If you’d love an Eames chair, but don’t have the budget for the official one, why not go for the best Eames chair replica you can get?
You might say I’m a tiny bit obsessed with mid-century modern design, and what better way to make a statement than with such an iconic chair? That’s what started me off on my quest to find a really good replica back before I bought my first one. And why I looked into others after that. It gets addictive, you know.
It’s been more than 4 years now since I started following the Eames replica market. I have contacted manufacturers, I have taken into account verified customer reviews and I’ve compared each of the replicas below to the original Eames chair to find the best Eames replicas currently on the market today.
If you want more general information about the dos and don’ts of buying an Eames chair replica before you decide to take the plunge, I have written a more in-depth buying guide for you here.
But if you’d just like to get straight to the picks, here they are. So let’s start with my top recommendation: theiconicchair.
Do be warned this chair isn’t the cheapest but it is, by far, the highest quality and closest to the original design that you can get.
And here’s a Promo Code for our top pick.
Save $150 Use Code: COMFYZEN150 at the Iconic Chair.com
Looking for a high-quality replica of the iconic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman? Look no further than theiconicchair!
Top Choice
Mid-Century Lounge Chair and Ottoman
theiconicchair.com
This one is by far the most popular replica – that people go for…
This chair is the real deal, with a wide selection of colors and veneer options, as well as being available in both standard and tall sizes. And with over 10 years of experience in manufacturing, theiconicchair is a company that truly knows what they’re doing. The result is a chair that looks and feels as close to the original Eames design as you can get, without breaking the bank.
When I first laid eyes on theiconicchair, I was immediately impressed by the attention to detail and the dedication to quality that sets this chair apart from others on the market.
One of the things that really sets this chair apart is that just like the original there is a clip system that allows the flower crease buttoned cushions to un-hook from the shell. This may seem like a small detail, but it has a big impact. By allowing the cushions to be replaced, repaired, or reupholstered, it extends the life of the chair and makes it a more sustainable and cost-effective purchase. Other replicas often have fixed cushions that are stapled or Velcroed in place, which is not only less durable but also less versatile.
Another impressive detail is the fact that the shells are veneered on the inside, just like the original. This is a detail that is often overlooked on lower-quality replicas, but it adds a level of durability and authenticity that is hard to beat.
And speaking of durability, the black, die-cast five-point aluminum base is the same one designed by Charles and Ray Eames more than 60 years ago, ensuring that this chair will last for years to come.
I made the sketch below to show at a glance the difference between the two styles of feet you’ll find on the official design, but if you want to stay as authentic to the original 1956 design as possible, then you should go for a Herman Miller replica.
Of course, a chair is only as good as its comfort level, and theiconicchair.com has really outdone itself in this regard. The chair now features premium open-cell foam cushions, which are much softer and less dense than the heavy memory foam used in many other replicas. This makes for a much more comfortable and supportive sit, and it brings the chair closer to the comfort of the original Herman Miller chair.
The cushions are made from full-grain semi-aniline leather imported from Italy, providing the perfect combination of quality and durability. Aniline leather is the highest quality leather you can get, and the Iconic Chair uses a fine protective coating to make it less sensitive to water and grease marks. This makes it a great choice for families with young children or pets, and it will age beautifully over time.
Additional details, often lacking in lesser quality replicas, include rubber shock mounts underneath the armrests and between the head and the backrest which allows for flexibility, deep buttons to create that famous Eames flower crease, as well as the 15-degree fixed tilt and 360-degree swivel which are stipulated in the original design.
I know haven’t mentioned the quality of the plywood shells yet, but they are spot on. Made from whole sheets of high-quality FAS-certified cuts of hardwood. 7-py plywood just like the original.
Available in an impressively wide range of color options – this is something you generally only get with a real Eames – this replica is also available in the Tall Version. This adds an extra 2.5″ to the height, which if you are taller, you may find more comfortable. There’s a fair amount of debate about the size of the Eames chair. But this actually based on a misconception about the design.
People think the top shell is designed to support the head. I think this is simply because of the way the design looks. But similar to the Barcelona chair, for example, the top shell is there to support your shoulders. Take a look at this video showing various people of different heights sitting in the chair, if you need help choosing the correct size.
In short, the attention to detail and dedication to quality are truly impressive, and the result is a chair that is comfortable, durable, and authentic. If you’re in the market for a replica Herman Miller chair, I highly recommend giving theiconicchair.com a try – you won’t be disappointed.
