Finding The Perfect Eames Lounge Chair Replica [August 2020]

Out of all of the designers who came out of the midcentury modern period, Charles and Ray Eames are some of the biggest standouts. This couple, famous for their furniture, is responsible for more classic designs than any other team (or individual) in the history of the field.

Their approach blended Eastern and Bauhaus influences, paving the way for generations of designers to come. Their work is distinctly American, as many of their designs were developed specifically for the suburban homes which popped up during the middle of the 20th century.

Some of the Eames’ most iconic pieces are their chairs. Their approach to chair design was unique in it’s attention to detail and its careful consideration of the user’s body.

Today, original Eames chairs are a highly sought-after commodity.

Research / Frequent Questions

What Is A Replica Eames Lounge Chair?

As the midcentury style has resurged over the past two decades, original Eames pieces have become a hot commodity. Collectors and connoisseurs have piled into auction houses, making extravagant bids in hopes of taking home an original Eames chair.

For most of us, however, originals cost way too much. After all, a single chair can run as high as $20,000.

Luckily, there are plenty of replicas out there. Depending on how much you want to spend, you can purchase a one-run knock-off, or even a mass-produced Eames-inspired chair, for only a few hundred dollars.

Of course, a replica isn’t usually identical to the original. The Eameses were detail people, and their work reflects that. Everything from the angle of the legs to the curvature of the chair back was carefully considered. Unfortunately, not all replica makers are tuned in to those precise details.

But, if you can find a replica made by a skilled craftsperson, you won’t even be able to tell the difference. Your furniture-collecting friend might call you out on having a fake, but you’ll still have an amazing chair sitting in your home.

Some words of wisdom about whether a replica piece or original is the right choice from furniture connoisseur Robert Gerrish,”
If you purely want the ‘look’ of a classic piece of furniture and budget is an issue, then a reproduction may suit. In this instance you’re purely following fashion.”
On the other hand, if you’re a serious lover of fine design it’s more likely you’ll want a piece that has a direct connection with its creator. Personally I’d rather sit on a milk crate for a few years and save for the real thing.

He continues…”if you’re a serious lover of fine design it’s more likely you’ll want a piece that has a direct connection with its creator. “

Should I Purchase a Replica Eames Lounge Chair?

Furniture connoisseur Robert Gerrish gave us some excellent advice,

“If you purely want the ‘look’ of a classic piece of furniture and budget is an issue, then a reproduction may suit. In this instance you’re purely following fashion.”

Robert continues…”On the other hand, if you’re a serious lover of fine design it’s more likely you’ll want a piece that has a direct connection with its creator. Personally I’d rather sit on a milk crate for a few years and save for the real thing.”

👍 Rule of Thumb If you love the look alone, replica is a good choice. If you love the artistry and craft, go for the original.

Eames Chair

Manhattan Home Design Eames Lounge Chair

Manhattan Home Design

One awesome thing about replicas is that they’re often made with updated materials. For example, these replica Eames chairs from Manhattan Home Design are produce with memory foam!

Obviously, the Eameses didn’t have access to memory foam when they were working. But, we can imagine that they’d be fans.
The foam doesn’t appear to alter the look of the design, either. So, it’s a very strong replica that’s twice as comfortable as an original.

And, the seat covering is made from real leather. MHD gives you the option to choose from basic, Italian, or premium Aniline leather depending your taste and budget.

Em Furn Eames Lounge Chair

Em Furn Eames Lounge Chair

Em Furn

Another great thing about replica Eames chairs is that they come in a number of colors that the originals don’t. The Eameses, after all, adhered to pretty strict Bauhaus rules. Therefore, their work tends to be pretty limited in terms of color.

But, when you’re buying a replica, you can choose from a variety of different colors, so you’re sure to find something that pleases your palette. This replica lounge chair from EMFURN comes in the classic black, white and brown but can also be purchased in red, tan, and a few other colors, as well.

Plus, you have the option to choose from different wood colors. If you’re looking for the classic walnut color, feel free to choose that. However, if you’d prefer black, white, or rosewood, those are also options.

Basically, buying a replica gives you the freedom to customize your Eames chair. You wouldn’t have that option if you were buying your chair straight off the auction block.

Barcelona Designs

Barcelona Designs

Barcelona Designs Eames Replica

Barcelona Designs makes some nice Italian leather Eames chairs, as well. Their designs are on-point in terms of replicating the original design.

And, their shock mounts are made reinforced with copper. These things are built to last!

However, they do run a tad bit on the pricy side. At $1,300, you could potentially find an original on a site like 1stDibs or Chairish. But, an original at that price might be worn out while Barcelona’s are brand new.

Also, one thing that we love about Barcelona Designs is their two-year warranty. So, if anything breaks or gets damaged, you can always return it.

How much does an Eames chair cost?

These days an Eames chair costs about $5200, a huge jump from the original production prices, which ran about 300.00 when it was introduced.

Do Eames chairs recline?

Real Eames chairs do not recline. There are many knock offs of these chairs, but there are many tell tale signs that let you know it is a fake.

How much does a stressless recliner cost?

If you are looking for a stressless recliner, you are going to pay anywhere from about $1500.00 to $5000.00. The Consul and the Garda chairs are the more popular models

What are some famous le corbusier furniture pieces?

Le Corbusier pieces that have gained some fame are the sling chairs, sofa bed, the canape, swivel stools. There was a table designed in 1925 for Villa La Roche, the Portemantea deisgned in 1957. The Tabouret table was also a famous piece they made from 1952-1959

What are some of the best lounge chairs?

In 2011 Anotonio Citterio designed a lounge chair with great padding, armrests, and a stool to prop your feet on.
Eero Saarinen in 1948, designed what was known as the Womb Chair, and it’s claim to fame was you could literally curl up in this chair and be very comfortable.
Designed in 1956, the Eames lounge chair is luxurious. Generous cushioning and a great stool to put your feet up.

Where can you find used eames lounge chairs?

You can look online, they have them on ebay, Chairish, and Amazon

Is the eames lounge chair comfortable?

This chair is very comfortable. Always getting a 10/10 rating, it is considered one of the most comfy lounge chairs out there.

How Much Is A Real Eames Chair?

A real Eames chair can run you from $5000-$6000. Even copies go for as high as 1200

Is An Eames Chair Comfortable?

Because of the quality of the ingredients that go into making these chairs, they are comfortable. You can add your own touches to make them extra comfy though. You should also make sure they are the correct height for you to maximize your comfort.

How Do You Pronounce Eames Chair?

Is sounds like you are saying beams, just drop the b.

Does An Eames Chair Recline?

An authentic Eames chair does not recline, so if you’re on the market for one, make sure to look for the ways to tell if the chair you are looking at is authentic.