What criteria should you follow when buying an Eames replica chaise longue?

The Eames lounge chair is an icon of American design. Since its debut in 1956, the chair has set the standard for style and comfort. The Eames chair has had a longevity of over half a century and has remained unchanged. That’s what makes it such a classic. You can still buy the original Eames lounge chair from Herman Miller.

However, the price of nearly €7000 puts it out of reach for most buyers. There are a number of good and not-so-good Eames replica chairs on the market. This guide selects the criteria to look out for when buying a quality Eames replica chair without wasting your money on an inferior product.

The Eames chair: What to look for

Insofar as the Eames chair is one of the most copied furniture designs, there are a number of factors you should look for before making a purchase. There are ten points to watch out for.

The Price

According to many users, a good-quality replica costs at least €800. Some models can cost up to €1,100. Top-quality pieces can have a full retail price of up to €2500, but you shouldn’t have to spend that much. On the other hand, if you have a good-quality replica like ours, you could resell it for around €1,000 if it no longer interests you.

The Manufacturer

The original chair is the only one made in America. All replicas are made abroad, usually in China. However, this does not always mean lower quality. Some factories in China go to great lengths to supply a top-quality product.

Size

One of the main complaints customers have about replicas is that they don’t have the right dimensions. Dimensions are important for the overall aesthetics of the design. The Eames chair offers great comfort in a relatively small space. That’s part of its appeal. Replicas are often too large and detract from the aesthetic the Eames were aiming for. The original chair is available in two sizes: classic and large.

Some critics claim that the original dimensions of the classic version are too small for tall or corpulent people. However, the dimensions of the taller version are slightly larger and may be more suitable for taller people.

Leather finish and color option

The walnut wood and black leather chaise longue is the most emblematic. This is the look that most replicas imitate, and it’s the one that many users choose. However, the original chair has several wood and leather color options. The Eames designed their chaise longue to suit the buyer’s lifestyle. With this in mind, the best Eames replica chairs also offer a range of wood colors and finishes.

Sitting posture

This is not your typical recliner. It swivels at the base, but is not designed to be moved forwards or backwards. The inclination is 15 degrees, and the seated person is supposed to be in an intermediate position between sitting and lying down. Good replicas imitate this sitting position as closely as possible. Some online reviewers may complain about this feature without knowing that this was the original intention.

Removable cushions

The cushions of the original Eames chair and the best replicas are removable. This is important because if you want your chair to last, you may need to have it reupholstered at some point. This also makes the cushions easier to clean. The wooden shells of the original chair are veneered with 7 layers on both sides.

Proof of the exceptional craftsmanship of these chairs. This feature is also present in the best replicas. If the cushions are not removable, the wood is certainly not veneered on both sides. This indicates lower quality.

The (in)visible material

While the Eames were unique in their day for leaving the “nuts and bolts” of their furniture visible, the only visible hardware on the Eames lounge chair should be the two “spines” that connect the headrest to the seat back. Many lower-quality replicas have screws showing through the wood, spoiling the smooth appearance of the pieces.

To create this elegant look, the Eames invented a kind of rubber shock mount that holds the components together from the inside. All the chairs featured in our catalogs have invisible fastenings, faithful to the original Eames design.

Wood quality

The original chair uses 7-ply laminated plywood. The Eames were the inventors of molded plywood. This industrial process has since been copied by major furniture companies. Herman Miller offers the widest range of wood veneers. A good replica Eames chair will also offer a range of veneers, usually rosewood, walnut, white ash and sometimes ebony.

Leather quality

The best replicas clearly indicate that they use the same quality of leather as the original, namely 100% full-grain Italian aniline (smoother) leather. This leather comes from the back of the cow and is of exceptional quality. Only 5% of the world’s leathers fall into this category. Most of the chairs in our catalogs use this type of leather. It is durable and easy to clean.

Other chairs use a lightly grained natural version. Vegan options may be available, but will not be discussed in this guide, the aim being to inform buyers looking to get as close as possible to the original.

Warranty

You should always consider the warranty when making furniture purchasing decisions. This is particularly true when it comes to shipping. If the product arrives damaged, you want to know that you have a warranty to fall back on. All the chairs in this guide come with a warranty.

The Eames lounge chair

Let’s start by talking about Charles Eames’ original design. This chair is still made by the original manufacturer, Herman Miller in Zeeland, Michigan.

Furthermore, Charles said he wanted the chair to have “the warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt”. The leather is deeply padded and soft.

This chair also offers the widest choice of wood finishes and leather colors. While the rosewood and black leather look is the most emblematic, this armchair is highly customizable. This range of customization options lets you own a design classic that suits your taste and décor. Customization, however, can cost up to $1000 more, depending on the wood finish. Replicas can be customized for an additional €50 to €150 at Stefano Design.

There is some debate among consumers as to whether or not this original chair surpasses all replicas. Some say yes. Others claim that some lines are just as good, if not better, than the originals. Please let us know what you think.