What We Like:
- Faithful reproduction of the original Herman Miller Eames chair
- Removable premium open-cell foam cushions
- Veneered shells inside and out for added durability
- Upholstered in full-grain semi-aniline leather imported from Italy
- 7-ply wooden veneers kiln dried for added durability
- Available in a variety of wood finishes to match any decor
- Less sensitive to water and grease stains than full aniline leather, making it a great choice for families with young children or pets.
Buying Factors to Consider:
It’s not the cheapest. If you want the look and are prepared to sacrifice the extra details, to get a cheaper chair you should also consider the I Inchome, the Rimdoc both of which are cheaper.
Runner Up
Mid Century Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By 1inchome
The 1inchome is our clear winner in this lower-priced category.
First off, if you compare it with others we’ve seen that are made from leather or leatherette, this one is high-quality machine-stitched top-grain leather.
It also features 7-ply high-density natural laminated wood which makes it a more faithful copy of the original, than some that boast of “new 8- layers” of laminated wood.
You also get a good choice of veneer finishes including walnut, palisander, and black ash (which is an alternative to ebony ash ) – all of which are options you could choose from if you were to go for the official version.
The chair ticks all the essential boxes that an authentic Herman Miller-style chair would, including having that natural incline to the correct fixed angle of 15 degrees.
It doesn’t have detachable cushions (as you’d no doubt already have guessed) but that’s one way to cut down on cost without compromising the look or the overall quality of the chair.
With this one, you can even choose between normal size or an upgrade which is the taller version.
What We Like:
- High-quality genuine leather construction
- Close reproduction of the original design
- Reasonably priced for a chair and ottoman set
Buying Factors to Consider:
It won’t feel quite as soft as our first choice which features super-soft open-cell foam, but as a reproduction of the mid-century iconic Eames, it would make a stunning centerpiece to any living space, as well as a relaxing and comfortable place to lie back and put your feet up.
It’s a well-made chair, built to last, and nicely finished, complete with tufting and buttons.
Check the latest price and color options for Mid Century Lounge Chair with Ottoman by 1inchome on Amazon.
Also Great
We wanted to include the Rimdoc in our top picks because it’s another very good choice. In fact, there really is nothing between this one and the replica chair and ottoman we have just looked at.
And that’s because they are essentially the same chair.
For that reason, we won’t go into details on this one as the spec is just the same. It too is made from high-quality machine-stitched leather. It also features a 7-layer plywood frame and a coated black aluminum base.
One thing I do want to point out is that just because the chair has only recently been reintroduced after being absent for some time, there aren’t yet many customer reviews for this listing, but be assured this chair has been a very popular choice with customers in the past.
Do check the latest price and color options for Mid Century Lounge Chair with Ottoman by Rimdoc on Amazon if you are interested in this one, – particularly because the prices between the Inchome and Rimdoc often do vary.
Best Budget Choice: Leather Recliner with Ottoman by TOME
Leather Recliner with Ottoman by TOME
This one is currently out of stock but I’ll leave the review in as it may be helpful for comparison.
This is a great lower-priced option to go for. Unlike many replica chairs, in this price range (the Barcelona chair replica budget options being a case in point), this replica actually retains the look of the original Eames.
The fact that it stays faithful to the original Herman Miller design down to black-coated aluminum five-point base means there’s nothing cheap looking about it.
For us what makes this one stand out from others in this price range is that it’s not made from PU or fake leather, it’s actually made with real leather upholstery.
Where it does differ from the others we’ve looked at – and indeed from the original design is that instead of the traditional 7- layer plywood frame stipulated in the rules for the modern authentic design it has a somewhat unusual 8 -layer plywood shell.
Draw from that what you will, to us it indicates the plywood is of lower quality and the extra layer is there to compensate so the shell’s sturdiness isn’t comprised. That being said, the 8 layers of plywood do give the shells a slightly more robust appearance which to us, and customers who went for this chair, is aesthetically pleasing, and overall if you were to compare this one with the higher quality replicas it wouldn’t look out of place.
The shell is made by hand, the cushioning consists of memory foam filling, and the chair even has the rubber shock mount detail, connecting the head and backrest that high end, and indeed the original chair all have.
What We Like:
- Good Value For Money | It’s a good copy that’s stayed faithful to the original design. For that reason, there’s nothing cheap looking about it and it is good value for the price.
Check the latest price of Leather Recliner with Ottoman by TOME on Amazon.
Thanks for this incredibly thorough and helpful review of replica Eames loungers. I’m in the market and this write up gave me more info than all the other things I read combined. I’m wondering what other options you considered for the top end replicas? You mention Manhattan Home Design when discussing returns… How about Keeks Designs? Thanks again for the excellent write-up.
