Q: I have fallen in love with the Saarinen Executive side chair, but not with the $800 apiece price tag. (I need four for my dining area, and $3200 is more than I can justify spending in one shot). I found a knockoff by modloft for under $200 apiece. Unfortunately, they are veneer and microsuede (uncanny resemblance though!) I'm hoping to find something a bit in between the two in terms of quality and price...
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Check whiteonwhite.com, I think they have them with and without arms.
view taracakes's profile
These can be found used for not too much...try Two Jakes in NYC, they always have a few.
view Aaron's profile
i've seen whiteonwhite's in person and they look great. the upholstery is very nice. i think they're only in NYC though. maybe they would ship them to you.
view jerseyfresh's profile
These show up on ebay regularly for quite low prices. Originals often go for $250-$400.
view jonestim's profile
The knock-offs won't make you happy. You'll just feel annoyed every time you see them that they aren't quite right.
If I were you, I'd buy one original to put at the head of the table, and use compatible inexpensive chairs for the other seating. Then, as you're able to, upgrade the other chairs over time.
There's really nothing quite like exactly what you want.
view Lisa (Montreal)'s profile
Lisa is right! Check craigslist and eBay, these are definitely often available used. I have one that was a conference room chair at IBM, complete with IBM stamp on the bottom!
view kberger's profile
Or if you have any professional designer friends, they get 40% off list price from herman miller.
view sgnt13's profile
Ebay
view boxerchick's profile
Yup - just checked on eBay. Lots of these. One guy ahs them for $299, more than ten available. :)
view Mary B C's profile
There is a gorgeous one on Ebay right now -- with wood legs. Stunning.
view mschatelaine's profile
Is this person wanting the Organic chair, or the Executive side chair. The executive side chair is in the photo. If they are wanting the Eames/Saarinen Organic chair, that's going to be tough to find vintage as not many were made. Vitra's reproductions are extremely expensive. It's your call. I've seen a knock off Organic and it looks pretty good - although I'm not really a fan of knock offs - but everyone else is right, if you are wanting the chair in the photo, the CL is your best bet. There are some in Milwaukee right now for cheap, and Ebay has a ton! good luck
view mod-century's profile
go vintage! sitandreadfurniture.blogspot.com always has some. cheaper than ebay even!
view sitandread's profile
Vintage is the way to go: E-Bay, Craigslist, Flea Markets, etc.
I have a pair of mismatched 70's-vintage Knoll Saarinen Executive Armchairs that I bought off eBay for $40 $25 shipping each and lived with in as-found condition for 3-4 years. I also found a beautiful discontinued Unika Vaev fabric on eBay for less than $3/yard and kept it rolled up in the closet until I could make my move.
Finally, this past winter, I called Cornelius at Retrospect Custom Furniture on Gough & Market who reupholstered & repadded my chairs for @ $400 each, including pickup and delivery.
Sure it took me a few years to get these done - but I got GREAT value: Utterly unique chairs that are exactly what I wanted for less than 1/2 retail. I helped a local craftsmen stay in business, plus my American-Made chairs will easily last another 20-30 years.
view bepsf's profile
How about this one http://www.homedecoratorsoutlet.com/P/Soho_Gallery_Swivel_Chair/420/
view Sofik's profile