Why are Eames chairs so expensive?

The Eames lounge chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames were quick to catch the eye of consumers when they appeared on the market in 1956. They presented an exquisite blend of leather and wood, making it a much-desired piece. The timeless design of the Eames chairs has kept them in high demand to this day. And they’re incredibly comfortable too.

Unfortunately, they come at staggering prices. You’ll need to spend around €8,000 to take one of these beauties home. You may be wondering why Eames chairs are so expensive as you wait for their prices for the first time. We’ve tried to answer that question here, along with a few pertinent ones.

Who made the Eames Armchairs?

The story of the Eames chairs began in 1940s Michigan, whenCharles Eames met his future wife Ray at the Cranbrook Academy of Art. After graduation, the Eames moved to Los Angeles and began making furniture from plastic and plywood. Initially, they focused on making affordable, low-cost furniture.

The Eames lounge chair was their first foray into luxury pieces. The chair features a bentwood construction. The Eames used a unique technique to treat the chair’s wood. They pressed thin layers of wood veneer with the “Kazam!” machine, a tool they had also invented.

The armchair is a reworking of the classic English club chair. Leather upholstery adds a touch of luxury to the design, which is conceived to offer absolute ergonomics and comfort. Ray and Charles marketed the chair through Herman Miller like some of their earlier products. The company still produces and sells Eames chairs.

What makes Eames chairs special?

The ergonomics and comfort offered by Eames chairs make them highly sought-after pieces of furniture, even today. The chair is constructed from three hollow wooden shells, each with multiple layers of plywood and a distinctive grain on the top layer of veneer.

Many reviewers say this chair is just as comfortable as an ordinary club chair, despite its smaller dimensions and reduced weight. The chair’s basic, beautiful form has made it a popular choice for homes and workspaces.

Eames chairs showcase vintage mid-century design. But its undated appearance allows it to blend into any setting. Whether you’re looking for a Boho look or a classic look, the Eames chair will complete your decorating ambitions.

More importantly, the craftsmanship applied by the Eames to their chair sets it apart from the crowd. The Eames died years ago, but Herman Miller has kept their legacy alive. The company has made minor changes to the manufacturing process, such as modernizing the wood-bending process, but the attention to detail is unchanged to preserve the original vision.

Why are Eames chairs so expensive?

You may think these chairs are so expensive to make. Hence the high price. Although making Eames chairs requires high-end materials and technical finesse, we can assure you that Herman Miller doesn’t spend half the money they charge for an Eames chair to make one in the factory.

Over the years, Herman Miller has made the Eames chairs a statement piece. The company’s brilliant marketing campaigns highlighting the chair’s unique, comfortable design made it the most coveted piece of furniture in the USA. Eames chairs became the sartorial equivalent of wearing a Rolex or driving a Porsche.

But you don’t just pay money for hype. The Eames chair exudes quality. A chair could last for decades! What’s more, these chairs are incredibly elegant. It’s an excellent investment to consider for transforming the visual appeal of a room without making too many changes. These chairs facilitate good posture and keep you comfortable without compromising the health of your spine.

Mid-century furniture is one of the hottest trends in interior design, and no piece is as emblematic of mid-century furniture as the glorious Eames chair. It’s the perfect balance between vintage and contemporary style. With demand for mid-century furniture soaring, it’s only natural that prices are so high.

What is the resale value of Eames Armchairs?

Eames chairs hold their value quite well. If you have an old Eames chair dating back to the 60s/70s, collectors can offer you much more money than the chair’s retail value. However, for later editions, you can expect to get around €3,000 to €4,000, depending on materials and condition.

Eames chairs: worth the price

Eames chairs are statement piecesthat have stood the test of time. But are they worth the price? Given the glamour, comfort and longevity they have to offer, we’re inclined to say they’re well worth it.

However, if you don’t want to buy an original Eames chair, why not opt for one of our high-quality replicas of the original? Replicas that cost less and last longer.