I know that Lexington Modern got some bad reviews on a previous post, but I ordered the LCW replica from them and received it last week. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004K8RLZK

Shipping was prompt and the materials are sturdy enough - but obviously there is some compromise to be had. The neck on my chair is warped so that the backrest doesn't marry up to it properly. The first result was that I ended up stripping the screw that connects them and had to drill it out. I'm waiting to hear back from them (via Amazon a-to-z claim) to hopefully get a replacement of the parts (vs a full exchange). If not, I'll have to modify the shock mounts to compensate for the warping.

At the price point, I definitely think the chair will hold up over time, and it looks & feels great in my opinion. I ding them for quality control, but they still have some time to make it up to me.

The problem is, nothing is really as cool as the original. I'd buy a couple of $5 chairs at Goodwill, throw a white drop-cloth over them to make them less offensive, and start saving for the real thing. Maybe it takes a few years, but you'll have what you really want.

I'd like a Mercedes SL, a Breitling Watch, a Leather Chesterfield Sofa and an Hermes Throw - and they're way out of my budget...
...but rather than looking for cheap knockoffs - I know that I can either buy used and/or work hard and save money for the real thing.

While I agree that the real thing is better than a copy of any quality, I personally will have a hard time ever justifying $700+ for a chair, no matter how nice it is or how much I like it. The simple fact of the matter is that to me furniture should look nice and be affordable, and the licensed reproductions (specific emphasis on that they are simply licensed) tend to make them unattainable for most.

save for the real thing. these will pop up on craigslist for around $400 sometimes.

Here's one on sale for $299 http://www.moderncollections.com/molded-plywood-lounge-chair.html?gclid=CNPu3Zj3qasCFYdo5Qod7h8kzQ

I don't have a problem with saving a buck.

If you have to settle for something other than the real thing, maybe look for another type of chair that's also a great design in its own right, but less pricey. Butterfly chairs, for instance, are really cheap because Herman Miller lost a patent case. They're beautiful and sculptural for a MUCH lower price point.

Vintage school chairs could also work, if you can find some that are big enough. (I always see the ones intended for 5-year-olds, never the high school ones.)

@lisa (montreal)
If you have to settle for something other than the real thing, maybe look for another type of chair that's also a great design in its own right, but less pricey.

... that's what they're asking for. It's not their fault everyone seems to think they want a direct knockoff.

@jec_in_dc

...and you'd be wrong.

More to the topic, I think a lot of newer designs that resemble the Eames lounge (at least $700 new, I guess) in spirit are as or more expensive. XD And I dunno, but in my opinion a $400 chair is not that affordable either. I wish yoshiko had included a real budget, not everyone assumes the same thing when you say "affordable".

My impression was not that the person asking the question wants information on where to buy a knockoff but rather they're looking for something with a similar aesthetic. So there's really no need for your snarky and snobby comments.

Get a couple of vintage minimalist danish side or lounge chairs - small, authentic, and usually pretty cheap.

Save for the Eames LCM (metal base) which is the original design, much more iconic, and absolutely ground-breaking. Its also cheaper (especially combined with the -15% HM twide-a-year sale). The LCW seems to be more a favorite of contemporary shelter spreads.

I echo the other commenters in that you can find lcw's on Craigslist if you are vigilant and patient. I found two walnut lcw's for 400 each. Happy hunting!

@at.
How refreshing to find at least one other AT reader knows how to... read. le sigh

Ikea's nordmyra and bojne are sort of... in a similar vein... perhaps. But they're dining chairs, for one. The gottfrid is also a dining chair but is upholstered so I think it's pretty comfy for lounging--I have 4 that I'm trying to sell, though.

I feel like there were some chairs in the ikea ps collection that could work, but they're not on the US website anymore, at least.

Also - I just wonder if you have been able to sit in an Eames molded plywood chair. They are crazy low to the ground for my comfort. Once you sit in one - you may be free of your coveting!!

