Written by the Decomica editorial team — specialists in mid-century replica furniture since 2018.
Direct answer: A replica Eames rocking chair is a reproduction of the RAR (Rocking Armchair Rod), first designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1950. Quality replicas cost €90–180, ship free across the EU, and carry a 2-year warranty. They use the same material categories as the Vitra-licensed original: polypropylene shell, steel Eiffel base, solid maple rockers. What they do not have is the licensed brand mark or the collector value. This guide explains everything you need to know before buying one.
A Brief History of the Eames RAR
In 1950, Charles and Ray Eames entered MoMA’s International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture Design with a series of single-piece moulded plastic shell chairs. The shell was formed from fibreglass-reinforced polyester — a material the Eames Office had been working with during World War II for moulded leg splints for the US Navy. The same body-following geometry that made a good splint made a good chair back.
The RAR was the rocking variant of that shell series. It placed the same moulded shell on a bent steel-rod “Eiffel” base fitted with solid maple runners. The combination delivered a chair that was ergonomically correct, visually light, and producible at scale. Herman Miller manufactured it in the US; Vitra took on European production. Herman Miller discontinued the rocker base in 1968 (cost vs. demand); Vitra continued in Europe. Both companies produce shell chairs today, with the shell material having shifted from fibreglass to polypropylene in the 1990s.
Design protection on the shell form has expired in the EU. That is the legal basis on which replicas exist and are sold openly. Quality replicas reproduce the shape, materials, and function — without the brand provenance.
Original vs. Replica: An Honest Comparison
| Feature | Vitra Original (EU) | Decomica Replica |
|---|---|---|
| Shell material | Recycled polypropylene | Injection-moulded polypropylene |
| Base | Steel rod, Eiffel pattern, chrome | Steel rod, Eiffel pattern, chrome |
| Rockers | Solid maple, lacquered | Solid maple, lacquered |
| Dimensions (H×W×D) | ~67×63×69 cm | ~67×63×69 cm |
| Seat height | ~39 cm | ~39 cm |
| Weight capacity | 110 kg | 100–110 kg |
| Warranty | 5–10 years | 2 years |
| Collector / resale value | Yes | No |
| Price (EUR) | €900–1,200 | €90–180 |
| Brand mark | Eames / Vitra | Sold as replica |
The practical experience of sitting in both chairs is closely comparable. The ergonomic geometry is identical. The visual difference is invisible without the brand mark in hand. The functional difference shows up only over the long term — the Vitra shell uses higher-grade polypropylene and is likely to retain its surface quality longer. For most domestic buyers, that long-term difference does not justify a 5–10x price premium.
What “Quality Replica” Means in Practice
The replica market has a wide quality range. Budget replicas (€50–70) use blow-moulded shells, zinc-alloy bases, and pine rockers. They look right from a distance but feel different — more flexible, less precise — and typically last 12–24 months of daily use. Quality replicas (€90–180) use injection-moulded shells, steel rod bases, and solid maple rockers. They behave like the original and last 8–12 years with normal use.
How to Verify Shell Quality
Look for an injection-moulded shell: no seam visible on the exterior face, consistent wall thickness (~4 mm), uniform surface texture. Press along the edge of the backrest — it should resist firmly, not flex. A blow-moulded shell flexes noticeably and has a visible parting line around the outer edge.
How to Verify Base Quality
Steel rod, not zinc alloy. Pick up the base without the shell — steel rod weighs noticeably more than die-cast zinc. Chrome finish should be uniform with no pitting at welds. When assembled, the four legs should contact the floor evenly without the chair rocking laterally.
How to Verify Rocker Quality
Solid maple, not pine or MDF. End grain at the rocker bracket: maple shows tight uniform grain, pine shows wider grain, MDF shows no grain. Lacquered, not painted — lacquer shows the wood grain, paint obscures it entirely.
Care and Maintenance
- Shell: Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Non-porous polypropylene resists most common marks and stains. Avoid solvents (acetone, white spirit) which dull the surface.
- Rockers: Check the lacquer at the bracket contact points every 6 months. A light coat of clear furniture wax keeps the wood protected and extends the lacquer life.