Hi Emily, Thank you so much for the lovely comment you left on my Eames chair replica review. In regard to the Keeks Designs, the spec for their chairs looks good. The only difference I can see between the Urban furnishing one I talk about in my review and the Keeps Design one is that the Keeps Design one has cushions made from PU-Injected Foam whereas Urban Furnishing now uses open-cell foam which is a little softer and just like the original. PU-Injected Foam isn’t all bad though, it’s resilient and hard-wearing – just something I thought I’d point out.
I notice their returns policy says you have 30 days in which to return and the cost of the return is down to you. No mention of a restocking fee that I can see, but I notice it says all returns must be in new condition upon return, along with all original packaging materials.
I haven’t any information on customer feedback for this company and I don’t have any personal experience with them to help you more, but you could have a chat with them first before you order to get a feel for how good their customer service is before you buy. I hope that helps.
Sue
Great review. Just wanted to point out another difference between the Keeks and Iconic Chairs. Keeks uses 100% Aniline Full Grain Leather and the Iconic Chair uses Semi Aniline Full Grain Leather. The original by Herman Miller is offered in both options, so it depends on what you prefer.
Thanks Julia, Good point! The Keeks chair is indeed 100% Aniline Full Grain Leather which is in the top 5% of the worlds best leathers.
Pros are that it buttery soft and arguably looks even better with age. Cons are that because it does’nt have any coating on the surface it can be suseptable to water and grease marks.
So it does, as you say, depend on what you prefer.
All these chairs are basically the same, cheap knock offs from China. Same basic chair, prices range from $800 to $1600 all for the exact SAME chair, dropped shipped in the USA by “front” companies. It’s a scam in a way. Most of these “sellers” are likely run by the same parent corporation. While the quality is not that bad, really, it’s still really devious to claim to be selling a “premium” product that is the same as the base model. Show me a picture of the workshop where these chairs are made with love in the USA. Right.
Hi Don thanks so much for your comment. While it’s true that some of the replicas are the exact same chair, they are not all the same, and there are significant differences between those that differ. More details are in the section Lower Priced Eames Chair Replicas above but I’ll give you a quick example, the Rimdoc, and the 1inchome have 7 layers of plywood whereas the TOOMOO and the TOME have eight, which gives the chair a slightly beefier appearance that some people love. The original however is made using seven layers. One difference between the lower-priced replicas and the relatively more expensive ones is that the cheaper ones have fixed cushions whereas, for example, theiconicchair.com replica (formally known as Urban Furnishing) has removable cushions via a clip system – just like the original. The filling too is different and matches that used for the original chair.
If you do have the budget for the real thing then absolutely you should go for it. You’ll have an iconic chair and an investment piece made with love in the USA. I’ve written a post about that too, Eames Chair Original vs Replica – Spend or Save? 🙂
Fantastic thorough review! Thank you!
Thank you so much!
What’s the best option with faux or PU leather?
Thanks for great reviews. I am actively looking for an affordable version of the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman (wish I could afford the original!), but I do not want a leather finish. A faux leather is fine or a fabric, but – apart from HM originals – I have not found any. Can you recommend an Eames-style lounger that does not use leather? Thanks!
Hi Steve, Hi Tyson,
PU-leather (faux leather) Eames replicas do occasionally crop up on Amazon, although I have to say, I haven’t seen any for a couple of months now. The Mophorn Lounge Chair with Ottoman is one such example that I can think of that was made from PU leather. I do remember that it was a mid-range, Chinese-made replica very similar to the other Amazon versions out there but one thing that did stand out was that spec for spec, the PU-leather chairs tended to be a little more expensive than their real leather counterparts. (I’m not sure of the reason for the higher price point.)
I haven’t come across any other well-known furniture stores such as keeksdesign or theiconicchair that offer that option so far. I will keep an eye out and if I find any faux leather chairs, I’ll certainly point them out in this post.
Any idea how to tell the true color of the wood with the styles all listed as numbers on the 1inchome Amazon listing? Style 24 appears to be walnut but it’s hard to tell how dark or light it is based on the photos. Any insight? Great reviews!
Hi Christopher, The 1inchome Amazon listings are, at present, somewhat confusingly all listed just as Palisander Wood. Recent customers have said they have received dark cherry-colored wood which is beautiful but may or may not go with your decor. That is a problem that you have to factor in when buying from Amazon, you are a little limited by choice.
