Second Hand Vitra Chairs: Originals from Eames to Panton

Second Hand Vitra Chairs: Originals from Eames to Panton

A Vitra chair is rarely a purchase, it is a decision in favour of a design that has worked for decades. This selection holds the fibreglass shells by Charles and Ray Eames, the Panton Classic in six colours, Jean Prouvé's Standard and quieter designs such as Jasper Morrison's HAL Wood or the Vegetal by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec. Every piece is used, checked and available exactly once.

How do you recognise a real Vitra chair?

Vitra marks its products on the component, not on a sticker. On shell chairs the embossing sits under the seat shell, on tubular steel and wooden designs on the frame or beneath the seat. For every piece in this selection the condition is stated on the product page, along with dimensions, material and signs of use. What the photos do not show is in the text.

Which Vitra chair suits which table?

For the dining table the fibreglass shells and Prouvé's Standard are the obvious choice, both take daily use. The Panton Classic works better as a single statement, one piece is usually enough for a room. If you need several matching chairs, look for the sets: this selection holds sets of four of the .03 and the DKR-2 Wire Chair.

Why used rather than new?

Because the designs are the same and the price is not. The range here runs from the Panton Junior children's chair to the La Fonda by Eames, and in between lies almost everything Vitra has built over the past sixty years.

Frequently asked questions and answers

How do I recognise an original Vitra chair?

Vitra embosses its mark into the component itself, usually under the seat shell or on the frame. For every piece in this selection we have documented provenance and condition, and both are stated on the product page.

Are these single pieces or are there sets?

Most are single pieces. There are closed sets too, currently groups of four of the .03 and the DKR-2 Wire Chair. The quantity is always in the product title.

Can I return a Vitra chair with signs of use?

Yes. We describe condition and signs of use before purchase, and beyond that the regular right of withdrawal applies. The details are under Returns and refunds.

Can I sell my own Vitra chairs through you?

Yes. How it works is explained on our page Sell with us.

What determines the price of a used Vitra chair?

Design, condition, upholstery and provenance. A single chair from current production sits well below an early piece with documented provenance. Age alone says little.

How are the chairs delivered?

Every piece ships immediately because it already exists. Shipping costs depend on destination and size and are calculated at checkout.

Can I view a chair before buying?

That depends on the individual piece, our objects sit with dealers and private sellers in different places. Write to us via Help and contact with the link to the product and we will ask for you.

What goes with a Vitra chair?

A dining table at a matching height and, if it is to become a workspace, a desk. More designs are in the design classics.

Second Hand Vitra Chairs: Originals from Eames to Panton

  • High quality Vitra chairs combine two things that rarely meet: a design with a name and a construction that survives daily use. The selection here runs from the fibreglass shell to the wooden chair, every piece used and checked individually.

    The designs in this selection

    • Charles and Ray Eames: fibreglass shells, DSR, DCW, La Fonda and the EA series
    • Verner Panton: the Panton Classic in six colours and the Panton Junior
    • Jean Prouvé: Standard, Standard SR and the Fauteuil Direction
    • Jasper Morrison, Maarten Van Severen, the Bouroullecs and Hans Coray

    From single piece to set

    Vintage means single piece, and that holds for most models here. There are exceptions: sets of four of the .03 and the DKR-2 Wire Chair are available as closed groups. If you are furnishing a table, those are the pieces to look at first.

    More from Vitra

    Alongside the chairs you will find the complete Vitra selection, the Eames designs across all categories and the chairs and stools of every brand.

  • Sustainability meets design

    A used Vitra chair is a chair that does not have to be produced again. For designs that have been in the range for sixty years that is not a compromise but the obvious option. More on our page about sustainability.

    Combining with other styles

    Vitra designs are rarely loud, which is why they work in almost any interior style. In a mid-century room they are at home anyway, in Scandinavian design they set the colour accent, and in an otherwise modern room a single Panton Classic is enough.

    What to check before buying

    • Embossing: under the seat shell or on the frame, not on a sticker.
    • Shell: hold hairline cracks at the fixing points against the light.
    • Frame: chrome may show patina, rust on load bearing parts may not.
    • Felt glides: often missing and replaceable, not a value criterion.

    Keep browsing

    Matching pieces are the dining tables and the design classics of other manufacturers.

  • curation, selection and active search

    Every product you find on 2nd home comes from our curation and quality process . This includes our Vitra chairs - 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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