The Eames Lounge Chair, a mid-century icon, is renowned for its comfort and timeless design. However, like any well-loved piece of furniture, it can experience wear and tear over time. This guide, drawing upon years of discussions and shared experiences from Eames owners, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of common repair issues and solutions, ensuring your cherished chair remains in top condition. Whether you are facing a broken shock mount, worn leather, or simply seeking advice on maintenance, understanding the nuances of Eames Lounge Chair repair is crucial. Just as you would seek a specialized service for your vehicle, like A and K Auto Avreh Car Repair on Queens Boulevard for your car, finding the right expertise for your Eames chair is essential for preserving its value and comfort.
Common Eames Lounge Chair Repair Issues
Based on numerous owner accounts, certain problems frequently arise with Eames Lounge Chairs, particularly vintage models. Understanding these common issues is the first step towards effective repair.
Shock Mount Failure: The Most Frequent Problem
The most discussed issue, by far, is the failure of the shock mounts. These rubber or neoprene components are crucial for connecting the back and seat shells, providing the chair’s characteristic flexibility and comfort. Over time, the adhesive securing these mounts can deteriorate, or the rubber itself can dry rot and crumble, leading to separation and instability.
“I have a Herman Miller Eams chair that I can’t part with. … Receintly the (seamingly) leather hinges that connect the back to the seat have dry rottod.” – Maurice Tannenbaum
“Like many of you, my Eames Lounge Chair fell apart; the rubber mountings failed.” – Tony Vaughan
This issue is often described as the “back breaking off” or the chair “falling apart,” highlighting the dramatic nature of the failure. The forum discussions reveal that shock mount failure is not necessarily a design flaw, but rather a consequence of material aging and stress over decades of use.
Leather and Cushion Wear
Another common area of concern is the leather upholstery and cushions. While Eames chairs are known for their quality materials, leather can crack, tear, or wear out, especially with age and varying environmental conditions. Zipper failures, seam splits, and flattened or deteriorated cushion fillings are also frequently mentioned.
“I have an original Eames chair and ottoman from approximately 1970. All the leather is worn out but the underlying upholstery is not damaged. Would appreciate current advice or quotes on reupholstering to original specs.” – Otis
“I have a Eams loung chair…The leather seat coushion zipper has dry rotted from the seat and the feather down insides are hanging out of the edges…” – charlotte
Plywood Shell Damage
While less frequent than shock mount or leather issues, damage to the plywood shells themselves can occur. Cracks, delamination, or veneer damage, especially around the shock mount attachment points, can complicate repairs. Sometimes, previous repair attempts can even exacerbate these issues.
“I have a Eames Lounge with failed mount and because of that a broken shell.” – JoeR
“After the last repair, it broke one of the ears on the back panel and now is irreparable.” – Roy Yumori
Base and Swivel Mechanism Problems
Issues with the chair base and swivel mechanism are also mentioned, although less frequently. These can range from loose bases, broken swivels, or missing glides.
“Hello. I can buy an old Herman Miller european version… What I notice was, that the cross-base have had a little ‘air’ inside the 5 star base… Is it possible to repair by own?” – andy
“I have a Eames Chair from selig. The mechanism that keeps the chair level must be broken as the chair tips easily from one side to another.” – anne hoier
Eames Lounge Chair Repair Options
Once you’ve identified the issue, the next step is determining the best repair approach. Several options are available, each with its own pros and cons.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Repair
For some Eames owners, DIY repair is an appealing option, particularly for shock mount issues. The forum provides numerous accounts of individuals attempting to reglue shock mounts using various adhesives.
“I repaired my Eames Lounge Chair, where the rubber shock mounts had deteriorated and given way… Total cost to me: ~$25.00 for special saw, fasteners, rubber, maple blocks and epoxy kit.” – John
“I am trying Gorilla glue and carefully preping the surfaces and cleaning excess glue as it cures and expands…” – Kevin
Recommended Adhesives: Several forum users recommend specific adhesives for shock mount repair:
- PC-7 Epoxy Paste: Praised for its wood and rubber bonding capabilities.
- Loctite E-60HP: Recommended for its strength and suitability for rubber and wood.
- E6000 Industrial Strength Multi Purpose Adhesive: Reported as successful after rigorous surface preparation and clamping.
DIY Considerations:
- Surface Preparation is Key: Thoroughly cleaning and sanding both the shock mount and wood surfaces is crucial for successful bonding. Removing all traces of old adhesive is essential.
- Clamping: Adequate clamping pressure and curing time are vital. Weeks of clamping and post-cure resting periods are sometimes recommended.
- Material Quality: Using high-quality, appropriate adhesives is paramount. Experimenting with inferior products can lead to repeated failures and potentially further damage.
- Value Impact: DIY repairs, while cost-effective, may potentially affect the chair’s value for purists and collectors, especially if not executed professionally.
Herman Miller Authorized Repair
Herman Miller, the original manufacturer, offers authorized repair services for Eames Lounge Chairs. This is often considered the gold standard for repair, ensuring originality and potentially preserving the chair’s value.
