Sunday, October 2, 2011

I heart Herman Miller

More mid-mod wonderful-ness. This is a pair of vintage Herman Miller Eames upholstered fiberglass shell chairs. If you don't know what they are, Google or look up on ebay and then you will understand what a find these were. I was at a yardsale in midtown where I found some great Ball mason jars and when I left I was driving up the block and out of the corner of my thrifting eagle eyes I spotted these chairs. BRAKES!

I had been wanting chairs like this for years but they are hundreds of dollars new and hard to find in good vintage condition at a reasonable price. Trying not to bolt towards these chairs googly eyed, I calmly walked into the sale and said, hmmm...these are interesting chairs. Looked around and found a grow light for our indoor garden this winter and then back to the chairs. Flipped them over, yes, Herman Miller. Original foot glides still intact. No rust. Edging is perfect. Upholstery is original, but needs cleaning. Doesn't smell funky. How much for these old chairs? I got the set for $50.
My intent is to reupholster these babies but I hate to ruin the original fabric by doing so. I might just clean up the fabric.
Any ideas on what to use to clean the upholstery up? Have you found fun chairs and reupholstered them? Feel free to post in comments with photos...

6 comments:

  1. I just found your blog through Apron Thrift Girl's Thrift Share Mondays, you seem to have found some really great stuff, I love you retro style! I'm pretty new to blogging, too! I wish you the best!

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  2. Gorgeous chairs! I have no skills in cleaning things like this. My only thought is possibly using a steam cleaner to see if that works. What a great find!

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  3. AHHHH so jealous! I love them so much! I would not change the original upholstery. I love the color. Keep it if its in good condition. I want them!

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  4. Great find - I love the color too so I'd definitely try to clean them up.

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  5. JEALOUS!!! OMG did you keep them or sell them?!

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  6. The seat and back of the chair ought to have enough artefact to allow you to sit for an extended hours and still feel snug. Having to sit down on virtually no artefact looks like you're sitting on a tough wood which isn't terribly pleasant. once it involves selecting between cloth and animal skin, this relies on your preference. however if you'd inquire from me, i'd advocate a mesh back for breathability. Seat are often either manufactured from cushioned mesh or animal skin.

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