AT reader Harry sent us this craigslist find, just posted late this morning: a black leather reproduction Eames-Style Lounge Chair and Ottoman for $835 in Bensenville. Not quite the real thing, but less than a quarter of the price of an authentic new Eames Lounge. He wrote us: "God, I wish I lived there right now, I would be ALL OVER IT! But, since I can't buy it, I figured I would pass it along." Thanks, Harry! Click below for more pictures.
From the seller: "The lounge chair set was used for a photo model and since then has been placed on our showroom floor. The set is a reproduction based on the original design and is in great condition with no wear or tear..."
"...This durable lounge chair is very comfortable and is made of seven-ply molded plywood with black leather upholstery..."
"...The cushions have 6 inch polyurethane foam, the chair has 360 degree swivel, and the whole thing is pretty heavy. One thing you need to know is nothing has wheels on the set. Come in and check it out. You’ll like what you see..."
"...The price for the chair and ottoman set is $835 (price firm) with pickup. You’ll need a mini van, pickup truck, or station wagon to get this home as it’s pretty big. Delivery is also available for $75 extra for anyone up to 40 minutes from O’Hare."
View the craigslist ad here.
Thanks again, Harry!
Copyright © 2008 Apartment Therapy
They sell these knockoffs all over the country - even on eBay.
These are made in China, unlike the Herman Miller Chairs that are made in Michigan.
view bepsf's profile
A quarter of the price and probably a quarter (or less) of the quality. You get what you pay for.
view twenty twenty-one's profile
that thing has been on craigslist for like 2 months.
harry is probably the guy selling it.
view eightdouble's profile
Yeah, I've seen fake ones at a store in my city for less than that...not a good deal.
view JohnnySlimane's profile
I'm not a purist, in the sense that I have purchased both licensed and unlicensed mid-c pieces. My experience with the eames leather and lounge chairs, though, is that I have yet to come across an unlicensed replica that was as comfortable as the Herman Miller version.
Scan Furniture store in Falls Church (now closed) was selling these replicas for $1500. I sat in one of them, and it was soooo uncomfortable. If you're going to do a replica, then I would recommend Plycraft replicas that can be found on ebay.
Again, I'm not passing judgment on those who purchase unlicensed replicas. Hell, I own an eames rocker and case study daybed from Modernica, which, as you most of you all know, was originally mfgd by Herman Miller. But buyer beware of eames leather lounge chair/ottoman replica.
view david's profile
Shame on those producing and selling copies...
This copy stuff is just killing the business and taking all the objects charm away.
view raph's profile
Not such a great deal. I recently bought a vintage plycraft chair off eBay, had it reupholstered in white leather (also purchased on eBay), and the total bill came in at around $450.
view Birdy's profile
Wow Birdy that's awesome!
Don't suppose you live in the Chicago area? (Would like to know the upholsterer's info).
view art's profile
No, sorry . . . I'm in Florida. My upholster is an hour away, but is well worth the drive! Great work, and amazingly low prices.
view Birdy's profile
I sell a replica / unlicenced copy / knock-off, whatever you wish to call it of the Eames Lounge chair in Hong Kong - it is every bit as comfortable as the Herman Miller version. Representatives from both Herman Miller and Vitra inspected it and admited they could neither fault it technically or tell the difference.
I have seen some appauling versions for around US$850 - US$1,500. Our version of the Santos Palisander rosewood veneer with Italian leather retails for US$2120 with a years warranty - less than half the price of the Herman Miller. I agree partially with the comment - you do get what you pay for when it comes to copies.
I always offer customers either original or reproduction - they pay their money and make their choice.
view hkmarc's profile