LOVE IT!! Can’t quite afford the $5K from DWR. Does anyone have experience with this company?
And no, I’m not promoting this company. I’m actually building a new house and want to know if these products are of quality.
You get what you pay for generally. I’d advise getting something else or waiting until you can afford the real thing. A real Eames lounge will last forever, can get replacement parts and service from HM, and if you ever want to sell will hold its value. A knock-off is practically worthless the day you get it.
R
I’ve heard good things about this company before. Never bought anything from them though.
there’s always eBay… caveat emptor!
So, I see a few sides to this as someone who has some vintage pieces, some DWR re-issue, and some “inspired” pieces. I think all of them have their place.
First, I never buy furniture for the resale value. I understand it, but I tend not to get rid of much anyway, and when I do I have had it for years so it has served me well. I did buy a well knock off Bertoia stool once at a legit vintage modern store. They knew they were re selling a knock off, I knew I was getting one and bargained appropriately. I bought it because it was for a very specific purpose for a very specific amount of time, and a I re sold it for exactly what I paid on Craigslist… But even if I had to give it away I would not have cared because it served its purpose well and that has value to me.
Second, if you can afford the legit reissues, you should buy those. It just makes sense. The money goes to companies that by and large support good designated that is a good thing. I don’t know what DWR or Herman Miller’s margins are, but they do great things for design in general and I like that.
Third, if you can’t afford the high price of a reissue, don’t go into debt for these things! Remember the modernist vision was to produce good quality products for everyone, not put people into debt so they could have living room trophies. I have an $800 couch “inspired” be the LeCorbusier Steamer sofa. I bought it when I did not have a lot of money, it is 1/4 the price of the reissue, and when people come over I let them know it is a knockoff. I’ve had it for 10 years and it is still going strong. Right now I’m looking to replace it, probably with a Blu Dot piece. I’ll look to sell it but even if I get nothing for it, it served me well, and I’d didnt have to freak out every time the dog jumped on it!
In contrast I have a couple of reissue Eames LCWs from DWR. The black aniline die ones. I absolutely love them. They are scultpurally beautiful and super comfortable. When I bought them I had just become a director and I finally had the money to go legit… But I’m forever telling guests not to throw their purses or jackets on them…
So, I see a few sides to this as someone who has some vintage pieces, some DWR re-issue, and some “inspired” pieces. I think all of them have their place.
First, I never buy furniture for the resale value. I understand it, but I tend not to get rid of much anyway, and when I do I have had it for years so it has served me well. I did buy a well knock off Bertoia stool once at a legit vintage modern store. They knew they were re selling a knock off, I knew I was getting one and bargained appropriately. I bought it because it was for a very specific purpose for a very specific amount of time, and a I re sold it for exactly what I paid on Craigslist… But even if I had to give it away I would not have cared because it served its purpose well and that has value to me.
Second, if you can afford the legit reissues, you should buy those. It just makes sense. The money goes to companies that by and large support good designated that is a good thing. I don’t know what DWR or Herman Miller’s margins are, but they do great things for design in general and I like that.
Third, if you can’t afford the high price of a reissue, don’t go into debt for these things! Remember the modernist vision was to produce good quality products for everyone, not put people into debt so they could have living room trophies. I have an $800 couch “inspired” be the LeCorbusier Steamer sofa. I bought it when I did not have a lot of money, it is 1/4 the price of the reissue, and when people come over I let them know it is a knockoff. I’ve had it for 10 years and it is still going strong. Right now I’m looking to replace it, probably with a Blu Dot piece. I’ll look to sell it but even if I get nothing for it, it served me well, and I’d didnt have to freak out every time the dog jumped on it!
In contrast I have a couple of reissue Eames LCWs from DWR. The black aniline die ones. I absolutely love them. They are scultpurally beautiful and super comfortable. When I bought them I had just become a director and I finally had the money to go legit… But I’m forever telling guests not to throw their purses or jackets on them…
I see your points, Michael, and maybe it’s just me, but the satisfaction in knowing you have the real thing is also something I would add to the mix. I’ve wanted an Eames chaise lounge set forever, but hadn’t had the cash or space or both at different times. I know finally have both so am looking to pick one up soon, and I know I will enjoy it that much more because of the wait.
I’m one to rather do with nothing than compromise. I’ve had no sofa for 4 years at one point as u could find/afford what I was looking for. When you find/get it, it’s all worth it. I’m a big believer in buying furniture for life. Finding the perfect xxxx. I’m amassed my collection over 10 years and the only things I would ever get rid of are those things I’ve bought as “good enough” knock offs , “need something to fill a space” , etc. knowing my other choices are long term gives me great enjoyment. The hunt is worth it.
Btw, as a designer you can score a deal with HM if you contact their contract rep. I got a quote for Eames lounge at like 30% of retail. If a personal contact doesn’t work or you don’t have your own business get your studio/department guy to contact and tell
Them its for the office.
R
Good call on the HM rep. Thanks for the tip!
I agree on the satisfaction of owning the real thing! I think a vintage find of a real original is the best! I love the feel of the hunt! … but wives tend not to like being without a sofa for 4 years 
As with anything, the parameters of the situation often limit the acceptable solution set.
Indeed! When I finally found the sofa it was a vintage b&b Italian sofa in Denmark that used to be in the national bank in Copenhagen. An Anthony Critterio Desisis sofa that new is $20k. Got it for $4000.
R
Watch CL and talk to your local estate sale folks. Snag stuff that way, Grand Rapids CL is a hotbed for MCM
Thanks! Hadn’t thought about calling up HM. It’s going to be used in my new office which is being built in the lower level of my new house. Concrete floors and 12’ ceilings with huge windows looking out at the mountains surrounding Asheville, NC. Here are some images I rendered of the upstairs great room. Still working out the kitchen details.
