9 things to know before buying a replica Eames Lounge Chair

An iconic piece of cinema furniture

Did you know that 6 actors have appeared in no fewer than 24 James Bond films over the years? Hollywood superstars such as Roger Moore, Sean Connery and Daniel Craig managed to drive 24 different cars, drink 287 units of alcohol and even kill 415 bad guys! But what do James Bond films have in common, apart from beautiful women and action scenes? A replica of the Eames chaise longue.

The Eames chaise longue is an iconic piece of furniture frequently used in Hollywood blockbusters. For example, this chair has appeared in “Die Another Day”,“Casino Royale“, “The World Is Not Enough” and other wonderful films like “Iron Man 2” and “Gossip Girl”. But what is an Eames chaise longue and what makes it so special? And how do you buy a high-quality replica to display proudly in your living room or office? Read on to find out in this article!

What is a replica Eames lounge chair?

The first Eames lounge chair was introduced in 1956 by Charles Eames. This is a revolutionary type of chair that harmoniously combines comfort and aesthetics. Thanks to its popularity, this chair has been in continuous production over the years, and you can now buy a replica Eames lounge chair at an affordable price.

The original Eames chair was made of steel and Zenaloy. This made it very durable, but it was also very heavy and expensive to produce. The most popular manufacturer was Herman Miller, who created thousands of Eames lounge chairs at the time. Today, chairs are made from other materials, making them more accessible to the general public. However, if you’re thinking of buying a replica Eames lounge chair, there are a few things you need to pay attention to.

What you need to know before buying a replica Eames lounge chair

You need to do your homework before you buy, because the market is flooded with fake Eames chairs. A chaise longue that doesn’t follow Eames’ original guidelines isn’t as comfortable as you might hope. Here’s what you need to know before buying a replica deckchair.

1. The chair must have five feet

Many chairs purporting to be Eames lounge chairs had 5 legs extending from the base. The original model had four legs, evenly distributed from the base outwards. Some replicas have three or four legs, but these don’t offer the same stability and comfort when seated.

This is the easiest thing to check. If you’re ordering online, ask the manufacturer if it’s possible to supply photos of the chairs prior to purchase, so that you can count the number of legs.

2. Check chair size

A plethora of replicas don’t exactly match the original Eames lounge chair models. These replicas are either slightly larger or slightly smaller. For example, the original chair measured around 81 cm from top to bottom, and some replicas turn out to be taller than that, measuring around 101 cm or more from the floor to the top of the headrest. For optimum comfort, it’s wiser to opt for a model that’s closer to the height of the original.

This seemingly minor detail can alter the level of comfort you enjoy when sitting in your chair. Smaller Eames replicas are even more uncomfortable and should be avoided.

At the same time, be sure to measure the size of the armrests. An original Eames chair measures 83 cm in arm length. Anything longer or shorter than that means you’re not buying an original Eames lounge chair. However, some faithful replicas may have slightly wider, more comfortable armrests.

3. Check if the chair reclines

One of the greatest advantages of an Eames lounge chair was its natural reclining function. The original Eames chairs manufactured by Herman Miller in 1956 featured a fixed reclining position. In other words, it was impossible to adjust the seat and change its angle. One of the major advantages of the fixed backrest is its flexibility. In other words, the flexibility of the fixed backrest to adapt to the shape of your back. A good backrest must conform to your morphology, and therefore adapt to the back it supports.

Some fake Eames replica chairs feature an adjustable reclining mechanism. This means you can change the angle of the seat, which is at odds with the original design.

4. Consider the price

The price of a replica Eames lounge chair lets you know whether it’s a high-quality item or not. Some manufacturers who use the exact specifications supplied by Eames at the time can sell an armchair for several thousand euros.

It’s important to know that the value of Eames furniture holds up well over time, so your investment is protected. However, you don’t have to spend so much if you don’t want to.

Superb replicas of Eames lounge chairs can cost between 800 and 1,500 euros in most cases. Some are worth up to €2,000, but these are rare. Even if the replica is made from high-quality materials, it must not exceed a certain ceiling.

More importantly, if you see chairs selling for just a few hundred euros, be aware that they are low-quality copies of original models. They’re usually made of synthetic leather and won’t meet your expectations. You’ll be disappointed, and the model will be difficult to resell.

6. Check for exposed screws

Another important visual detail is the screws that hold the plywood shells together. If these screws are visible, this contradicts the original manufacturing instructions. The original Eames chairs had no visible screws. The craftsmanship was superior in every way, and the screws were hidden from view.

In some replicas of the Eames armchair, the screws are not visible. It’s an indication that you’re buying a quality item, so keep that in mind.

7. The chair should be delivered with an ottoman.

An Ottoman chair was supplied with the original Eames lounge chair at the time. This footrest completes the design of the Eames chair. It also comes with four feet for added comfort when seated.

Some manufacturers of Eames replica chairs supply the items separately if one of the two parts needs replacing. This is very practical if one of the parts is faulty, and saves you additional costs.

What’s more, the ottoman is always designed to match one of the Eames chairs. These two pieces go perfectly together. They enhance the aesthetics of the room and your comfort level. When buying a replica, always ask about the ottoman’s size and condition. The cabinet should be approximately 42 cm high and at least 62 cm wide.

8. Cushions must be removable

The original Eames chairs were equipped with removable cushions. This is a great feature, because after prolonged use, you can simply remove the cushions for cleaning, then replace them.

Likewise, the removable cushions also give you the option of reupholstering them if necessary. Upholstering the cushions improves the chair’s condition and makes it look like new. When you buy your next Eames chair, make sure the cushions are removable. This indicates that you are buying a quality item, manufactured according to the original Eames chair guidelines.

9. Wooden elements must be veneered

Eames chairs are made with a 7-ply wood veneer. It’s an important decorative element that makes this furniture so beautiful and appreciated. Replicas of Eames lounge chairs must also feature 7-ply veneers. They are generally available in several types of wood.

For example, some of the most popular colors are walnut and rosewood. If the chair you’re considering doesn’t have 7 layers of veneer, you’re spending money on an inferior item.

Find your favorite Eames chair replica at StefanoDesign!

This furniture item is one of the best ways to enhance your home’s interior design without spending a fortune. These are high-quality replicas of Eames lounge chairs, which fit perfectly into any home office or living room.