I'm with other posters recommending some vintage finds on Craigslist. Just put in pair chairs and see what you find!! Good luck!

I'm sure Yoshiko could do without the judgmental lecturing, people. Sheesh.

Regarding the advice to be patient and find one on Craigslist, I would like to add that that depends very much on where you live. I have been checking out Craigslist in San Antonio for probably five years now, and have never seen one of these chairs. Some communities just don't have a high end antiques floating around.

advanced interior designs has "similar" chairs. I have a downlow chair from them and the quality is quite good.

All I can say is don't waste your money on a fake-o version. I bought one for 150 and it fell apart within a month. eh.

Thanks for the great advice. I'm not looking for a knock-off, but hoping for a couple of chairs with clean, modern lines for the living room. At most, I'm willing to spend $400 a piece for each chair, but I'd prefer to spend a lot less due to the renovations. I'll definitely check out Craig's List. Thanks again! I truly appreciate your suggestions. -Yoshiko

You may as well get a knock off. The quality will be perfectly adequate and they'll be less than $400 each.

I'll try to stay out of the politics of knockoffs v originals and offer a few suggestions

-- originals are not hard to come by. but consider the DCW instead of the LCW. The proportions are similar ... the LCW is a bit lower, but the DCW makes a good side chair and is usually less expensive/more common on Ebay. If you can find a LCW that is in poor shape, it's OK, as you can take it to a specialist who can apply new veneer, replace old screws and shock mounts, etc. Or you can do it yourself.

-- the knockoff quality is suspect. I have a few of them myself, so I know. that's all I'm going to say. However, there is a company out of Brooklyn called WhiteonWhite (.com) that sells a reproduction Eames chair. You can call to ask them if how it might differ from what you see from the other online retailers. I have purchased from InMod. The shipping is fast and free, the quality is meh.

-- here are a few "inspired" pieces:

Whiteonwhite.com sells a "Tony Chair" that has the curves of plywood with a cool metal base, for $310.

BluDot sells a "Buttercup chair" ... at $800 it is more expensive than the Eames but in my opinion, less overdone.

Google search for Plycraft. They made some inexpensive plywood chairs in the same era as Eames, but are less expensive on the antiques market.

You can find knock off's of the molded plywood chairs shown on Craig's List for a fraction of the cost of buying the real thing. The ones I've seen look well made and come in ebony, maple and walnut finishes.

Here is a furniture site with the famous Bertoia wire lounge chair for $345.00: http://www.kmpfurniture.com/fire_collection/category_43/product/wire-chair_1038.html. Good luck!

I also have the Lexington Modern knockoff and am very pleased with it. While I know you aren't asking for a direct copy, I would still suggest it. my only catch was that they were aout of stock and it took MONTHS for it to come in. Given the price, I can't say anything bad about it.

I see everyone's point about buying the real thing. I would love to have the real thing, but can't justify it for a rarely used bedroom chair. And to the craigslist suggestions; that's great if you live in an area with an abundance of MCM classics, but I don't. Things like that don't show up around here.

I work at a furniture store. We buy a lot of our vintage knock offs from a company called Nuevo. They have a version called Helena
http://nuevoliving.com/NuevoCore.cfm?Page=Products&SubPage=ShowItem&SubTypeID=27&ViewItem=26&T=
We retail this for $349 and I can HONESTLY say it is very nice in person - the company uses real walnut veneer over the plywood (not a foil aka picture of wood on plastic). The color is less warm and more ashy than your picture post and the edges are not veneer leaving a contrasting natural look like this model:
http://www.hermanmiller.com/DotCom/jsp/designResources/imgSearchResults.jsp?prodId=48

It seems that this plywood is best for us..
Office Furniture,
Office Chairs

I bought 2 red ones from mcmclassics at $135 each. It is the best version I have ever seen. The only thing is I need to set them up myself but hey for $135, I really don't mind. My next purchase will be their eames Lounge chair which they call it Charles lounge chair. Now I just need to find one to sit before buying it!!