Thank you so much for picking real leather. I see so many people go with the cheapest fake leather knowing that it will fall apart in 2 years. This will look good for decades.
I work in the furniture industry, and it's remarkable that the assembly on these style of lounge chairs are practically the same, 50+ years later. As the old sayings, "if it ain't broke don't fix it."
Not quite true unfortunately, I'm a master upholsterer who has "reupholstered" (it's really just sewing these days) the modern Herman Miller version. The modern ply forms and metal frame are pretty good quality still. The factory upholstery is cheap. It's all zipped onto cheap, thin plastic templates now, which clips onto the ply forms and they just don't fit well leaving gaps everywhere. There is no Dacron batting, and it's all kinda cheaply constructed overall. The old upholstered way, as in the video, was the much better way.
The Eames lounge and ottoman has been in continuous production since the late 1950's. Herman Miller builds them for the North American market and another authorized company makes them for the European market. You can spot the authentic pieces with the Eames Office plaque is on the bottom of the chair and on the ottoman.
@@chemicaljonez Hi there! Just curious about these chairs-I've noticed they're quite expensive. They certainly look like good quality, but do you think they're worth the price, or are we mainly paying for the luxury brand name?
Exceptional results. We had one of those chairs growing up in the 1970's-80's, but we weren't allowed to sit on it as it was a "grownup's" chair - a flash from the past!
@edkk2010 I work in the company that makes them. its a $10,000 chair and that's just today, originals sell for much much more. It isn't so much a chair as it is an art piece, so very understandable that young children are not to be allowed on them. I do hope that are keeping it in the family though its a great heirloom piece!
Well done . I did restore a chair , oh some 55 years ago. I picked up a trash outside a “Edwardian” men’s club in Edinburgh . The wood was mahogany the leather all dried up and torn like yours. The padding was horsehair. At the time the leather tanning had a new technique of thru-depth dye. I picked one called ‘heather grey’ which is like the lighter color on a plum, darker than the heather flower. Today, the leather is still good , no visible cracks. I do clean it occasionally with leather soap and rub beeswax to treat it. Next to this is my new Eames chair in black leather . The one I have to restore is the bentwood chaise lounge designed by the architect Marcel Breuer the wood has delaminated. I am thinking of plug gluing with multiple brass-stubs . If it works and is unsightly, I’ll blue a thin veneer over the bentwood.
Excellent work! (I used to refurbish business jet interiors, and your standards are on point) just one suggestion if i may - where you wrapped blue tape to remove the play from the base, a more robust fix may be to cut a shim from a soda can, or if that proves too thick, some "riveters tape" may be a good second best. (I hope you don't mind my suggestions, no criticism is intended, just hopefully helpful info)
Thanks! Yes, the tape was just a temporary fix. Others have also suggested a soda can, I will try that when the tape wears out. So far it’s held up fine since I don’t really spin in it.
Great video. One tip when using aircraft stripper to strip paint, after you apply it to the surface, cover it in plastic wrap. If you're able to trap the gasses/fumes from the stripper inside it helps separate the paint much easier, so it comes off in larger pieces with less scraping and junk left behind. Would love to have this chair in my home, great job. You did so well with the upholstery, especially for a first time effort. Your extra effort certainly does not go unnoticed
I bought my knockoff at a thrift store for $30.00. I used it in my office and it soon became a favorite seat of my coworkers. You can’t beat the comfort of this chair!
Great video. We had two of these growing up in the 1970’s. There used to be one with a bolt and spring to sort of return from recline. I leaned back and the bolt blew out, under pressure, and nearly hit my brother in the head. 😳😄
Anyone offloading Charles and Raylene Emes chair for $60 has no idea what they have. Even a counterfeit one! nice score, hopefully the Cooper leather lasts.
Even in the unrestored condition, if its an original Vitra chair they sale for 600 - 800 as a restoration BASE. There is a company specialized only in Eames chairs and their services are expensive as hell. Professionally restored there go for several thousands on the vintage market.
