About Our Vintage Lounge Chair Collection
Few furniture categories define mid-century modern design as completely as the lounge chair. Metro Retro Furniture carries an ever-rotating selection of authenticated vintage lounge chairs — from sculptural single-piece shell forms to fully upholstered recliners with original ottomans. Our collection spans designers from the American modernist movement, Danish Modern, and Italian mid-century schools, with pieces sourced from estates, collections, and trade contacts across the country.
What to Look for in a Vintage Lounge Chair
• Shell integrity: Fiberglass or molded plywood shells should have no cracks, chips, or repairs. Run your hand along the underside to feel for repairs hidden under paint.
• Base condition: Original bases (Eiffel, rocker, swivel) should be free of bends or welds. Replacement bases are common and reduce value.
• Original cushioning: On upholstered pieces, original down or foam fill has a distinct feel — modern replacement foam tends to be firmer and less responsive. Ask whether cushions are original.
• Upholstery labels: High-end producers like Herman Miller often tagged their leather or fabric. Interior labels indicate correct period production.
• Ottoman pairing: For chairs that originally came with ottomans (Eames 670/671, Jacobsen Egg), always ask whether the ottoman is original to the chair.
Featured Designers in This Collection Our lounge chair inventory regularly features pieces by Charles and Ray Eames, Harry Bertoia, Arne Jacobsen, Milo Baughman, and Warren Platner. Visit their individual collection pages for designer-specific listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most collectible vintage lounge chair? A: The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman (Model 670/671), produced by Herman Miller beginning in 1956, remains the most recognized and collectible mid-century lounge chair. Authentic early production examples command significant premiums over later runs.
Q: How can I tell if an Eames lounge chair is real? A: Authentic Herman Miller Eames chairs have specific veneer patterns, aluminum base castings, and interior labels. We have a full authentication guide on our blog — and our team can walk you through any specific piece you're interested in.
Q: Do lounge chairs at Metro Retro come with ottomans? A: Some do, some don't — each listing notes whether an ottoman is included. Contact us if you're looking for a specific pairing.
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