I'm am fairly new to the mid century modern scene, and I was hoping to slowly replace lower end Ikea stuff with higher quality counterparts.
My question is, whether or not Design within reach is reliable, or the right choice for a high end furniture retailer. The reason I ask is, I often see people purchase an item from there, stating it is a "reproduction" of an original design. If these items are not directly associated at the least with the original creator, I can't say I am really interested.
My last question, is whether or not an item made of polypropylene, and chromed steel is considered good quality. My hesitation on this matter is simply because I am trying to replace low end ikea stuff with higher quality classics, only if they will last for life. Would something such as a Nelson Swag Leg chair, or Eames DSR chair fit this criteria? At the 500 and lower mark it is very tempting...
True enough...
If you buy a DSR or a DAF from Design out of Reach it will have a Herman Miller label. But does that really mean it's the real thing?
Both the Eames and Nelson fiberglass chairs currently being produced by Herman Miller are in fact REPRODUCTIONS. They are not being produced with the same materials or the same dimensions. So in reality, they might as well be knockoffs! I've never understood the fascination with labels. A piece of design is either legit or it's not.
If you asked me whether I'd rather have a simple Ikea design(however temporary) or a polypropylene Eames shell chair, I'd go with Ikea every time. Whether the Ikea piece is constructed with the same quality or not is irrelevant. At least it's honest. It's not pretending to be something it's not. Nor is it bankrolling a hypocritical company which no longer gives a damn about design.
So in summary, if you're looking to replace with quality, steer clear of Herman Miller unless it's vintage Herman Miller. Actually, just try to buy vintage at all costs. The only pieces I've ever regretted purchasing were new production pieces. That said, Knoll and Cassina still produce top quality stuff. But you'll pay for it.
We should have a set of numeric codes
so the regular users of the forum wouldn't have to type so much. We could answer queries with just a number or two, along with a link to a decoding table:
1000: Buy vintage; it's cheaper and better. -Lunchbox
1001: Ecology. And function, not labels -Olive
1002: Look at me! And then let's have a drink. -Mark
1003: It's Peter Hvidt for France and Sons. -Robert1960
1004: It's Johannes Andersen for Uldum. -Simon
1005: It'll be really tedious, but you can do it with materials from Frank's Rush and Cane Supply. -Spanky
1006: Click this link to see either a bizarre pop-science story or huge boobs. -Jyri
1007: I have two of those that I purchased direct from the Italian manufacturer for 25% of the retail price. -Niceguy
1008: The Eames lounge is ok, I guess, but it's so common. Have you considered buying a Grasshopper? -Barrympls
1009: Knockoffs are evil, and so are the people who make them, and so are the people who buy them. -Chewbacca Rug
1010: Biscuit mortise miter dado rabbet dovetail. -SDR
1011: Saw rasp chisel router plane scraper. -Heath
1012: Can't help you with an ID, but it looks like an arse. -Lit Up
1013: Google ( http://www.google.com) is really great for questions like that. -Fastfwd
1014: It's a 20th-century Baker copy of 18th-century Chippendale. -Riki
1015: I am so very, very sorry. I had no idea this would happen. -Brent
1016: Hume sucks! Olek rules! -Peter Triestman
1017: Olek sucks! Hume rules! -Alfie
etc...
So a no go on current models?
So does everyone agree an Ikea chair made of similar materials will not have inferior quality to a Nelson Swag leg? Ikea does not have any similar chairs currently available for me, and I somewhat loathe the direction they have been taking with chairs lately.
I was not necessarily saying I wanted dsr chairs (I really want the swag leg, but since I have not sat in it I am basing that off of looks) but since they are made of the same material as a dsr, there would be a more broad range of eames/nelson owners to answer my question.
Anyways, I have sat in some fairly flimsy Ikea chairs, and I would like to make it clear, I am looking at the swag leg as a chair for life, but I need more people to give feedback as to whether or not the current models would be that high of quality.
Its to bad thrift stores where I live never have this higher quality vintage stuff.
IKEA chairs
Ssean,
My thoughts from another post are: IKEA is good for college students and the less fortunate of limited means.
Try to find a floor sample of the item you desire and pay half price. Instant gratification always cost more, wait for the item you covet and pay the reduced price.
Ikea is designs that will b...
Ikea is designs that will be forgotten in a year.
The Swedish company will come out with a new design and the old will be forgotten.
Designs of the midcentury have passed the test of time. still standing and undefeated. you can never go wrong on them.
If you need any help, please contact us at – info@designaddict.com