@@heidiheida511What is this company’s name? I have a 1958 original Eames chair that needs reupholstering and shock mount replacement (haven’t failed yet, but want to be safe). Any help would be amazing! Thanks!
Eames is my favorite chair. I love the design so much I have framed pictures as art. You did an excellent refinish and the upholstery looks very professional.
@@crankfastle8138Couldn’t be further from the truth. A genuine Eames Lounge Chair is probably one of the most comfortable chairs produced. Are you sure it wasn’t a replica?
@@crankfastle8138 Definitely a knockoff at that price. List on an Eames and ottoman from Herman Miller is $5500 to 10K. When I bought mine they were $750, but cars were $4000 or so then and a nice 2000 SF house in mid America under $50k.
amazing job, I probably would have laminated the tags before putting them back on since you already went the extra mile on everything else, but this genuinely makes me wanna get one of these
Michael_01 check 26:15, and watch for about a minute. He replaces worn out metal, with masking tape. Masking tape isn't really known for its structural integrity.
Good you had patience to let the project unfold as it did. I think it turned out perhaps better than when new. Hope the cat respects your hard work. 👍👍👍
The hardest part is patience to do the work. When you start you'd be surprised how easy it is. Mistakes will be made, but you'll manage to fix them. It just takes a long time with a limited toolset. Second chair will go twice as fast!
Exactly. Because the video is edited with such quick cuts between each step, it doesn’t show how much research, thought, and preparation came before every next step. @lancehatch4475, you would be surprised at how good of a job you could do by just taking each step very carefully.
DUUUUUUUUUDE!!!!! That is one amazing restoration! I am hard to impress, but this was really impressive! Superb job young man, this was pure excellence! Greetings from Sweden :) You got yourself a new subscriber :)
The thing that impresses me most about the original is the fact that they used actual leather. Craftsmanship was important to the Eames', and I think they'd really love what you did with your restoration. Bravo
From someone who's been using hand tools and his hands for the last 20 years, here's a tip. Adjust the slip-locks to where your hand is squeezed closer together. It will give you significantly better strength and leverage to break rusted threads loose.
No workshop. No fancy tools. What a great job! Thank you for taking the time to create this.
Thank you!
Thank you so much for picking real leather. I see so many people go with the cheapest fake leather knowing that it will fall apart in 2 years. This will look good for decades.
Leather is not that expensive either
I love how you restored it without using any fancy tools. You've inspired me to restore something similar.
And all of that without a dedicated workspace. I'm very impressed, Kevin!
Thank you! Yes, my house was a mess for a while.
I work in the furniture industry, and it's remarkable that the assembly on these style of lounge chairs are practically the same, 50+ years later. As the old sayings, "if it ain't broke don't fix it."
Not quite true unfortunately, I'm a master upholsterer who has "reupholstered" (it's really just sewing these days) the modern Herman Miller version. The modern ply forms and metal frame are pretty good quality still. The factory upholstery is cheap. It's all zipped onto cheap, thin plastic templates now, which clips onto the ply forms and they just don't fit well leaving gaps everywhere. There is no Dacron batting, and it's all kinda cheaply constructed overall. The old upholstered way, as in the video, was the much better way.
The Eames lounge and ottoman has been in continuous production since the late 1950's. Herman Miller builds them for the North American market and another authorized company makes them for the European market. You can spot the authentic pieces with the Eames Office plaque is on the bottom of the chair and on the ottoman.
@@chemicaljonezdo you recommend searching for an older one to restore rather than buy new?
@@chemicaljonez Hi there! Just curious about these chairs-I've noticed they're quite expensive. They certainly look like good quality, but do you think they're worth the price, or are we mainly paying for the luxury brand name?
Wow, the perfect video. No music no inane chat just a craftsman performing magic. Thx👍
Thanks!
Exceptional results. We had one of those chairs growing up in the 1970's-80's, but we weren't allowed to sit on it as it was a "grownup's" chair - a flash from the past!
