Eames™ Lounge Chair Restoration

Eames Lounge Chair Shock Mount Repair

The iconic Eames Lounge Chair, originally designed by Charles and Ray Eames and produced by Herman Miller and Vitra, uses rubber shock mounts instead of bolts to connect the backrest to the seat. Over time, these mounts often fail, a common issue for owners seeking Eames Chair repair or full Eames Lounge Chair restoration. Despite the chair’s prestige, shock mounts only carried a 3.5-year warranty—far shorter than other Herman Miller products—leaving many customers in need of Eames Lounge Chair repair services.

Replacing the Shock Mounts of an Eames Lounge Chair

Shock mounts on the Eames Lounge Chair inevitably fail over time due to oxidation, causing the rubber to harden and shear apart. Once this bond breaks, the backrest can detach suddenly, risking injury and serious damage to the chair's plywood shell—damage that Herman Miller and Vitra typically resolve only by selling new shells, even on heirloom or rare Brazilian Rosewood models.

We specialize in Eames Lounge Chair repair, including complex restoration of damaged shells. Our European craftsmen rebuild the plywood from the inside out, preserving the original veneer and pattern. While a faint hairline scar may remain, the chair’s character and value are protected.

Unlike others, we offer a 15-year warranty—including coverage for breakage caused by shock mount failure. Our proprietary repair process outperforms modern replacements and restores integrity to your chair—making it the smart choice for Eames Lounge Chair restoration and Eames chair reupholstery.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

Avoid catastrophic damage to your Eames Lounge Chair by watching for early signs of shock mount failure. If the chair back sags or feels stiff, the mounts are deteriorating and should be replaced immediately. Sitting in a compromised chair risks breaking the back shell—a costly and sometimes irreversible issue.

If your chair is losing its signature spring or flexibility, it’s time for proactive Eames chair repair. Stiffening means the neoprene mounts are oxidizing and nearing failure. Never attempt to re-glue old mounts—this quick fix won’t hold and could worsen the damage.

We strongly recommend preemptive replacement of shock mounts for all aging chairs. Don’t wait until failure. Trust our specialized team for safe, lasting Eames Lounge Chair restoration.

Eames Lounge Chair Repair: Why Skilled Restoration Matters

Improper Eames Lounge Chair repair—even by Herman Miller—can cause catastrophic damage to the thin plywood shells. We've seen cases where rough shock mount removal methods (including hydraulic tools) tore out chunks of plywood. The manufacturer does not cover damage they cause during shock mount replacement, and extra epoxy won’t restore structural integrity. Only precise, layer-by-layer wood reconstruction can truly repair it.

At Olek, our expert craftsmen use meticulous techniques to avoid such damage entirely. Our team has never caused a shell failure during repair. When it comes to Eames Lounge Chair restoration, who you trust makes all the difference—especially with heirloom or vintage Brazilian Rosewood chairs.

The Lounge Chair's four shock mounts—rubber and steel sandwiches—attach the back and seat via the armrest’s steel angles. These mounts allow flexibility but are a known weak point. As they age, they oxidize and fail, leading to dangerous backrest separation and plywood shell breakage. Old shock mounts can’t be re-glued—they must be replaced.

Eames chair repair is not just about functionality—it's about preserving the design. That’s why we developed a proprietary shock mount system using ebonized solid beech wood plates, neoprene bushings, and threaded flanges. Our design mimics the original shape but eliminates the failure-prone elements, and we back it with a 15-year warranty—far exceeding the 3-year term Herman Miller currently offers.

For damaged chairs, you can ship us the disassembled back and seat shells. We’ll restore and return them ready to reassemble with just a few screws. Our team can even rebuild the lower back shell using the original veneer, preserving the signature flitch pattern. A subtle hairline scar may remain, but the structure and beauty of your chair will be saved.

Reupholster your Eames Lounge Chair if needed—but never ignore a sagging or stiff back. These are clear signs of shock mount failure. Immediate replacement is the best way to prevent structural damage and ensure a safe, long-lasting Eames Lounge Chair restoration.

*15 YEAR WARRANTY ON BROKEN LOWER BACK SHELL

*SHOCK MOUNTS VARY FROM 5-15 YEAR WARRANTY, CONTACT US FOR QUOTE

Get A Quote

Have an Eames chair that needs repair? Fill out our contact form today for a quote!

Phone

(212) 243-3363

Email

peter@olekrestoration.com

FAQs

Can an Eames Lounge Chair be Reupholstered?

Yes, an Eames Lounge Chair can absolutely be reupholstered, thanks to its modular design that allows the cushions and padding to be replaced without compromising the original structure. Reupholstering is a great way to restore comfort and appearance while preserving the value and legacy of this iconic chair.

Do Eames Lounge Chairs hold their value?

Yes—authentic Eames Lounge Chairs, especially those by Herman Miller or Vitra, are highly collectible and can retain or even increase in value with proper care. Professional Eames Lounge Chair restoration helps preserve this value by maintaining the chair’s structural integrity and design authenticity.

Can an Eames Chair be Repaired?

Yes, an Eames Lounge Chair can be professionally repaired—even restored to like-new condition—whether it has cracked leather, worn cushions, or damaged shock mounts. Expert Eames Chair repair not only preserves its iconic design but also protects or enhances its long-term value.