Eames™ Lounge Chair Restoration

VITRA™ OR HERMAN MILLER™ EAMES™ LOUNGE AND OTTOMAN

Olek Inc. conduct Eames Chair repair and reupholstery Nationwide across the US.

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.

Preserve the Icon. Restore Its Legacy.

Olek specializes in the meticulous restoration of authentic Eames Lounge Chairs and Ottomans, including original Herman Miller and Vitra Eames- licensed productions. Our process honors the legacy of Charles and Ray Eames, delivering results that blend museum-level preservation with artisan-level craft. We do alter the original fragile Shock Mount design, and offer a warranty up to 5 – 15 x as long as the original manufacturers offer- up to 15 years. We repair, refinish, and mostly replace shock mounts for the Herman Miller Eames Lounges, Model 670.

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.

Authenticity at Every Level

We maintain the design integrity and value of each Eames piece:

Over 50 Years of Restoration Experience

With deep roots in woodworking, finishes, and artisan techniques, our conservation services are backed by decades of multi-material knowledge.

Realignment and repair of broken plywood shells and veneers
Replacement of original shock mounts with Olek’s superior proprietary design
Cushion and foam rejuvenation to match original comfort and fit
Retention of Series I Lounge authenticity- refurbishing their Natural Latex and Feather & Foam padding (never replacing with urethane foam, keeping the “Used Catcher’s Mitt look and feel”
Expert leather reconditioning or reupholstery with era-accurate materials
Hardware inspection, repair and refinishing, including bases and connecting parts
Replication of original Acrylic Vinyl Backs, with same texture and hole pattern as the originals
Retention of ALL original hardware that is not broken- including clips, snaps in cushion seats, spacers, and zippers, even backs if condition permits
Refinishing is done with a similar lacquer finish to the original nitrocellulose lacquer, described then in Eames marketing literature as a “Gunstock Oil Finish”, which is a marketing, not technical term.

All restorations are backed by historical research and product-specific experience.

Why Choose Olek for Eames Restoration

At Olek we believe in putting you, our customer, at the forefront of everything we do.

Over 50 Years of Expert Craftsmanship

Trusted by institutions, government agencies, and private collectors for our deep technical knowledge and attention to detail.

Nobody repairs broken lower back shells with the expertise of Olek, or offers a 15 year standard Warranty on Broken Backs- Rebuilt from the outside in, we retain the original veneer, and rebuild the inner layers of plywood using 1/16” thick Maple veneer, as Eames originally designed them, and use the strongest adhesives, perfect for the task. The inside veneer is fairly closely matched with Brazilian Rosewood from old stock, accumulated before CITES’ rules prohibited harvesting of that tree.
Specialized Expertise Decades of experience restoring modern classics and collectible mid-century pieces.
Museum-Quality Standards Every restoration is completed in-house by trained artisans, using archival materials and methods where applicable.
Discreet but Dedicated Service Though not heavily advertised, we’ve become a trusted name among collectors, architects, and design enthusiasts seeking uncompromising care for their Eames pieces.
National and International Access Secure domestic and international shipping available, with protective packaging and insured delivery. We have restored Eames Lounges from Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Phillipines, S. Korea, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and others. They are pretty easy to ship, with a shipping weight of typically 8 - 12 lbs.

Our Process

Evaluation & Consultation

Share photos and model details. We assess conditions, recommend options, and quote restoration costs.

Shipping & Intake

We provide secure packaging guidance or arrange pick-up. Each item is photographed and documented on arrival.

Restoration & Finishing

All work is performed in-house by our expert team—no outsourcing.

Final Approval & Delivery

You’ll receive final images for approval before the chair is packed and returned.

What We Fabricate

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

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.

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.

Quietly Trusted, Widely Respected

While Eames restoration is a discreet part of our services, it remains one of our most revered offerings. Clients trust us not only to repair their investment—but to respect the design history behind it.
Ready to restore your Eames Lounge?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you work with both vintage and newer Eames Lounge chairs?

Yes. We restore both original vintage Series I and Series II Herman Miller and Vitra Lounge chairs and newer editions.

Can you match the original leather?

We offer leather matching from original swatches or suggest authentic-era replacements that closely replicate original texture, tone, and aging. The original leather was all top grain, smooth and semi-glossy finish. Later leathers are mostly mid-grain and embossed, with a Satin lustre.

What happens if the shock mounts are damaged?

We specialize in shock mount replacement, using techniques that preserve the original structure and shell integrity, using our proprietary, time-tested Shock Mounts with up to 15 year warranty..

Do you offer pickup or can I ship my chair?

Yes. We assist with nationwide and international shipping logistics, including packing recommendations if needed.

What distinguishes Eames Lounge Refinishing at Olek from usual refinishing?

Olek selectively sands the veneer, to even out the color and patina of the chair. Most of the Eames Lounges were placed near sliding glass doors, and the beautiful graining of the backs are generally bleached out. By judiciously sanding the backs, we can bring out the original graining and match the patina of the back of the chair to the Seat section, yielding a harmonious, unified appearance. Superior results are obtained.