The Comfortable Eames Lounge Chair Dupe From Amazon You Won't Find At The Thrift Store

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As the preeminent Ray Eames said, "What works good is better than what looks good because what works good lasts," (via Eames Office). It's no surprise, then, that alongside her husband, Charles, the Eameses' designs came to define the mid-century Modern era — perhaps none more so than their eponymous and iconic Eames chair. Born out of their use of bent plywood during WWII to manufacture splints and aircraft parts for the U.S. Navy, the duo's designs revolutionized the use of plywood in furniture. Although first introduced in 1956, the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman continues to spell luxury in the form of molded wood and fine fabric or leather that fits most design styles. But at $8,700, only an elite few can truly attain one. Since we believe good design is for everyone, our editors found a spot-on Amazon dupe for just under $600.

As Charles said himself, "beyond the age of information is the age of choices" (via The Atlantic). And the ROYAINROLLY Mid Century Chaise Lounge Chair with Ottoman offers a choice that is well designed at a much more attainable price point. Made from aluminum, leather, and wood, this handmade design offers the same fusion of form and function the Eameses are known for, without the gatekeeping price tag.

Of course, the Herman Miller piece offers the authenticity of having a true "Eames Chair," but it's a hefty price to pay for a name. The luxury design is crafted from seven-ply walnut, santos palisander, white ash, or ebonized ash veneer shells on an aluminum base and topped with polyurethane foam cushions that can be covered in one of 95 different upholstery options. Amazon's version uses similar materials, including eco-friendly Palisander plywood, an aluminum base, and leather-covered sponge cushions.

ROYAINROLLY's dimensions are the same as the standard Eames chair, but the Amazon chair weighs slightly less (88 pounds to Herman Miller's 95 pounds). Like the original, the Amazon version is handmade, environmentally conscious, and easy to clean. The only true differentiator is the assembly. While Herman Miller's chair comes fully assembled, you will need to put together the Amazon chair yourself. Reviews say that assembly is relatively easy if you pay close attention to the directions and watch the company's videos. One reviewer further warned, "It is challenging to put this together solo, you really need a second pair of hands, especially to attach the seat to the backrest. Screwing on the armrests was hard, it's a real awkward angle. Great lounge chair, annoying assembly." Still, all in, it should take just around 30 minutes to save over $8,000.

What has made the Eames chair such a lasting and iconic design is its versatility when it comes to aesthetics. Michigan popularized it in the '50s, and now it's a one-of-a-kind thrift store find. The form-meets-function design ensures the chair both looks good and, as Ray says, "works good." Of course, we love both the original and the dupe in an office, with its luxurious silhouette that will instantly turn a drab workspace into a sophisticated study — DIY a breathtaking library wall with IKEA's popular BESTA units to complete the look.

But this lounge chair isn't limited to your workspace. Add it as an accent chair in your living room or gathering space, or beside a fireplace for a cozy reading nook. In a spare bedroom, this chair makes a great place for guests to sit and read or chat after hours. Also, keep in mind that with mid-century Modern furniture, you don't have to shy away from color. Thanks to this chair's neutral tones and clean lines, it works well in colorful rooms, against patterned wallpaper, or styled with a bright throw.