[Closed] Furniture Fans - Eames Lounge Chair...

No help to you but my father in law gave us his Eames chair, my Mrs then fessed up and told me he had a matching one but she left it in her room when she left Uni in Leeds not realising the value of it!!!! Bless her 😐

I've also wanted one of these for years - but again always felt it had to be an original.

Have been looking at them again recently and the Milan Direct versions are very nice.

Watching this thread with interest.

The 800 quid version looks really nice - removable pads etc - but it's a polished base rather than black. The [url= http://www.milandirect.co.uk/shop/eames-replica-lounge-chair-and-ottoman-premium-bk/ ]£399[/url] version has a black base but I can't imagine it being particularly good quality at that price...

I'd love one but could never justify such a purchase when there are so many bikes out there to buy.

Always felt personally that buying a fake of a design classic misses the point somewhat.

That's lovely. You'd be mad to spend 4k on a 'real' one when you can get that for £800 (which is still a fortune for a chair really)

Get a real one or don't bother IME

it would probably bug me that it wasn't the real deal

I'd say this is the bottom line, it's not a rational decision.

I don't think I'd be happy knowing that I'd bought a replica, it's like artwork, isn't it? I'd rather have a cheaper original than a copy of a masterpiece.

[url= http://www.eameschairinspired.com/#/eames-lounge-chair/4545314264 ]This[/url] is the most accurate 'looking' replica I've seen so far, the feet are the right size and the base proportions look spot on. Shame you can't view any of these as they're all online sellers...

whatever you do dont look at nest.co.uk - there is a Adelta ball chair and a Vitra shelf/bookcase with my name on it - just got to justify the purchase to myself and then find the funds!

Milan Direct do some very reasonable replicas of the Eero Aarnio ball chairs ;o)

[url= http://iconicinteriors.com/our_products/category/chairs/the_eames_lounger_and_ottoman/ ]These[/url]look particularly good, the upholstery looks far more like HM/Vitra version...

Wife bought the Eames 'Hang It All' coat hanger. Cheaper than a chair, but really...

Tuff decision as that is a good saving but remember if you change your mind it will have little/less resale value being a fake. The original may actually go up in price. Buying from the internet you could send it back under distance selling regs?

If you're near London the Aram store near Covent Garden will most likely have one as should Vitra in Clerkenwell. Chaplins out west and 2021 near Angel station might also.

The original can be rather bizarrely flat packed, £800 is a lot anyway so it is worth checking.

Personally I would be buying a Castiglioni arco lamp, Yanghi butterfly stool as it's only going up in price now he has died. You could buy a fair few nice pieces for £4k, although if you have loved it for a long time perhaps drop the cash.

This place has cool original stuff http://www.twocolumbiaroad.co.uk/ and the design museum will 100% have an original Eames as will the V and A.

I'm not sure the modern Vitra/HM one would go up in price due to its recent popularity, and the fact that they're waaaay overpriced on account of the heritage.

Early originals command a premium due to the fact that they were a rather scarce, esoteric piece and the cost kept them rather exclusive.

Been reading up about the Iconic version and comparing photos - it looks as close as I've seen. All the usual give-aways seem to have been addressed and the quality looks excellent.

And at a quarter of the price, I'm thinking it might be worth a punt. The remaining £3k could be better spent elsewhere...

I've seen the replica barcelona chairs and I don't believe it is real leather, where the piping splits it is clearly vinyl. I would buy with credit card to be safe.

There are hundreds of different manufactures JP, particularly the Barcelona chair - even Next were selling them recently. A friend has a pair of chairs and a day bed that are really good quality, they were cheap as chips.

The place in Hull provides leather swatches, so I might request some and see what they're like...

The barcelona chairs I have seen all come from the various 'Italian Direct' companies that have been on the go over the years. There were quite a few with slightly different names (appeared to be the same company in most cases) selling the same products for different prices none showing a company registration number on the website, it is a shady area.

You need to see them both before spending money as I feel your convincing yourself the fake will be like for like. My friend bought a fake Bertoia chair, when he latter bought a real one the differences where everywhere from proportions, finishing, weight, welding.

No-one's mentioned the comfort of these chairs... I'm not sure if it was a fake one or an original one, but I sat in one once, and found it really uncomfortable. It didn't have any lower back support. Just a thought.

Originals seem massively overpriced. Look at the fakes in person if you can (there are various places that have them in London at least) or get leather swatches if you can online.

The designer copies are really good value bits of furniture these days - they're better constructed than a lot of 'non-designer fake' chairs so look at them on their own merits.