“In contacting Herman Miller, they quoted me $1900 per arm replacement. I think the entire chair is only worth $2800 retail…” – Maurice Tannenbaum
“ChairMD.com for your Eames Lounge Chair repair needs. As a Herman Miller authorized service center, repairs such as shockmount replacements and cushion reupholsting would be done in Herman Miller’s facility by trained technicians.” – ChairMD
Pros of Herman Miller Repair:
- Original Parts: Herman Miller uses original parts, ensuring authenticity.
- Trained Technicians: Repairs are performed by trained professionals in their facilities.
- Warranty: Repairs may come with a warranty.
Cons of Herman Miller Repair:
- Cost: Herman Miller repairs can be expensive, sometimes approaching or exceeding the chair’s market value.
- Turnaround Time: Repair times can be lengthy, often weeks or months.
- Limited Repair Scope: In some cases, Herman Miller may deem chairs “unrepairable,” particularly older models or those with significant damage.
Third-Party Furniture Restoration Services
Numerous third-party furniture restoration companies specialize in Eames and mid-century modern furniture repair. These services often offer a balance between quality and cost, providing expertise without the premium price tag of Herman Miller.
“For leather issues with the 670 try Bruldardt Upholstery, they did the first runs for HM. Their # is 212-829-8330.” – Paul Kope
“If anyone needs help with Herman Miller repairs and is in or near the New York City are, I can probably help you. E-mail me or call me @ 212-532 0606. ATB Paul K.” – Paul Kope
“Prestige Furniture reupholsters the Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman for 1,250.00 including black semi gloss leather. Located in Queens @ 718 721-2200” – Sol Ovadia
Notable Restoration Companies Mentioned in the Forum:
- Hume Modern (Venice, CA): Frequently mentioned and recommended for Eames restoration, particularly shock mount repair and veneer work.
- Olek Lejbzon & Co. (Newark, NJ): A long-established restoration company specializing in furniture since 1950, offering both original style and proprietary shock mount solutions with extended warranties.
- Retro Redo (Tulsa, OK): Specializes in Eames shell chair upholstery and pad replacement.
- Self Furniture (Mount Prospect, IL): Recommended as a more affordable alternative to Herman Miller.
- Bruldardt Upholstery (NYC): Cited for leather issues and historical connection to Herman Miller.
Choosing a Third-Party Restorer:
- Reputation and Experience: Look for companies with a proven track record in mid-century modern furniture restoration, specifically Eames chairs. Check reviews and ask for references.
- Specialization: Some restorers specialize in specific types of repairs (e.g., upholstery, veneer, structural). Choose one that matches your chair’s needs.
- Warranty: Inquire about warranties on repairs, especially for shock mount replacements. Some companies offer extended warranties, indicating confidence in their work.
- Cost Comparison: Obtain quotes from multiple restorers to compare pricing and services. Balance cost with quality and reputation.
- Location and Shipping: Consider location and shipping logistics if sending your chair for repair. Shipping can be expensive and requires careful packaging.
Verifying Eames Lounge Chair Authenticity
For owners unsure of their chair’s authenticity, the forum touches upon methods for verification.
“Could anyone please tell us where we could find out how to tell if Eames lounge chair and ottoman are original or knock offs. Is there a makers mark? If so were would it be. What does under mount look like?” – amie
Authenticity Indicators:
- Makers Mark/Label: Original Herman Miller Eames chairs typically have a label or marking indicating the manufacturer and sometimes date of production. Location and style of the label can vary by era.
- Base Construction: Original bases have specific designs and materials. For example, early bases may have a different number of stars or leg construction.
- Materials and Construction Details: Authentic chairs use specific veneers (rosewood, walnut, cherry), leather types, and construction techniques. Knock-offs often use inferior materials or deviate from original specifications.
- Overall Quality and Craftsmanship: Original Eames chairs exhibit high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Knock-offs may have noticeable flaws or inconsistencies in construction and finishing.
For definitive authentication, consulting with a mid-century furniture appraiser or expert is recommended.
Maintaining Your Eames Lounge Chair
Preventative maintenance can extend the life of your Eames Lounge Chair and minimize the need for extensive repairs.
- Leather Care: Regularly clean and condition leather upholstery to prevent drying and cracking. Use leather-specific cleaners and conditioners.
- Environmental Control: Avoid exposing the chair to extreme temperature fluctuations or humidity, which can damage leather and wood.
- Proper Use: Avoid excessive stress or weight on the chair that could strain shock mounts or other components.
- Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect shock mounts, leather, and base for signs of wear or loosening. Addressing minor issues early can prevent major problems later.
Conclusion
Repairing an Eames Lounge Chair requires careful consideration and informed decision-making. Whether you choose DIY repair, Herman Miller services, or a third-party restorer, understanding the common issues, available options, and the nuances of Eames chair construction is essential. By addressing repairs proactively and maintaining your chair properly, you can ensure its continued comfort, beauty, and value for years to come. Just as you trust specialized services for your valuable possessions, remember to seek expert help for your iconic Eames Lounge Chair to maintain its legacy.
