Vitra Eames classics: chairs, armchairs and office chairs

Charles and Ray Eames shaped twentieth-century furniture like no other design couple, and Vitra has produced their designs for Europe since 1957.

At 2nd home you will find used Eames originals by Vitra and Herman Miller: side chairs and armchairs in fibreglass and polypropylene, aluminium chairs of the EA series, lounge chairs and wire chairs. Every piece is individually checked and offered with photos of its true condition, from production year and label to the traces of use. So you know exactly which chair will arrive before you buy. You will find more from the maker in our Vitra collection, and seating specifically among the Vitra chairs.

How do you recognise an original Eames?

By the maker's label under the seat shell or on the frame: Vitra for Europe, Herman Miller for North America, plus embossings in the shell or aluminium. The label often reveals the production decade too. The maker is stated in the description of every piece we sell; replicas are not taken in at all.

Vitra or Herman Miller, which is better?

In quality there is nothing between them, it is one licensing family: Herman Miller has produced the designs in the USA since the 1950s, Vitra for Europe since 1957. For collectors, age and execution matter more, say early fibreglass shells or rare upholstery colours.

Why buy second-hand?

Eames classics are built to last and hold their value. A used chair costs far less than the list price, carries patina instead of plastic shine and is the most sustainable way to bring a true classic home. And should you tire of it one day, you can sell it on without much loss.

Vitra Eames classics: chairs, armchairs and office chairs

  • Eames designs are the core of any classics collection. Here you will find them alongside the wide Vitra range, the Vitra chairs and the office chairs, all pre-owned, checked and described individually.

    The key Eames families

    • Plastic chairs: DSW, DSR and DAW on wooden, wire or sled bases
    • Aluminium Group: EA 105 to EA 124, from conference chair to executive chair
    • Wire chairs: the openwork wire shells of the 1950s
    • Lounge Chair and Ottoman: the most famous armchair pair of the century

    Herman Miller and Vitra

    Both houses produce the designs under licence from the Eames family: Herman Miller since the 1950s for America, Vitra since 1957 for Europe. That is why our pieces carry one label or the other, and both are original.

  • Sustainability: classics in circulation

    An Eames chair outlasts generations, and that is exactly what it was built for. Buying used keeps these pieces in circulation, saves resources and is usually the smarter deal too.

    How to style Eames classics

    Side chairs enliven dining tables in teak or oak, the Aluminium Group dignifies any home office, and the Lounge Chair needs nothing but a reading corner and a good lamp. A single Eames is often enough to give a room its bearing.

    What connoisseurs look for

    • Maker label and embossing: Vitra or Herman Miller, never without
    • Shell condition: fine hairlines in fibreglass are patina, cracks are not
    • Original glides and untampered bases
    • Upholstery: original fabrics like Hopsak age better than reupholstery

    Keep browsing

    More classics await among the lounge chairs and in the design classics collection.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Which Eames models does 2nd home carry?

The core is side chairs and armchairs (DSW, DSR, DAW and relatives), the aluminium chairs of the EA series as office and conference chairs, plus wire chairs and lounge chairs. Stock changes constantly, so it pays to look in regularly.

How can I tell the age of an Eames chair?

From the maker label, the shell embossing and the material: fibreglass shells mostly date to the decades up to the 1980s, polypropylene came later. Base variants and glides give clues too. What we know about the production year is in the description.

How do I care for fibreglass and aluminium?

Wipe fibreglass shells with mild cleaner and a soft cloth, never scour, that destroys the typical fibre structure. Clean aluminium with water and a little washing-up liquid and wipe dry. The leather of lounge chairs appreciates occasional leather care.

Do Eames chairs fit any dining table?

With seat heights around 42 to 44 centimetres, the side chairs fit most dining tables. Stylistically they work almost anywhere: with teak and mid-century naturally, with modern tables as a classic counterpoint. Exact dimensions are listed with every chair.

Are used Eames chairs a good investment?

Well-kept originals have held their value for decades, early fibreglass versions and rare colours sometimes rise considerably. That is no guarantee, but unlike buying new, a good used Eames rarely loses value.

Are these Eames pieces vintage or used?

Both: from early vintage shells of the 1960s and 1970s to more recent used Vitra production. Age, maker and condition are stated with every piece, so you know exactly what you are getting.

Can I sell my own Eames through you?

Yes, original Eames pieces are in demand with us. Submit yours with photos through our sell page, we check condition and demand and come back with an assessment.

How does the chair reach me safely?

Chairs ship well padded as insured parcels, lounge chairs and larger pieces by freight carrier. For questions about delivery time and process, our service team is happy to help.

  • curation, selection and active search

    Every product you find on 2nd home comes from our curation and quality process . This includes our Vitra Eames furniture - from new to used and vintage.

    Our team is constantly looking for trends and new items to offer you high-quality vintage and second-hand goods and plenty of inspiration.

    And if you are looking for something specific, you can contact us at any time.

  • Delivery

    At 2nd home you don't have to wait long for delivery, our furniture , carpets , lights and decorative objects are available for immediate delivery. Another advantage when you buy vintage and second hand.

    For more information about shipping and delivery , see Returns & Refunds .

  • service

    At 2nd home we place great importance on quality and customer satisfaction. Although we offer vintage and second-hand furniture, we carefully inspect each piece.

    If you have any questions, our customer service will help you You can find further information about our buyer protection, guarantee and right of return in our cancellation policy .

  • sustainability

    By selling second-hand furniture, we promote reuse and reduce the consumption of resources. At the same time, we reduce CO2 emissions.

    You can find out more on our sustainability page.

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