I've got a fake from about 6 years ago and it's held up fine. It's a good looking, comfortable, chair even if some of the details aren't completely accurate. They seem to have dropped in price/improved in quality since then - the copies used to come from Italy whereas it's now coming in from China.

I think that's a good point Simon, compared to high street furniture, the quality of the reproductions I've seen has been brilliant.

The biggest difference tends to be proportions, but the Iconic Interiors one is made to the exact same proportions, so it looks "just right".

I think I'll try and arrange to view one... Any pics of yours?

conform.se/Products/Viewprodukts/tabid/93/ProdID/124/Language/en-US/CatID/11/Timeout.aspx

I too have been looking at these. The link above is by far the best eames 'inspired' chair. I have sat on them and for me I was very impressed with the quality and finish. They have adjustable headrests and are also reclining. They were only recently removed from the UK market as the foam stuffing did not comply to some EU standard. I know this as I have been trying to find someone in the UK who has them in stock but had no luck. If I could find a stockist I would order one instantly.

Not really what I'm looking for Juan, it's got to be the 670/671 Lounge Chair and Ottoman...

Would you be satisfied with a copy? For you is it about owning something that looks like the 670/671 or actually owning the 670/671?

As someone mentioned above owning this type of furniture is akin to owning artwork, it's no longer about the practicality of the object as a functional chair and more about how ownership makes you feel. If it were me I wouldn't be content with the copy, it wouldn't hold the same place in my heart that an original would. And by that measure owning it would always be unsatisfactory. If it came down to money then I would rather not own one than own a copy, not because the copy would necessarily be inferior (could feasibly be the opposite) but because the copy wouldn't scratch the itch, I would still want the original.

I agree MuppetWrangler... But up to a point. 😉

3 grand saving would perhaps allow me to swallow my principals. And the aesthete in me covets the "design", not the manufacturer's label.

The problem with some of the reproductions I've seen is that the proportions are all wrong - they remind me of those MR2 Ferrari 355 replicas. They look right to the untrained eye, but anyone that has been looking at the 670/671 for over 20 years like I have can spot it instantly.

I think I'm going to see if I can arrange to view the Iconic Interiors one...

And the aesthete in me covets the "design", not the manufacturer's label.

[flippant] In that case I have a very nice Rolex I could sell you for a good price. [/flippant] 😆

It is the Herman Miller/Vitra label that guarantees the aesthetic. It is a direct traceable link back to the original that says that this item has been put together using the processes, dimensions and materials approved by the designer. It doesn't mark it out as the most comfortable chair or even the best built chair but it does mark it out as most faithful 670/671 currently available as new.

I am labouring the point a little and it's not my intention to start an argument on the ethics of original / reproduction furniture but either way you go it is still a lot of money and if it were me i would want to be sure in my own mind that I had made the decision that was right for me.

I see your point, but I think there's a big difference between furniture and watches. Furniture designers often use several different manufacturers so it's not unusual for the same piece to be made in different factories.

The 670/671 is a case in point - Vitra are the officially licenced manufacturers in Europe, charging the same premium as Herman Miller, but they ain't Herman Miller!

Even a modern Herman Miller is not identical to the version the Eameses developed with them in the 1950s... 7-ply shells, plastic spacers, modern fillings etc.

If I was a Herman Miller enthusiast, then it would have to be an authentic US built Herman Miller chair. But I'm a fan of the Eamses and their design...

I think you've helped me talk myself out of an original! Thanks!

I think you've helped me talk myself out of an original! Thanks!

My work here is done. Enjoy your new chair.

Even a modern Herman Miller is not identical to the version the Eameses developed with them in the 1950s... 7-ply shells, plastic spacers, modern fillings etc.

Absolutely. If you look at the current [url= http://www.vitra.com/en-hu/home/products/lounge-chair-ottoman/overview/ ]Vitra[/url] vs [url= http://www.hermanmiller.com/products/seating/lounge-seating/eames-lounge-chair-and-ottoman.html ]HM[/url] versions the feed/glides are quite different. There are originals for sale with [url= http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mid-Century-Modern-Charles-Eames-Rosewood-Lounge-Chair-Ottoman-Herman-Miller-/280830136433?pt=Antiques_Furniture&hash=item4162c7d071#ht_9659wt_1234 ]down and feather stuffing[/url] whilst some of the guides to finding a genuine one specify the the [url= http://jetsetrnv8r.wordpress.com/2008/09/14/vintage-furniture-%E2%80%93-real-or-fake-eames-lounge-chair-ottoman/ ]stuffing should be foam[/url]

When it comes to having the exact proportions it's worth noting that Vitra now make a [url= http://www.utilitydesign.co.uk/mall/productpage.cfm/UtilityDesign/_UT30139/404896/VITRA%20Eames%20Lounge%20Chair%20%26amp%3Bamp%3B%20Ottoman%20-%20Large ]large version[/url] to accomodate modern human frames. The chair *is* small for me (but I'm 194cm so all chairs are). The one thing that would tempt me to an original one day (in my dreams) is sizing.

