Eames Lounge Chair copies... worth it?

[Piobaire]

So what some are saying is that it's good to buy a newly designed chair at 1.8k, similar to the Eames but distinctly not a copy, but it's wrong to buy a definite Eames copy at 1.8k?

 

[Jr Mouse]

I'd be curious the peanut gallery's thoughts on knock offs that might not be as easily to discern the differences between them and an original as it may be with Eames Lounge Chair or the rather unfortunate wishbone chair Britney posted. Take something along the lines of a diamond or womb chair. Both of which use metal, padding and fabric in construction. If the maker manages to get the dimensions right and uses fabric and stitching of reasonable quality, I am not sure the average buyer would notice a difference worth the thousands more it would take to get the authentic piece. Putting the moral arguments aside.

I've got no real stake in this argument other then enjoying reading the thread.

 

[phototropically]

"That's a nice chair, but why didn't you buy a La-Z-Boy?"

 

[suaviter]

Could somebody give me the scoop on the architect hook up on an Eames chair?

As in how does it work. I have an architect lined up just want to make it as easy as possible on him (connection thru a friend).

Reader's digest ... trying to get a real one ASAP.

Thanks!!!

 

[lefty]

If you really want to make it easy on him/her just pay the 15%.

If not, then call and ask.

lefty

 

[Hotel Guy]

I originally got a fake because I wanted the look, but then sold it to a friend and was able to get a hook-up on a new authentic one through a friend who was an architect. The difference is literally night and day. I couldn't be happier and know that i'll have this piece of furniture for a long long time, and its going to get old with me, and hopefully retain its value along the way. Even if it didn't, I wouldn't really care, I've had it for about a year now and its still getting broken in but gets more comfortable every month that passes. 95% of my friends have no idea what it is or how much it cost, but I think they get the picture when I freak out if they have their shoes on the ottoman or are eating/drinking/spill on it. Regardless, I love it.

There is a Herman Miller sale now to save a few hundred bucks on a new one.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

I wouldn't encourage doing so, but I've spilled stuff on mine to no real effect. Just clean quickly (like immediately).

I was woken up by catching my espresso in my lap that morning. Doesn't pay to nod off while holding a hot beverage....the chair was fine, however.

Easily my favorite chair to sit in. Most of my other chairs are Le corb and not uncomfortable...but not Eames....not even close.

 

[suaviter]

Could somebody give me the scoop on the architect hook up on an Eames chair?

As in how does it work. I have an architect lined up just want to make it as easy as possible on him (connection thru a friend).

Reader's digest ... trying to get a real one ASAP.

Thanks!!!

Gonna try this again.

Does anybody know what the architect discount is? In percentage terms?

Last day of HM 15% off sale.

 

[Find Finn]

Seek and you shall find, it's been answered multiple times already.

 

[DMartins]

Well I finally after close to 2 years reading the various forums pulled the trigger on a reproduction. Couldn't resist the 20% off on Black Friday with Rove Concepts.

In my opinion it is just all perspective, someone can purchase a $700 cheap replica and be completely happy with it. I just can't justify $5000+ after shipping on the configuration I liked ( Black / rosewood) with Herman Miller.

I have sat on many many originals from the DWR store to a friends vintage Eames, Also sat on many replicas as well mostly cheap ones in retail stores. The biggest difference I would say are the way the leather is tufted, the angle of the chair and the flex.

The rove chair for me was the best price point for the quality and details, and I know they've improved as well through the years. They also have a detail sheet ( seen here ) on the coveted rubber shock mount used for their chairs. Only company I know at least that look to produce it exact to companies authorized by HM for repairs ( seen here )


Anyways, I'm happy with the fit and finish the chair was packaged well and came fully assembled. The Rove chair although one of the more expensive reproductions ticks all the boxes for me. Great soft italian leather, nice flex to the chair and the nice tufting of the cushions.





Here is the chair !

 

[cnorm]

Are you still happy with the IFN Eames? I realize there are rubber shock mounts that connect the back and bottom but are they aluminum plates that hold the arms on or are they plastic?

 

[UncleNick]

Does anyone have any experience with modern vs vintage chairs?

I'm looking at a vintage chair (walnut) in great shape with original invoice dated to 1972. The other one I'm considering (but haven't seen yet) is from 2006. It's a little more expensive, but appears to be brand new. Its a 50th anniversary edition (palisander rosewood), and the original owner states it's only been sat in a few times.

My main concern is worn out shock mounts on the older model.

 

[Find Finn]

The new chairs come in two sizes, so the vintage one could be smaller.

You can get replacement parts form them, so if the shocks are shot, you can just by new ones.

 

[Jr Mouse]

I am seeking information of where I can find a knockoff Piochair. Any recommendations?

 

[cchen]

You guys may find this amusing or sad.... I've had a Herman Miller eames lounge chair for around 6 years and it's travelled with me from NY to HK and now London....

Well my relocation shipment arrived this week and my chair now looks like this

Going through the painful insurance claim process now