@edkk2010 I work in the company that makes them. its a $10,000 chair and that's just today, originals sell for much much more. It isn't so much a chair as it is an art piece, so very understandable that young children are not to be allowed on them. I do hope that are keeping it in the family though its a great heirloom piece!
@edkk2010dude it's just a chair, a child is not having their rights violated
@edkk2010it teaches them the value of hard work and what it can buy
@edkk2010 That's not what they said. Don't twist other people's words to fit your agenda, comrade.
@@moonshadow360ahh yes 10k for die cast zinc and faux leather
Now I know why I have this type of chair on my 'forget it' list to redo. You are a warrior.
Thanks!
As a creator, understanding filming takes about a thousand years. Well done my friend.
Thank you!
Well done . I did restore a chair , oh some 55 years ago. I picked up a trash outside a “Edwardian” men’s club in Edinburgh . The wood was mahogany the leather all dried up and torn like yours. The padding was horsehair. At the time the leather tanning had a new technique of thru-depth dye. I picked one called ‘heather grey’ which is like the lighter color on a plum, darker than the heather flower.
Today, the leather is still good , no visible cracks. I do clean it occasionally with leather soap and rub beeswax to treat it.
Next to this is my new Eames chair in black leather . The one I have to restore is the bentwood chaise lounge designed by the architect Marcel Breuer the wood has delaminated. I am thinking of plug gluing with multiple brass-stubs . If it works and is unsightly, I’ll blue a thin veneer over the bentwood.
@@peterk4134 thanks! You should film your project.
Nice, nice, nice work, and all without a workshop. Thank you for taking the time to post.
Thanks!
Excellent work! (I used to refurbish business jet interiors, and your standards are on point) just one suggestion if i may - where you wrapped blue tape to remove the play from the base, a more robust fix may be to cut a shim from a soda can, or if that proves too thick, some "riveters tape" may be a good second best. (I hope you don't mind my suggestions, no criticism is intended, just hopefully helpful info)
Thanks! Yes, the tape was just a temporary fix. Others have also suggested a soda can, I will try that when the tape wears out. So far it’s held up fine since I don’t really spin in it.
I was about to say the same thing. I also keep a supply of bicycle inner tubes when I need to make a custom rubber shim or washer to stop rattles.
I love how you let the cat do the final quality inspection.
Great video. One tip when using aircraft stripper to strip paint, after you apply it to the surface, cover it in plastic wrap. If you're able to trap the gasses/fumes from the stripper inside it helps separate the paint much easier, so it comes off in larger pieces with less scraping and junk left behind.
Would love to have this chair in my home, great job. You did so well with the upholstery, especially for a first time effort. Your extra effort certainly does not go unnoticed
Thanks for the tip and the kind words!
Great job and cool piece of furniture. I wish more videos would follow this formula! No music and especially no talking to the camera.
Thank you!
Beautiful restoration. Lot of work to rescue a non Herman Miller piece but still gorgeous!
Thanks!
This cute cat deserved this beautiful chair. What fantastic work.
Thank you!
Your patience is UNREAL!
Eames chair and DW shirt... man of culture and taste.
You know it!
Wow, was totally glued to the screen from start to finish 🙂
Glad to hear!
Love the restoration and the chair. Gladiator - we salute you!
Thank you!
It was perfect, everything, down to the last minute details
Thank you!
Wow, I can't even imagine how much time, resources, and money must have gotten into this restoration. The end result is beautiful. Marvelous work!!!
Thank you very much!
Fantastic rework!
Thanks!
Great craftsmanship. Excellent video.
Thank you!
I bought my knockoff at a thrift store for $30.00. I used it in my office and it soon became a favorite seat of my coworkers. You can’t beat the comfort of this chair!
Great video. We had two of these growing up in the 1970’s. There used to be one with a bolt and spring to sort of return from recline. I leaned back and the bolt blew out, under pressure, and nearly hit my brother in the head. 😳😄
Oh no!
Beautiful restoration, well done! ❤
Thank you!
It started as a $60 trash ready for recycling, it finished as a $800 Vintage Lounge Chair, no low-balling
Won’t answer “is this still available?”
