The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is more than just a piece of furniture; it’s an icon of modern design. Since its introduction in 1956, it has been a symbol of comfort, luxury, and timeless style.
This popularity, however, has led to a flood of replicas and knockoffs, making it difficult to distinguish an authentic piece from a fake. Owning a genuine Eames chair is an investment in craftsmanship and history.
This guide on how to tell if an eames chair is real will provide you with the knowledge to confidently identify an authentic Eames Lounge Chair, ensuring you acquire a true masterpiece.
What Will You Need?
Identifying a genuine Eames chair doesn’t require a professional appraisal, but a keen eye and some basic knowledge are essential. Before you inspect a potential purchase, arm yourself with the following:
- A Tape Measure: Dimensions are a critical tell-tale sign of authenticity.
- A Magnifying Glass: Useful for examining labels, wood grain, and small details.
- Reference Photos: Have pictures of confirmed authentic Eames chairs on your phone for quick comparison.
- This Guide: Keep these steps handy to walk you through the inspection process.
10 Easy Steps on How to Tell if an Eames Chair is Real
Distinguishing a real Eames Lounge Chair from a replica can seem daunting, but by examining specific details, you can become an informed buyer. Follow these ten steps to verify authenticity.
Step 1: Check the Dimensions
The proportions of an Eames Lounge Chair are specific and rarely matched by replicas. An authentic chair sits at a permanent, reclined angle. Get out your tape measure and check the key dimensions.
The total height from the floor to the top of the headrest should be approximately 32 inches. While vintage models may vary slightly, most modern classics adhere to this standard.
Many fakes are taller, sometimes reaching 35 inches or more, to accommodate modern height preferences. The chair should feel low to the ground, a signature element of its relaxed design. If the chair looks or feels oversized, it’s an immediate red flag.
Step 2: Examine the Base and Feet
The base of an authentic chair tells a story. A genuine Eames chair has five legs on its base, while the ottoman has four. Critically, the legs do not have a flat, geometric profile. They are slightly canted at an angle, and each leg features a gentle curve on its upper side.
The feet should be adjustable glides made of solid steel, allowing the chair to sit evenly on any surface. Replicas often cut costs here, using cheaper materials or feet that are simply screwed on without any leveling capability. Also, the base should have a slight upward angle, not be completely flat.
Step 3: Count the Plywood Layers
The shells of the Eames Lounge Chair are a hallmark of its construction. Originally, the shells were made of five thin layers of plywood. After 1957, production shifted to seven layers of veneer for increased durability.
Look closely at the edges of the wooden shells on the seat, backrest, and ottoman. You should be able to count seven distinct layers. Most knockoffs use fewer layers to save money, resulting in a less sturdy and visually less refined product. The wood grain should be rich and visible, with high-quality finishes like Palisander rosewood (on vintage models), walnut, or cherry.
Step 4: Look for Labels and Markings
An authentic Eames chair will have identifying labels from its official manufacturer. For chairs sold in North America, look for a Herman Miller label. This is often a paper label attached to the underside of the chair’s seat shell. It may include the Herman Miller logo and other manufacturing details.
For chairs sold in Europe and the Middle East, the manufacturer is Vitra, and you should find a similar label. The absence of any label is a major warning sign. Be aware that labels can be faked or removed, so this should be one of several checks you perform.
Step 5: Assess the Upholstery Quality
Charles and Ray Eames intended for the chair to be upholstered in the finest materials. Authentic chairs feature high-quality leather that is soft, supple, and develops a beautiful patina over time. The leather should be wrapped around the cushions smoothly, with even piping and without any unsightly bunching or pulling.
Check the zippers on the cushions. Authentic Eames chairs have zippers that allow the cushions to be interchanged or replaced. Many replicas have cushions that are permanently attached or use low-quality zippers. The texture and smell of real, premium leather are hard to fake.
Step 6: Inspect the Shell Construction
The three wooden shells—seat, back, and headrest—are not identical. The backrest and seat shells are the same size and shape, a detail many replica manufacturers get wrong. The shells are connected by aluminum back braces. Notice how the shells connect to the base.