I'm a shade under 6'1", so don't find the standard too small, but I had seen the large version. Again, it's a step further away from Charles & Ray's original design, the purists must up in arms...

Seems to be an entirely middle-class thread this one.

I have 2 of these

[img] [/img]

They are Herman Miller, Eames chairs. Does anyone know if they are worth anything?

I bought a milan direct one for c. £400 new.
Came from a groupon deal
Very happy with it.

I bought a replica Eames DSW chair from eBay for £40 rather than an 'original' for £400. I daren't sit in it as the legs flex like mad when I sit in it. Looks cool though.

Zedsdead, they're Softpad Executive chairs by Eames. Let me know if you want to part with them.

"it's no longer about the practicality of the object as a functional chair and more about how ownership makes you feel."

Quite vacant I'd suggest.....

Is there such a thing as an "original" Eames chair? The patent has expired I think, anyone can make them no? Anyone can claim they are the authentic manufacturer and slap a big ticket on it.

mcboo - Member

Is there such a thing as an "original" Eames chair?

They were working for Herman Miller when they designed it, so it could be argued that the HM chair is original, but even that has "evolved" over the years...

I like them, they are comfortable as well as looking great (Barcelona chairs are NOT comfortable) but I wouldnt shell out 4k thinking I'm getting an original....need to do your homework on the quality. There must be websites where design geeks hang out who will know. Otherwise I smell a rip-off

[url= http://www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk/furniture/Living-Room/Chairs/Lounge-Chair-&-Stool-/2-1054-61540/ ]Barker and stone house[/url]I loved the look of these and tried one in barker and stonehouse.

I'm 6"4 and it was hugely uncomfortable. If you are tall it's worth trying for size.

Who makes the original chair? Hasn't it just become a generic name for a certain design?

We bought a Le Corbusier recliner for £450 second hand, I don't know who it's made by but the quality is superb and it looks fantastic, so what's to worry about? We also have Bauhaus dining chairs from Habitat and they look super too.

globalti - Member
Hasn't it just become a generic name for a certain design?

It has to a certain extent. A lot of Eames designs have been copied, and there's a wide selection of "Eames Inspired" and "Eames Era" pieces available. The quality and accuracy varies widely though.

Well, I bit the bullet and a big pallet arrived yesterday. First impressions are that it is indistinguishable from a Vitra/Herman Miller version. Quality and finish is spot on and the proportions are exact.

Only one problem: I don't know whether to sit in it, or sit somewhere else so I can look at it! Beautiful...

[IMG] [/IMG]

Oooh nice

So is this the iconic interiors hull - black/rosewood

Did you go to have a look before you ordered it?

Very nice.
Bluesuntree do a dangerously tempting array of interesting designer reprotuction furniture and they've got a showroom in Leicester (near B&Q, if that helps?)...

http://www.bluesuntree.co.uk/

Nice

I know that Eames do a tall version, if someone did a good repro of that I think I'd be after one.

hunterst - Member

Oooh nice

So is this the iconic interiors hull - black/rosewood

Yep, that's the one. I didn't go and view it, but got him to send me a load of pics. To be honest, the guy is a bit of an a-hole - the first pics showed damage to the veneer on the lower seat shell and he tried to fob me off saying it was "a natural product".

I asked him to photograph a different one and he got a bit arsey saying it was a lot of hassle to unpack them. I politely pointed out that if he'd sent me a chair in that condition, he'd be coming to collect it which would have been a lot more hassle!

I looked at the Bluesuntree one, and they sent me photos, but I wasn't as impressed. The leather looked very stiff and tightly buttoned, and the edges of the ply were very pale and didn't look "right".

This one is far and away the best repro I've seen, I can't find any significant differences between it and the Vitra/HM version apart from the signature badge. It's equally solid with just the right amount of flex in the back and no slop in the base mechanism.