I know what I have
8900€…
Anyone offloading Charles and Raylene Emes chair for $60 has no idea what they have. Even a counterfeit one!
nice score, hopefully the Cooper leather lasts.
Even in the unrestored condition, if its an original Vitra chair they sale for 600 - 800 as a restoration BASE. There is a company specialized only in Eames chairs and their services are expensive as hell. Professionally restored there go for several thousands on the vintage market.
@@heidiheida511What is this company’s name? I have a 1958 original Eames chair that needs reupholstering and shock mount replacement (haven’t failed yet, but want to be safe). Any help would be amazing! Thanks!
Very nice restoration! Love all the time you put into the detail work, the plywood edges came out great!
Thank you very much!
To say I'm envious of this master craftsmanship is an understatement 😊🥰
Thank you!
That looks amazing, very well done 😊
Thank you!
wowww, incredible work! the restored chair is stunning.
Thank you!
This is a masterpiece! What excellent skills you have, you are blessed.😊
Thank you!
Very good well done and you kept it very retro nice job in the end and the wood looks very nice hank you for sharing
Thanks!
Gorgeous.
Well done! Beautiful chair!
Thank you!
Great 👍 content, it is great to see old stylish furniture coming back to life.
Thank you, I agree!
Eames is my favorite chair. I love the design so much I have framed pictures as art. You did an excellent refinish and the upholstery looks very professional.
Thank you so much!
Cool looking chairs but 100% form over function. This set is not a auper comfy place to sit and relax for the price.
@@crankfastle8138Couldn’t be further from the truth. A genuine Eames Lounge Chair is probably one of the most comfortable chairs produced. Are you sure it wasn’t a replica?
Genius! This is my dream chair
Impressive restauration ! The leather’s color is beautiful ! Bravo, it’s inspiring !
Thank you!
I don't think the ancient Egyptians paid as much attention to details when they were dipping king Tut in the wax man. your work is flawless. Thank you
Haha thank you!
Had one of these in an apartment in LA. Very comfortable Lounge Chair.
Absolutely awesome upholstery work.
Thank you!
Very well done. I have a new replica, but you now have a piece of furniture to be proud of. Thanks.
Thanks!
That is gorgeous! Great job. So satisfying to watch it happen.
Thank you!
I am thoroughly impressed by the craftsmanship, good job
Thanks!
Real leather FTW. Love these kind of real restorations.
Thanks!
My son bought a set just like this…it cost over $1000.. so no low balling is right. Lots of work but so worth it. The results r perfect.
Thanks!
This is true, $1000 and probably not an original. They are so stupidly expensive. But cool looking.
@@crankfastle8138 Definitely a knockoff at that price. List on an Eames and ottoman from Herman Miller is $5500 to 10K. When I bought mine they were $750, but cars were $4000 or so then and a nice 2000 SF house in mid America under $50k.
Gorgeous brother
Thank you!
Restored exceptionally well. BRAVO!
Thank you!
amazing job, I probably would have laminated the tags before putting them back on since you already went the extra mile on everything else, but this genuinely makes me wanna get one of these
I just watch you spend countless hours restoring a chair to put masking tape on a high wear area.
What part of the video does he do it?
Michael_01 check 26:15, and watch for about a minute. He replaces worn out metal, with masking tape.
Masking tape isn't really known for its structural integrity.
Great job. Can only imagine the sense of satisfaction. Particularly enjoyed the cat inspection - an important part of any project, to be honest.
Thank you, I agree!
Pure Craftsmanship..!! Kudos..!
Thanks!
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! First time I've ever seen foam get washed! : )
Thank you! What the video doesn’t show is how long it took to wring and dry the foam, 2 days for the big piece.
Maybe a naive question, but how did you make sure the foam dried evenly and fully?
It took a lot of squeezing and rotating in front of the fan. The big piece took two days with the fan to fully dry.
Great work man! Big respect for this craftmanship! You deserve millions of views on this fr fr!!
Thank you!