There are no visible screws or bolts on the exterior of the wood shells. All hardware is hidden from view, a key part of the chair’s sleek and clean design. If you see screws drilled directly into the outside of the plywood, you are looking at a replica.
Step 7: Check the Shock Mounts
The flexibility and comfort of the Eames chair come from its innovative use of rubber shock mounts. These mounts connect the backrest to the seat and the base, allowing the chair to flex when you sit in it. On an authentic chair, these mounts are hidden between the plywood shells and the metal connectors.
You should not be able to see them easily. Vintage models used natural rubber, while modern versions use more durable neoprene. Replicas often use hard plastic mounts or simpler bolting systems, resulting in a rigid and less comfortable seating experience.
Step 8: Analyze the Recline Angle
A genuine Eames Lounge Chair is set at a permanent 15-degree recline. This specific angle was carefully chosen by the Eameses to create a position of relaxation and support. The chair does not recline or adjust; it is fixed in this comfortable posture.
Many replicas miss this detail, offering adjustable recline mechanisms or setting the chair at a more upright angle. Sit in the chair. It should immediately place you in a relaxed, slightly leaned-back position. Any other posture suggests it is not an authentic design.
Step 9: Verify the Ottoman Design
The ottoman is not just an afterthought; it is an integral part of the Eames Lounge Chair experience. It should have four legs (not five like the chair) that match the chair’s base design. The cushion on an authentic ottoman is a single, plush unit and is not interchangeable with the chair’s cushions.
It should be universally sized and have a slight concave shape to comfortably cradle the legs. Replicas often use a flat cushion or one that is identical to the chair’s seat cushion.
Step 10: Evaluate the Overall Finish and Feel
Finally, trust your senses. An authentic Eames chair is a product of meticulous craftsmanship. Run your hand over the wood; it should be perfectly smooth. Examine the metal components; they should be polished and free of imperfections.
Sit in the chair; it should feel balanced, sturdy, and incredibly comfortable. A replica often feels flimsy, looks slightly “off,” and lacks the refined details that define a genuine piece. The combination of high-quality leather, expertly finished wood, and solid metal creates a feeling of luxury that knockoffs simply cannot replicate.
5 Things You Should Avoid
When searching for your own Eames chair, be wary of these common pitfalls:
- Ignoring the Dimensions: Do not eyeball the chair’s size. A replica that is too tall or too wide is one of the easiest signs to spot, so always use a tape measure.
- Visible Hardware: Avoid any chair that has screws or bolts visible on the exterior of the wooden shells. Authentic construction hides all hardware.
- A Flat Base: Do not purchase a chair with five perfectly flat legs. The original design has legs that are angled and curved for stability and style.
- Assuming a Label is Genuine: While labels are a good sign, sophisticated fakes can include counterfeit labels. Use the label as one part of a more comprehensive inspection.
- Falling for “Too Good to Be True” Prices: An authentic Eames Lounge Chair is a premium product with a price to match. An unusually low price, even for a used model, is a significant red flag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Vintage Eames Chairs Better Than New Ones?
Not necessarily. Vintage chairs (especially those with Brazilian rosewood) are rare and valuable, but modern ones from Herman Miller or Vitra use more durable shock mounts and sustainable materials while maintaining the original design integrity.
How Much Should I Expect to Pay for a Real Eames Chair?
A new, authentic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman from an authorized dealer typically starts around $7,000. Prices for used or vintage models can vary widely from $3,000 to over $12,000, depending on condition, age, and materials.
Can I Replace Parts on an Authentic Eames Chair?
Yes, one of the benefits of owning a genuine chair is that authorized manufacturers like Herman Miller and Vitra offer replacement parts, including cushions, shock mounts, and glides, ensuring your investment can be maintained for life.
Conclusion
The Eames Lounge Chair is a testament to the idea that design can be both beautiful and functional.
Its enduring appeal has made it a target for imitation, but with a trained eye and a little knowledge, you can easily tell the masterpiece from the copy. By carefully examining the dimensions, materials, construction, and labels, you can confidently identify an authentic chair.
Hopefully, the article on how to tell if an eames chair is real has been helpful and informative.
