Eames Copie armchair: our 10-point review

Eames Lounge chair: style & comfort

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 hallmark of good design is that it performs its function so well that it doesn’t need changing. The Eames chair has enjoyed a longevity of over half a century and has not changed. That’s what makes it such a classic.

However, its price of nearly 7,000 euros puts it out of reach of most buyers. There are a number of good and not-so-good Eames replica chairs on the market. This guide selects the best of them so you can get a quality replica of the Eames chair without wasting your money on an inferior product.

What to look for :

Buying a replica Eames chair

As the Eames chair is one of the most copied furniture models, there are a number of factors to consider before buying it. These factors are as follows:

1. The price

Based on the reviews of many replica Eames lounge chairs, be prepared to spend between €450 for a low-quality piece and between €800 and €1,800 for a high-quality replica. Although top-quality pieces can have a full retail price of up to €2,500, you shouldn’t have to spend that much. Although you can find replica chairs for less than this, quality tends to decline. However, you can find chairs that normally sell for over €1,000 on sale for less.

2. The manufacturer

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

3. Dimensions

One of the main complaints customers have about replicas is that the dimensions aren’t right. Dimensions are important for the overall aesthetics of the design. The Eames armchair offers great comfort in a relatively small space. That’s what makes it so charming. Replicas are often too large and distort the aesthetics sought by the Eames. The original chair comes in two sizes: classic and tall. Some critics claim that the original dimensions are too small for tall people. The chairs presented in this guide aim to remain faithful to the original dimensions. However, some are slightly larger and may be more suitable for taller people.

4. The Sitting Position

This is not a conventional 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.

5. Leather finish and color options

The rosewood and black leather lounge chair is the most emblematic. This is the look that most replicas imitate. Certainly, economic options generally opt for this look. The original armchair offers several wood and leather color options. The Eames wanted their lounge chair to adapt to the buyer’s lifestyle. The best eames replica chairs also offer a range of colors and wood finishes.

6. 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 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.

7. (In)visible fittings

Although the Eames were the only ones at the time to leave the “nuts and bolts” of their furniture visible, the only visible hardware on an Eames lounge chair has to 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 this guide have invisible fastenings, faithful to the original Eames design.

8. Leather quality

The best replicas are very clear about using the same quality of leather as the original, namely 100% full-grain semi-aniline 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. All the chairs in this guide use this type of leather. It is durable and easy to clean. Vegan options may be available but will not be discussed in the guide, the aim being to inform buyers looking to get as close as possible to the original.

9. Wood quality

The original chair uses 7-ply laminated plywood. The Eames were the inventors of molded plywood. This industrial process was copied by furniture manufacturers. A good eames replica chair will also offer a range of veneers, usually rosewood, walnut, white oak and sometimes ebony.

10. 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 can rely on the warranty. All the chairs presented in this guide are guaranteed.