How to Check an Original Eames Chair?
The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is one of the most important pieces of furniture of the 20th century. It has been called "a special refuge from the stresses of modern life." It's in homes worldwide because of how well it's made and how much attention to detail it has. An original Eames chair will add to the beauty of your mid-century modern home.
Originals of these famous designs are much more valuable than copies, so it is essential to know how to check an original Eames chair before shopping. This Adria Workshop blog will guide readers on how to identify original Eames chairs from fake ones.
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The History of Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman
Charles and Ray Eames, two famous modern furniture and art designers, made the first Eames chair. This pair of designers changed the mid-century modern interior design and how designers spoke for decades. They always want to make the world a better place through innovation, in which furniture can add more pleasure and functionality to our lives.
Instead of creating low-priced chairs for the general public, the power couple shifted their focus to the luxury market in 1950. They aim to reimagine the classic club chair for a changing American market. That is why they designed the original Eames lounge chair.
The original Eames chair went through several production stages to ensure that the product was as good as possible. This chair is significantly more expensive than others. This, however, reflected its high quality and craftsmanship. When it first appeared on Arlene Francis' Home Show in 1956, she described it as "quite a departure" from the designers' previous works.
The timeless Eames Lounge Chair was made to last a lifetime. It was put together by hand and made of the best parts and materials. The original Eames chair's headrest, backrest, and seat are curved plywood shells covered with veneer.
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5 steps to identify an original Eames Lounge Chair vs. Replica
Step 1: Test the Reclining Function
One of the best things about an original Eames chair is that it can be reclined. It was designed to take the weight off the lower back and spine, making the original Eames chair comfortable. Vintage knockoffs (and some modern ones) try to make the chair more of a recliner by adding a spring mechanism that allows it to tilt forward and back. This chair design change made users uncomfortable because it required them to push and pull the spring to adjust the tilt.
A clear sign of how to identify the original Eames chair is that it does not have a recliner mechanism to change the seat angle. The original Eames chair is always in a fixed position between upright and reclined.
Step 2: Measure the specifications of the Eames Chair
Most copies of the Eames lounge chair do not meet the original design specifications. These reproductions are either too big or too small. This seemingly insignificant mistake can affect the ease you experience sitting in your chair. When shopping for an authentic chair , you should keep an eye out for these three dimensions:
- Classic size The Eames lounge chair should be 31.5 inches tall. Many copies are 3-10 inches taller than the original.
- The edge of the front seat will be about 15 inches above the floor.
- Measure the distance from front to back and across the arms. Each area will be 32.75 inches wide in an authentic Eames lounge chair.
Step 3: Look for Labels and Shell Details
The most noticeable structural difference between vintage knock-offs and the real thing is that the plywood shells on the original Eames chair are continuous, with no exposed hardware. Furthermore, modern chairs have seven layers, whereas vintage chairs have five. If the number of layers does not match, the chair may be a forgery.
Each original Eames lounge chair was identified with a distinctive paper label. Some labels say that the chair was made by Herman Miller, while others say it was patented. If you can't find paper labels under the seat, they may occasionally be hidden under a cushion. These labels, however, may be taken off over time for various reasons.
Step 4: Check the Base and Feet of the chair
Many chairs claiming to be Eames lounge chairs have too many or too few legs at the base. The original design had four legs that spread out evenly from the base. Some replicas have three or five legs, which provide a different level of stability and comfort while sitting. Also, the legs of an original Eames chair have a slight angle and are neither flat nor steep. Copies frequently have square feet, or the feet may have a steep incline. This is one of the most obvious differences from a real Eames lounge chair.
Step 5: Consider the Price
Eames furniture as an excellent investment because its value tends to hold up well over time. You can learn how to identify the original Eames chair by looking at its price. The new one costs between €4,500 and €6,000, depending on the materials used.
Copies of the Eames Lounge Chair usually sell for between €500 and €2,000 new and considerably less used. So, if you see a chair for less than €4,500, ask if it is either second-hand and in poor condition (requiring restoration) or if it is a fake.
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Signs of fake Eames Lounge Chair
- Oversized - Most copies and reproductions are too big or too small due to their design's incorrect dimension of the original Eames chair.
- Reclining capability – If your chair can recline by a spring mechanism, it is not an Eames Lounge Chair. Knock-offs will often have a mechanism for reclining, but authentic Eames Lounge Chairs do not recline.
- Flat Feet - Frequently, the base of the Eames lounge chair will have square, flat legs and non-adjustable feet or glides.
- Tip Toes - The authentic chair's legs are solid aluminum. The knock-off legs are made of low-quality material.
- 42-45" Tall - Typically, an additional 10-13 inches are added to a replica Eames Lounge Chair's headrest, bringing the total height between 42.5 and 44.5 inches.
- Visible Screws - The chair is a knock-off if you see a screw on the outside of the wood shells.
- Inexpensive - If you see a chair for less than €4,500, it’s not an original Eames chair.
Comfortable lounge chairs of Adria Workshop
After a long day, your home should be the ideal place to unwind. And what better way to do so than with a comfortable lounge chair? In Adria Workshop, you will find a chair that meets your needs; we have a large selection of cue lounge chairs in various styles, materials, and price ranges. In Adria Workshop, we have one for whatever you intend to use your chair for, the size of your home, or your decorating style, such as mid-century interior design.
Relax in style with Adria Workshop's elegant cue lounge chairs. These beautiful mid-century modern lounge chairs with wooden frames are stylish, comfortable, and made to last. Because of its simple lines, tufted seat, and plushly filled back cushions, this piece is worth relaxing in. The neutral color options and ease of cleaning make this high-performance fabric stand out. This piece's frame is solid wood with a beautiful finish (a dark walnut, or natural oak is up to you).
Conclusion
As you can see, identifying the original Eames chair is easy if you know beforehand. This affordable mid-century modern furniture item provides one of the best ways to improve your house's modern interior decor. Hopefully, after reading this blog, you know the difference between a fake and an actual lounge chair. And if you want to find your cue lounge chair, go to our Adria Workshop website.
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