Are you looking for some iconic furniture with a vintage look? If so, an Eames lounger chair and ottoman would be the best option. Every chair comes with soft upholstery that gives you ultimate comfort. You will also have a remarkable design, style, and durability guarantee. Because of its quality, the Eames lounge chair replica is considered the gold standard.
If you are searching for the best lounge seating arrangement for your office or home, here is the solution. The Eames lounge chair and ottoman include everything you need. They have an astounding design, a signature style, unbelievable comfort, and highly durable chairs.
In this article, you will learn the history, specifications, pros & cons, and tips for buying an Eames chair and ottoman.
An Overview of An Eames Lounger Chair and Ottoman
Since their inception, Eames chairs and ottomans have become the most preferred furniture. They have been in continuous production since then. Several legends exist regarding the origin of the Eames lounge chair.
Some people think Charles wanted to create a chair that would fit like a baseball glove. Some others believe that a gentleman’s club chair is what Charles wanted to make.
No matter which one you believe in, no one can ignore the rosewood and Scottish leather combination. The beautiful craft and down filling do justice to its expensive tag.
With 20 separate components, it is the most complicated piece of furniture available. Its construction is complex, which makes it one of the most expensive pieces of furniture as well. Throughout history, it has stood out from every other test. Over time, it has changed its design, style, and looks to remain at the top of people’s demands.
Generations
As time passes, any product undergoes certain changes in different aspects. The improvement in the look, quality, and other aspects is divided into different generations. Like other Eames loungers, chairs, and ottomans also have certain criteria for each generation.
1st Generation
The chairs of the 1st generation had 3 screws and later it was brought down to 2. it had goose-down feathers to fill the cushion. Later, they changed it because, over time, it gets flat and sags. The chairs were made of only Brazilian rosewood back then. The aspects were like this:
- Rubber back mounts.
- Push on the boots of the ottoman
- Down feathers level
- Silver cushion clips
- Rosewood
- 5 Ply builds
2nd Generation
As a part of the improvement, they changed the number of screws and dropped the glides. Rosewood was still the material used to make chairs. Other criteria were:
- Screws in ottoman feet
- 2 arm screws
- Silver cushion clips
- Rubber back mounts
- 5 Ply builds
- Down feathers level
- Rosewood
3rd Generation
Cushion clips were the major change they made. The circular silver hooks are no longer in use. A black rectangular type replaced them. Though they were functioning, modern methods also replaced them.
- 2 Arm screws
- Plastic back mounts
- Screws in ottoman feet
- Fiberfill label
- Black cushion clips
- 5 Ply build
4th Generation
In this generation, there was not much change. However, the 5th generation saw a drastic change in everything.
5th Generation
- 2 Arms screws
- Plastic back mounts
- Screws in ottoman feet
- Black cushion clips
- 7 Ply build
- Fiberfill label
- Cherry/ Ash/ Walnut/ Santos
Buying guide!
You may think that buying an Eames lounge chair and ottoman would be a great idea. I want to warn you that you can fall into the trap of fake furniture. Because of its popularity, many fake producers are manufacturing furniture under the name of this brand.
So, how can you be sure you are buying an authentic one? Similarly, you should know what makes it valuable. Here are some tips to help you buy an authentic Eames lounge chair and ottoman.
Labels And Stamps
Check the labels and stamps first. You will find at least one level on the lounge chair. Sometimes, there can be two as well. In the initial versions, we saw that there used to be two labels.
One was from the manufacturer, Herman Miller, and the other was a paper label because of the upholstery. The later models changed this pattern as well. They usually have a quality control label and a barcode label with the manufacturer’s date.
Check If It Is Original
Before, some fake furniture makers have copied the original version of the Eames lounge chair and matching ottoman. What can you do in that case? You should check the manufacturing date and generation of the item. If it doesn’t match, then it is not the authentic one.
Some Chinese companies are constantly copying the original version. However, they cannot copy the vintage look.
Ask for a Certificate of Authenticity
Many fake producers claim their ottoman and lounge chairs to be authentic. Do not buy the fake one. Ask for the certificate of authenticity. If you do not ask for the certificate, you might buy a fake one. As a result, you will have a lower-quality product. If there is no way of doing that, go for the vintage seller of the Eames chair and ottoman. Trusted sellers never commit fraud.
Compare generations
Each generation of furniture has unique features to identify. The official site’s generation section provides information on the differences between generations. To do so, you must check the number of ply layers.
Initially, the number of ply layers was 5. But in the 70s, they changed the number to 7. An increased number of layers provided better quality. Compare the generation of chairs and ottomans you buy with the information given on the website. That can help you buy an outdated product.
Look for The Universal Thread or UNC
This is an excellent method to determine if you are buying a genuine product. Check the chairs thoroughly. You will find a certain kind of UNC or universal thread under the arms, in the ply panels, and under the cushions. Approximately every vintage collection finds a metric thread or a hex key fixing.
Cushion
To ensure your chair and ottoman are original, you need to check the cushion. Check it very carefully. Unzip the cushion and make sure everything is according to your expectations. As each generation has a different type of cushion, make sure everything is alright. Match the markings and initials of the cushion with the ottoman. Therefore, there will be no confusion.
Ask a lot of questions.
When you go to buy a lounger chair, ask many questions regarding quality, durability, and origin. Before you go to buy, learn about the original version. Apply that knowledge while buying. Remember, the owner of the original furniture will know every bit of it.
Scrutinize The Furniture
Sometimes, it is difficult to identify if an Eames lounge chair and ottoman are fake or not because not every part is fake. Some frauds copy Eames furniture using some original parts while keeping some other parts fake. So, it becomes tough for anyone to ensure originality.
For this reason, examine the whole chair and ottoman. Leave no parts unchecked. Match all the labels. Find out if the shock mounts are genuine or not. Sometimes, different feet are used for the same chair. In that case, check every foot from up close.
Repairs And Replacement
The authentic company will allow you to replace the product if there is any problem. We often see the lounge chair’s failure occur in the mount’s design. Sometimes, they get broken very easily. Similarly, if there is a weak repair, then you can replace it.
The quality of a fake Eames lounge chair and ottoman will not be the same so that they may break off. However, they will not always allow you to replace or repair them.
Pros:
- Rich leather
- Groundbreaking designed plywood shell
- An extreme level of Comfort
- Elegant Style
- Vintage and classy look
- The brand name
- History of a successful brand
- Extremely durable
Cons:
- Expensive
(FAQs)
How should I confirm my lounger chair and ottoman are authentic?
Check out the furniture, request an authentication certificate, and compare the generation.
Which is the best option when buying office furniture?
The Eames chair and ottoman are the best option for you when buying a lounge chair and ottoman.
The Final Words
Eames lounger chair and ottoman are the best choice. But buying a genuine chair and ottoman is no simple task. The materials used to produce the final furniture are always of high quality.
Over the years, they have attracted people’s attention because they have never compromised quality. Many furniture companies came and went, but the hype of Eames lounge chairs and ottomans is always at the top of public demand.