Thank you for this incredibly informative article on the Eames lounge chair. I am furnishing a new place within the next few months and would love to get one. Though the price point of The Iconic Chair seems reasonable for a high-quality replica, my wife is vegan, so I can’t buy a leather chair. I noticed Herman Miller sells fabric upholstered versions (which they note is consistent with a few early offerings of the original Eames chair).
Have you found any good replicas finished with fabric? Cheers!
Hi Eric, You are correct that Herman Miller does currently offer two fabric versions of the chair. One is Flamiber which is 33% acrylic, 30% wool, 29% cotton, 7% polyester, and 1% viscose, and the other is Mohair Supreme made from 100% Mohair. Neither of which are suitable for vegans, which means saving up for the real thing wouldn’t really be an option for you either. It’s a shame that there aren’t more fabric options around, of both genuine and replica versions. I think a (non-silk) velvet cover would look fabulous. Occasionally, I have seen PU leather replicas popping up on Amazon. That being said I haven’t seen any for a few months. I do check up on what’s available every few days and if I spot any I will post about it here.
Do you have any thoughts on the (what I assume to be newly-listed) Rimdoc premium styles? They aren’t specifically marked but the leather in the photos looks more supple and the price matches that assumption. Considering the lack of information/assurance on the page, I’m inclined to move on over to The Iconic Chair, but figured I’d ask just in case. Thank you! Link:
Hi Tyler, Thanks for your comment. Yes, you are right. It is a new listing. They haven’t listed any chairs at this higher price point before. I have posted a question to them to ask for clarification. I would have thought that most likely it would be that the leather is of higher quality but there is no real information to go on at the moment until we get an answer.
I ordered one, thinking it was black leather with palisander wood, but when it showed up, the leather was a very dark brown. I returned it, disappointed they didn’t have a better description on their listing, but almost contemplated keeping it and dying it black because the quality of the leather was so good. I took it to Tandy Leather and they confirmed it was 100% cowhide. I am torn between another Rimdoc variation (“Style 1?” I think it’s black/palisander) and the Iconic Chair, but I’m not sold on the quality of the leather on Iconic Chair.
UPDATE: The Higher priced Rimdoc chair has cotton fabric encasing both the sponge cushion seating and the armrests for added comfort, the cushions are also removable via a clip system. Additionally, the chair has stainless steel iron fixing screws. Installation is also easier in the upgraded version as the armrest iron buckle fits either left or right.
Hi, thanks for the reviews!
Are you aware of any purchase options of replicas in Europe?
L.
Hello Lucas, Firstly, I don’t have any personal experience with any European sellers, so I can’t really recommend any as such. However, Pash Classics may be an option for you to look into. I know they have been around for a few years and based on their many (mostly favorable) Trustpilot reviews they seem to be a reasonable company. What I do like is that you can select up to 6 free leather samples to be sent to you before you decide to go ahead.
My advice: If you are buying anything that is bulky or potentially difficult to return for any reason do carefully go over the company’s returns policy page. There are usually (and this applies to any site) a specific bunch of rules you have to follow so do be mindful of that or you may run into problems. In this case, (and this is pretty much standard) make sure you keep all the original packaging and understand that the cost to return is borne by you.
You could also try to speak to someone before you order so you can ask them anything you need to and that means you may also get a good feel for how efficient and polite their customer service is.
In regard to the chairs themselves, they look to be a similar spec to those sold on Amazon. It doesn’t say that the cushions are removable and I would guess that like the Amazon ones, they probably aren’t. Not that you might ever want/need to remove the cushions from the shell but it’s just worth noting that the higher quality replicas do have removable cushions (just like the original) and this does denote that a high standard of workmanship has gone into the construction of the replica with no corners cut – so to speak. That being said this is reflected in the price so the chair seems to be reasonable for the money.
I hope that helps.
I purchased the palisander, black semi-aniline version from urban furnishing several years ago for my home office. It’s holding up very well.
At the time, I had difficulty justifying the full price of the original (still do), but wanted something as close to the original as possible and was willing to pay up for it.
My debate was Regular or Tall. I’m 6’0 and decided to go for the regular especially after I learned that the “shoulder rest” is not meant to be a headrest. Am pleased with my choice and appreciate your thorough review.
Also pleased to hear iconic/urban furnishing still holds the top spot! Isn’t it true that they purchased the original specs from HM? I thought I read that at the time.
Hi Jim, Thank you for your kind comment and it’s really good the hear your feedback about how well the iconic/urban furnishing chair has stood up over time.