Shame the seller was a bit of a tit, but worth putting up with for the quality of the piece.

I've asked them to send me some leather samples.

I know black is really the one to get - but the aged brown leather model does look very nice

It does look nice, it just had to be rosewood and black for me, just how they designed it... Where abouts are you Hunterst?

Sorry Shib didn't see your reply there.

I'm in wakefield -

We are planning a trip over to The Deep (in Hull) over the next couple of weeks, so we are going to arrange to drop in and see one in the flesh.

Very nice.

Whole room looks nice. I reckon my recently-started-walking daughter would wreck it in about 5 minutes *resigns himself to a life without design for a decade*

Enjoy!

Thanks OMITN, you're right, it's not very child friendly! Let me know how you get on Hunterst...

I can't believe you've put a 'speaker in the corner like that!

Nice chair though!

It seems to work Alex, there's one at the other side and the shape of the sloping ceiling seems to project the sound out really well. Not a hi-fi geek though, so I don't have a particularly well-trained ear, but it sounds pretty much perfect to me...

hmm, not down with reproductions....
Wasn't one point of these furniture designs, to make them locally?
This is one of the examples of consumerism and greed/want?
I'd suggest finding some young and ambitious UK based designer maker and buy a lovely original design from them.

Ok I know hard to take this sort of standpoint when we buy bikes etc etc made in the far east. But if you are considering spending large amounts of money on furniture, it is possible to spend it at home.

Hi there,
slightly odd way to come about this but have been looking to buy and eames lounge chair. I definitely can't justify an original to the mrs and still have trouble coming to terms with a reproduction. seen this thread and have looked up iconic interiors and he seems to know what he's on about.

I had almost bitten the bullet for a second hand vitra then having done some more reading learned that Vitra are an authorised manufacturer and thinking about it this reasoned if i don't get a HM version probably no real difference getting any other version as long at it is quality.... but undecided.

so In the spirit of getting an objective view was wondering having owned the lounge chair from this chap for a year what do you make of it? any regrets?

thanks

OP are your speakers set up like that?

[url= http://www.interioricons.com ]nice chairs from scotland[/url]

well china same as all the other repro ones
I'd try these, these are among the best repro ones i've seen. i had a tour of the company last week very nice stuff.

Nice link fenboy, part of me likes it the other part hates it!

mellowmiles, I believe HM have the US license to reproduce it and vitra the european.

thanks for link Fenboy. Is the furniture actually made in Scotland? if the quality were the same would be more willing to fund scottish business. I do wonder how come it's cheaper than the 'high end chinese' version?! Could i also check do you know the quality of leather + wood they use? are you a retailer yourself ?

I was wondering what you guys know about leather?! i ask cos some people say analine is the best whilst some others think otherwise. I personally would rather something i didn't have to maintain! but good quality obviously.

Talls, yes i see what you're saying though it looks like HM made the first ones for the Eameses and since the designs are different in my head it almost seems to be a different product! and vitra are making licensed copies (too anal? ironically it's probably in a ploy to justify getting a repro). like you too part of me hates it and part of me loves it...

thanks

I paid £300 for a repro from cool furniture, that looks exactly like the milan direct one. Came on a groupon deal I think. Was impressed with quality, excepting cushions as a few buttons fell off. I tried to get it fixed/ replaced but in the end I was given a total refund and told to keep the chair. Local cushion chap fixed it for me.
Chair sitting unloved in our store room, until I get my office.
At £300 I think they are a bargain, just factor in a button fix..
Oh and buying the real thing - I think these are already overprices as vintage piece. I have just bought a cracking heals original sofa for not much money..

I've got loads of Eames furniture, my favourite designer is Poul Kjaerholm though where my collection is more focused. Not getting into the real v's fake argument, suffice to say I wouldn't entertain anything knock off full stop.

We've had one of these for 5 years or so and I have 2 kids now ages 7 and 3, it's survived fine

Guys, this is an 11 month old thread, spam-resurrected.

Good topic though 😉

Is it? You've had nearly a year to reply, can't be that good. (-:

I blame Jerome then

Personally I'm more of a [url= http://www.loft.co/ ]Robin Day[/url] fan.
Oh, and made in the UK.

Only been a member for a few days....

Like Robin Day too, only got one piece of his in my collection. A festival hall arm chair.

My fault. Think i was looking at all my posts or something, and commented on an issue i had alrady replied to..

Sorry for any inconvenience, but I'm closing this thread as it's a bloody spam magnet. Feel free to create a new thread for all your chez longwee needs.