lounge Chairs in Seafoam Green, 1990
By Vitra, Charles Eames
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Rosewood Lounge Chair, c. 1965
By Charles Eames
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Vintage Eames Rosewood Lounge Chair, c. 1965. Black leather with wear and some slight damage but having a fine patina. 30.75” h. x 32” d. x 32” w. (the chair).
Leather
Early Eames DCW (With Evans Label) black aniline
By Charles Eames, Evans Products Company
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
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
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
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
American modern armchairs La Fonda by Charles Eames for Herman Miller, 1960s
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller
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 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
Charles Eames for Herman Miller DSX Shell Chair
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller, Ray Eames, Charles and 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
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
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
Charles Eames & Eero Saarinen for Vitra Organic Conference Chairs, Set of 4
By Charles Eames, Vitra, Eero Saarinen
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
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
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 RAR Rocker Chair Second Generation Lemon Fiberglass 1950s
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
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
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
Early LCM Red Aniline Dyed by Charles Eames for Herman Miller
By Herman Miller, Charles Eames
Located in Middlesex, NJ
Early LCM red aniline dyed by Charles Eames for Herman Miller.
Set 4 Eames black leather chairs, model Soft Pad EA 205
By Charles Eames, Herman Miller, 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
Early and first generation Eames Herman Miller LSX wire lounge chair on X base
By Herman Miller, Ray Eames, Charles Eames, Charles and Ray 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