Great result! For reference, Hermanmiller and Vitra still sell this chair new; in 2024 the price for the lounger and ottoman is $8000
Stunning! Your leather choice was perfect.
Thank you so much!
What a labour of love. Congratulations on the result.
Thank you!
We had this at home growing up. Super cool merry go round watching cartoons!
I really like the backdrop of the plants. Great!!
Thanks!
I believe that Herman Miller sells all the replacement parts that one might need, new cushions, rubber bumper things and the such.
Fantastic work, looking forward to watching your next projects!
Thank you!
Learned a lot watching this. Excellent work!
Glad it was helpful!
Good you had patience to let the project unfold as it did. I think it turned out perhaps better than when new. Hope the cat respects your hard work. 👍👍👍
Thank you! She does!
Hello thank you for sharing.The video is impressive.some resorators are use hot wire in order to cutting spange.👏
Thanks for the tip!
Impressive restoration! Your project turned into a work of art. ❤. Peace💫
Thank you very much!
Thank you for saving some history.
Thanks for watching!
Such a impressive job. 😀
I’d say your home has beautiful sunsets, the view looks amazing. ❤️
Thanks so much! 😊
well done, Thank you for this video. I wonder if it is a "real" Eames,it seems diffèrent.
Thanks! It’s a knockoff.
Holy Cow - what an amazing video! THANKS Kevin :-)
Thank you!
Greetings from Scotland!
Wonderful work there. 👏🏼
Thank you!
I really enjoyed the sound without the distracting music
Thanks!
Mate, that's fantastic! Lovely work and a classic beauty chair set. I bet that's well comfy. Love it.
Thank you!
Great restoration. I love my Eames chair. I would really like an old one like that. I don't have the skill set to do a restoration myself.
The hardest part is patience to do the work. When you start you'd be surprised how easy it is. Mistakes will be made, but you'll manage to fix them. It just takes a long time with a limited toolset. Second chair will go twice as fast!
Exactly. Because the video is edited with such quick cuts between each step, it doesn’t show how much research, thought, and preparation came before every next step. @lancehatch4475, you would be surprised at how good of a job you could do by just taking each step very carefully.
That turned very nicely. I hope you have many years enjoying that chair.
Thank you!
Really great job there. Finished result looks brilliant 🎉
Thank you!
Excellent work friend, have a nice day !!! 😀😀👍👍!!! Brian UK !!!.
Thank you! Cheers!
Amazing results, beautiful chair.
Thank you!
Brilliant result and a very useable piece of contemporary furniture! I would like to put my order in for one now hehe. Well done.
Thank you!
Video mark 6:06 That Makita drill was my first cordless tool. Brings back some memories from the 70's.
It was my grandpa’s! No idea how old it really is
Beautiful restoration.
Thank you!
these are my favorite lounge chair you did a great job, many of these have sadly ended in the land fill
Thank you!
Wow insane job !
Thank you!
Превосходная реставрация! 👍
Thank you!
Great job!
Thanks!
DUUUUUUUUUDE!!!!! That is one amazing restoration! I am hard to impress, but this was really impressive! Superb job young man, this was pure excellence! Greetings from Sweden :) You got yourself a new subscriber :)
Thank you very much!
I've always wanted one of those chairs, you did a very nice job.
Thanks!
tremendous job with the tools you had, great work mate
Thank you!
The thing that impresses me most about the original is the fact that they used actual leather. Craftsmanship was important to the Eames', and I think they'd really love what you did with your restoration. Bravo
Thank you!
Absolutely gorgeous 😊
Thank you!
Very impressive. Nice job, enjoy! 😊
Thank you!
Very nice. Well done
Thanks!
Very commendable work! Love the outcome!
Thank you!
Awesome restoration!
Thank you!
Great result!
Thanks!
Outstanding! Kudos!
Thanks!
From someone who's been using hand tools and his hands for the last 20 years, here's a tip. Adjust the slip-locks to where your hand is squeezed closer together. It will give you significantly better strength and leverage to break rusted threads loose.
Very good. Felt like watching 'my mechanics' work
Thanks, he’s my inspiration!