FAQs
The Eames Collection at OAM is a curated selection of authentic vintage Eames furniture available through our Williamsburg, Brooklyn showroom. This FAQ covers authenticity, collecting, materials, restoration, purchasing, and some of the most frequently asked questions about Eames furniture.
How can I tell if an Eames chair is authentic?
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Authentic Eames furniture reveals itself through a combination of materials, construction, markings, and age. Depending on the period, original examples may feature Zenith Plastics markings, Herman Miller paper labels, embossed logos, foil stickers, or metal medallions. The fiberglass, molded plywood, upholstery, and hardware should all correspond to the era in which the piece was produced.
No single label guarantees authenticity. The most reliable evaluation considers the entire object: materials, dimensions, manufacturing details, and provenance. At OAM, every Eames piece is examined for period-correct construction and authenticity before being offered for sale.
What is the difference between fiberglass and polypropylene shell chairs?
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Fiberglass shell chairs were introduced in 1950 and were the first mass-produced plastic chairs in history. Their distinctive textured surface comes from visible fiberglass fibers embedded in the shell.
Polypropylene shell chairs were introduced decades later as a more environmentally friendly manufacturing alternative. They feature a smoother, more uniform surface and a slightly different feel.
Collectors often favor vintage fiberglass examples for their historical significance, material character, and connection to the original Eames design. Polypropylene versions remain popular for everyday use and contemporary interiors.
Are vintage Eames shell chairs still being made?
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Original vintage Eames shell chairs are no longer being produced. However, Herman Miller continues to manufacture contemporary versions of the Eames Shell Chair using modern materials and production methods.
Vintage examples were produced during specific periods and reflect the manufacturing techniques, materials, and colors of their time. Collectors often seek these earlier chairs for their historical importance and distinctive character.
What is Zenith Plastics?
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Zenith Plastics was the California manufacturer responsible for producing many of the earliest Eames fiberglass shell chairs for Herman Miller during the 1950s.
Many collectors consider Zenith-produced shells among the most desirable because they represent the earliest generation of Eames fiberglass furniture. These chairs often feature embossed Zenith markings and exhibit a rich fiberglass texture that later production examples sometimes lack.
Finding a Zenith mark does not automatically make a chair valuable, but it is often considered a significant indicator of an early production piece.
Herman Miller has used numerous labels and identification systems throughout its history. Depending on the era, an authentic Eames piece may feature:
Paper labels
Foil labels
Black-and-silver stickers
Round Herman Miller medallions
Embossed shell markings
Patent information
Manufacturing stamps
Because labeling practices changed over time, the absence of a specific label does not necessarily indicate a reproduction. Many original labels were removed, worn away, or lost through decades of use.
What do Herman Miller labels look like?
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Which Eames shell chair colors are rare?
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Can vintage Eames fiberglass chairs be repaired?
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What is the difference between Herman Miller and Vitra?
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Why are some shell chairs more expensive than others?
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Several Eames shell chair colors are particularly sought after by collectors due to limited production, distinctive appearance, or historical significance.
Examples often considered desirable include:
Elephant Hide Grey
Sea Foam Green
Lemon Yellow
Orange Red
Greige
Parchment
Certain parchment and greige variations from early fiberglass production
Rarity alone does not determine value. Condition, originality, base configuration, and overall desirability all influence collectibility.
Yes. Many vintage fiberglass shell chairs can be restored, repaired, or stabilized while preserving their original character.
Common restoration work includes:
Shock mount replacement
Base restoration
Cleaning and polishing
Structural fiberglass repair
Hardware replacement using period-correct components
The goal of restoration should be preservation rather than making a vintage chair appear brand new. Most collectors value honest age and original materials.
Herman Miller manufactures Eames furniture in North America, while Vitra produces authorized Eames furniture for Europe and certain international markets.
Both companies hold legitimate licenses to produce Eames designs. However, there are differences in manufacturing details, dimensions, materials, labels, and historical production methods.
For vintage collectors in the United States, Herman Miller examples are generally encountered more frequently and often carry stronger historical relevance within the American market.
Several factors influence the value of a vintage Eames shell chair:
Age
Authenticity
Color rarity
Condition
Base type
Manufacturer markings
Historical significance
Overall scarcity
An early Zenith fiberglass shell in a rare color may command significantly higher prices than a later production chair in a common finish. Likewise, original condition often carries greater value than heavily altered examples.
For many collectors, vintage Eames furniture represents a unique combination of design history, functionality, and cultural significance.
Charles and Ray Eames helped define modern furniture in the twentieth century. Their work remains highly relevant because it was designed for everyday life rather than purely decorative purposes.
Many collectors begin with a single shell chair and gradually expand into molded plywood chairs, wire chairs, aluminum group seating, lounge chairs, storage units, and other designs from the Eames collection.
While no furniture should be purchased solely as an investment, authentic Eames pieces have demonstrated enduring demand among collectors, designers, architects, and modern design enthusiasts for more than seventy years.