Eames chair: how can you spot a counterfeit?

An American brand created by a pair of designers and architects, the Eames are considered to be among the most influential in the history of modern design. The brand offers a wide range of products, including tables, chairs, armchairs and lamps. Thanks to their comfort and innovative, elegant design, chairs are the brand's best-known product. Eames products are considered collectors' items and can sometimes be expensive. Many counterfeiters are quick to replicate the brand's products and put them up for sale in order to make a profit. That's why, if you're looking for a second-hand Eames chair or one that's not in an official shop, we've put together a few tips to help you be sure of the product's authenticity.

The logo :

First of all, pay particular attention to the Eames logo on the base of the chair. It says a lot about the chair's authenticity. This logo is clearly visible on the chair.

The American brand produces its logo in just one way. All the letters in the inscription "EAMES" must be in capitals. Different colours are used, with the "A" and "E" in blue and the "M" and "S" in red. The colours used by the brand are bright, unlike counterfeit chairs where the colours are much duller.

You should also check that the logo has a sub-text indicating the brand name in capital letters. It is not uncommon for counterfeiters to forget this detail. If the logo is completely absent from the Eames product you wish to buy, you are dealing with a counterfeit.

The price :

Let's move on to the price of the chair you want to buy. Eames products are expensive. This price is explained by the materials used and the quality of manufacture. Although the price varies according to the age and model of the product.

Scammers offer Eames products at very low prices, so it is important to check the authenticity of the product. If the selling price of the item is considerably lower than the original price, it is very likely to be a counterfeit.

The measures :

Also check the measurements of your Eames chair. Counterfeit chaise longue chairs do not match the original design specifications. There are three specific measurements you need to pay attention to.

The chair should measure 31.5 inches from the floor to the top of the headrest. Replica chairs are generally higher than they should be. The edge of the seat should be about 15 inches above the floor.

The last measurement to check concerns the distance between the arms, front and back. Each of these areas must be 32.75 inches apart. Any discrepancy in this distance should be a warning signal about the authenticity of the product.

Feet:

The last point to pay attention to concerns the legs of the Eames chair. They are slightly angled, but neither stiff nor flat. Swindlers copy this detail incorrectly.

In replica chairs, the base is made up of square legs that also have a steep incline. Also check the number of legs, which should be 4. It is not uncommon to see replica chairs with 5 legs.

Secure the purchase of your second-hand Eames chaise longue with Obvy :

Obvy offers a payment method specially designed to secure transactions between private individuals. Whether you're buying or selling between private individuals on ad platforms such as Leboncoin or Vinted, Obvy acts as a trusted third party to help you avoid any scams.

In the event of a counterfeiting scam, you can quickly and easily return the product to the seller and get your money back. What's more, you'll have all the information you need about the seller in the event of legal action.