Flickr Find: Restoring an Eames Lounger

We came across a Flickr set titled "Project Lounge" that documents the restoration of a weather-worn Eames Lounger that was coming apart at the seams. This is a restoration that we can wrap our minds around--we like seeing DIY projects that we feel like we might be able to tackle. They give us hope and motivation...

8.25.09 eames 2.jpg theMatt posted photos each step of the way of his restoration project, Project Lounge. He had an Eames Lounger that had seen better days. While it wasn't a complete overhaul, he was dealing with sunbleached and liquid-stained wood with chips in the veneer, broken shock mounts, and torn cushion backs. Not to mention "I'm pretty sure some baby puke has dripped under the seat."

Using oxalic acid to remove the liquid stains, some sanding, and a fresh coat of Danish oil to revive the wood, the chair was starting to look alive again. He then replaced the plastic cushion backs and repaired the bursts at the seams. After replacing the shock mounts, tidying up the rest of the parts and reassembling, he has a gorgeous Eames Lounger! Check out all of the photos of his project here!

8.25.09 eames 3.jpg

Comments (6)

Wow! Looks fantastic!

posted by Courtachino on August 25th 2009 at 5:17pm
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It's yummy!

posted by grumbler101 on August 25th 2009 at 5:59pm
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Wow, amazing work! would love to try that myself. I wonder how much he found the chair for?

posted by Matt. M on August 25th 2009 at 6:01pm
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I saw one of these in a thrift store once and ran to it only to find a big red SOLD tag on it. I was so upset!! It was pretty beat up though.

posted by cassielynn on August 25th 2009 at 6:53pm
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Looks great the first picture made me cry.

FYI for others attempting this Herman Miller can provide the specs and if you need parts easy to order. My backs came off some of my Eames dining chairs which are 20 years old and it was easy to get the parts to make them right again.

posted by LoriSF on August 25th 2009 at 8:22pm
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If you are nervous to tackle a project of this size on your own, try Hume Modern in Los Angeles, a company that specializes in mid-century modern furniture repair and restoration. http://www.humemodern.com

Cheers!
Jennifer Jones
http://www.nicheinteriors.com

posted by nicheinteriors on August 26th 2009 at 1:13am
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