How To Identify An Authentic Eames Chair?

By Author: Herman Miller Furniture (India) Pvt. Ltd
Total Articles: 3
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Since its introduction in 1956, the Eames Chair and matching Ottoman by Charles & Ray Eames have continued to be one of the most iconic and recognizable lounge chairs ever made. It remains to be a famed piece of furniture, loved by discerning professionals, executives, homeowners, and collectors to this day. Its timeless design and handcrafted details are inimitable—and those characteristics set authentic pieces apart from the rest.

If you’re thinking of buying it, you should be careful and ensure that you’re getting a genuine one. Here are some tips to help you identify an authentic Eames chair.

Check for Crucial Features

Certain features are unique to the Eames chair. Firstly, make sure that the seat permanently tilts back, as it’s designed to offset the weight from your spine and lower back. If the chair has an adjustable ...
... tilt, it’s likely not authentic.

Check out the labels and shell details, too. Every original chair is marked with several various types of paper labels. Some labels mention patent information, while others say Herman Miller made the chair. You’ll find these labels on the underside of the chair or under the cushion.

These other two crucial details on the shell can help you identify the authenticity of the Charles Eames chair:

The three molded plywood shells on the outer body must not have any exposed screws.
Vintage Eames chairs have five layers of plywood in the shell’s construction and seven in the modern versions.

Remember to check the feet and base, too. The legs of genuine Eames loungers have a slight angle, but they are neither flat nor steep. Copies typically have a steep incline on the feet or are made with square feet. The Ottoman must have four legs from the base, not five.

Take the Measurements

Imitations of the Charles Eames chair do not fit the design’s original specifications. They’re typically large with a clumsy look and feel. An authentic Eames chair must measure 32 inches from the floor to the headrest’s topmost part. The front seat edge must be around 15 inches over the floor. If you measure the distance across the arms and from back to front, each area should be 32.75 inches.

About the Company 

Herman Miller is a globally recognized leader in design. Since its inception in 1905, the company’s innovative, problem-solving designs & furnishings have inspired the best in people wherever they live, work, learn, heal, and play. Guided by a shared purpose — design for the good of humankind, the Herman Miller brand shapes places that matter for customers while contributing to an equitable and sustainable future for all.

Herman Miller is a globally recognized leader in design. Since its inception in 1905, the company’s innovative, problem-solving designs and furnishings have inspired the best in people wherever they live, work, learn, heal, and play. Guided by a shared purpose — design for the good of humankind, the Herman Miller brand shapes places that matter for customers while contributing to an equitable and sustainable future for all.