- Base: Chrome stays bright with occasional application of a chrome-safe metal polish. Check the shell-to-base bolts annually and tighten if any looseness is felt. Any creak from the rocker attachment points means the clip bolts need checking.
- General: Keep on a hard flat floor for the best rocking motion. Thick carpet impedes the rockers and can accelerate wear at the bracket contact points.
Where the Replica Eames Rocking Chair Fits in a Home
The RAR is a functional chair, not purely decorative. The contexts where it genuinely performs well:
- Nurseries: The controlled 900 mm arc radius, stable base, and easy-clean polypropylene shell make it one of the most practical nursing chairs available. Widely used for this purpose across Europe.
- Reading corners: The slight recline and rocking motion suit extended sitting. The chair is light (~7 kg) and easy to reposition.
- Living rooms: As an accent seat alongside a sofa. The shell’s visual lightness — it reads as almost transparent from certain angles — means it does not compete with other furniture.
- Home offices: As a secondary seat. The rocking motion slightly activates core muscles, reducing static back fatigue.
Decomica’s Replica Eames Rocking Chair Range
Available in white, black, and light blue. The full Decomica rocking chair collection is here. The white RAR is shown directly below.
Shipping, Delivery and Returns
Delivery
- Free delivery across all EU countries, plus Norway and Switzerland.
- VAT is included in the listed price — no extra charges on delivery for EU orders.
- Excluded: Bulgaria, Greece, Malta, Cyprus. Contact support@decomica.com for a shipping quote.
- Handling: 1–2 working days. Transit: 5–7 working days. Total typically 6–9 working days door to door.
- Carrier: DPD Ireland. Tracking link sent by email after dispatch.
Returns
- 14-day return window from the date of delivery.
- Defect or damage: Decomica arranges a free DPD pickup. Full refund or replacement, no cost to you.
- Change of mind: Customer pays approximately €40–50 for DPD return pickup. Item must be returned in original packaging, unused and uninspected.
- Refunds: Processed within 30 days of Decomica receiving the return.
Payment and VAT
Credit/debit card and PayPal accepted. No Klarna. All prices include VAT. B2B buyers can request a VAT refund via the billing department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a replica Eames rocking chair the same as a counterfeit?
No. A counterfeit is sold as a genuine article — misrepresented as the real brand. Decomica sells replicas explicitly labelled as reproductions, not as Eames, Vitra, or Herman Miller products. That is legal in the EU and common practice across the furniture industry.
How long does a quality replica last?
At the €90–180 quality tier, 8–12 years of daily use is a reasonable expectation with basic care. The shell is the most durable component. The rockers may need light maintenance (wax or lacquer touch-up) after several years. The base is the least likely to need attention.
Does the chair come assembled?
No. It arrives flat-packed for safe transit. Assembly: attach the shell to the base (four bolts, spanner included), then clip the rockers onto the base brackets. Takes 10–15 minutes. Illustrated instructions included.
Is it safe for children?
Yes. The controlled arc prevents aggressive pitching. Place on a flat hard floor. Adult supervision recommended for young children.
Can I return it if I just change my mind?
Yes, within 14 days of delivery. You pay approximately €40–50 for the DPD return pickup. The item must be in its original packaging. Decomica processes refunds within 30 days of receiving the return.
What if it arrives damaged?
Email support@decomica.com within 14 days with photos. Decomica will arrange a free DPD pickup and replace or refund in full.
Is there a showroom I can visit?
No — Decomica is online only. Contact via support@decomica.com or live chat. Response within 24–48 hours, Central European Time. No phone support.
What colours are available?
White, black, and light blue. All share the same steel Eiffel base and solid maple rockers. Shell colour is moulded through, not painted. Browse the full collection here.
Summary
A replica Eames rocking chair at €90–180 is a rational purchase for anyone who wants the RAR’s ergonomics and aesthetic in their home without the €900+ outlay. The design is 75 years old and has not been improved upon in its category. The replica market at the quality tier delivers the same geometry and the same materials. The only things missing are the brand mark and the collector value — neither of which affects the daily experience of sitting in the chair.
Decomica’s range is available at the rocking chair collection page. Email support@decomica.com with any questions before you buy.
