Written by the Decomica editorial team — specialists in mid-century replica furniture since 2018.
Quick answer: The Eames RAR (Rocking Armchair Rod) is one of the most replicated chairs in the world. A quality EU replica costs €90–180 and ships free to most of continental Europe with a 2-year warranty and 14-day returns. This guide tells you exactly what to look for, what the honest trade-offs are, and how Decomica handles the order from checkout to your door.
What Is the Eames RAR Rocking Chair?
The RAR — Rocking Armchair Rod — was designed by Charles and Ray Eames and introduced in 1950. It is built from three components: a single-piece moulded shell (originally fibreglass, now polypropylene), a bent steel-rod “Eiffel” base, and a pair of solid wood rockers. Vitra holds the licensed manufacturing rights for Europe. Their version retails at approximately €900–1,200.
Quality replicas reproduce the same geometry using the same material categories — polypropylene shell, steel rod base, solid maple rockers — and sell for €90–180. They are sold openly and legally in the EU as reproductions, not as licensed Eames products.
Design Heritage and Why It Still Works
Charles and Ray Eames were not making luxury items. The entire point of the shell chair project was to prove that good ergonomic design could be mass-produced affordably. The RAR’s moulded shell follows the natural curvature of the human back — there are no flat panels that create pressure points. The Eiffel base is visually light but structurally rigid. The maple rockers provide a controlled arc that calms without pitching.
Seventy-five years after its introduction, those functional decisions still hold. That is why the chair remains in production, why it appears in nurseries and reading rooms across Europe, and why the replica market exists at all.
The Eames Design Lineage
- 1950: RAR introduced at MoMA’s Low-Cost Furniture Design competition.
- 1950s–60s: Shell produced in fibreglass-reinforced polyester (Zenaloy) — now rare and collectible.
- 1990s onwards: Shell material switched to injection-moulded polypropylene — lighter, more consistent, better for the environment.
- Today: Vitra uses post-consumer recycled polypropylene for the licensed version.
Eames RAR Replica: Full Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shell | Injection-moulded polypropylene, ~4 mm wall thickness |
| Base | Bent steel rod, chrome-plated or powder-coated, “Eiffel” pattern |
| Rockers | Solid maple, lacquered, ~900 mm arc radius |
| Overall height | ~67 cm (top of backrest) |
| Overall width | ~63 cm (widest point of shell) |
| Overall depth | ~69 cm (front of shell to back of rockers) |
| Seat height | ~39 cm |
| Weight capacity | 100–110 kg |
| Assembly time | 10–15 minutes, tools included |
| Warranty | 2 years (manufacturer) |
Colours Available
Decomica’s RAR replica is available in white, black, and light blue. All variants use the same steel Eiffel base and solid maple rockers. The shell colour is moulded through — not painted — so it will not chip or peel.
Decomica’s EU Rocking Chair Collection
See the full range at the Decomica rocking chair collection, or view the white RAR directly below.
Shipping and Delivery to EU Countries
Where We Ship Free
Decomica offers free delivery to all EU member states, plus Norway and Switzerland. VAT is included in the listed price — there are no customs charges or surprise fees on delivery for EU orders.
Excluded Destinations
Bulgaria, Greece, Malta, and Cyprus are currently excluded from free shipping. Contact support@decomica.com for a delivery quote to these destinations.
Delivery Timeline
- Order handling: 1–2 working days
- Transit after dispatch: 5–7 working days
- Typical door-to-door: 6–9 working days from order
- Carrier: DPD Ireland — tracking link sent by email after dispatch
Returns Policy
- Window: 14 days from delivery.
- Defect or damage: Decomica arranges a free DPD pickup, full refund or replacement at no cost to you.
- Change of mind: You arrange return via DPD or pay approximately €40–50 for DPD pickup. Item must be in original, undamaged packaging.
- Refund timeline: Processed within 30 days of us receiving the return.
What to Look For When Buying a Replica
Shell
Injection-moulded, not blow-moulded. No visible seam on the exterior face. Consistent surface texture — all matte or all satin, not a mix. Wall thickness should feel solid when you press the edges.
Base
Steel rod, not zinc alloy. Chrome should be even with no pitting at the welds. The four-point ground contact should be level — place the assembled chair on a flat floor and it should not rock side-to-side when stationary.
Rockers
Solid maple — check the end grain. Lacquered, not painted. The arc should be smooth along its entire length with no flat spots. Anti-scratch pads on the floor contact points are standard on quality pieces.
Red Flags
- Price under €60 — indicates blow-moulded shell and zinc base
- “No tools required” assembly — means the base-to-shell connection is not bolted
- MDF or pine rockers — will warp with humidity changes
- No returns policy or vague “contact us” language around returns
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Eames rocking chair replicas legal to buy and sell in the EU?
Yes. The original design rights have expired. Replicas must be sold honestly as reproductions, not as genuine Eames, Vitra, or Herman Miller products. All Decomica products are described as replicas.
Do I pay import duty or VAT on delivery?
No — for all EU destinations (plus Norway and Switzerland), VAT is included in the price and there are no import charges. Decomica dispatches from within the EU.
How long does delivery take?
Typically 6–9 working days from order to door. You receive a DPD tracking link after dispatch.
What if the chair arrives damaged?
Contact support@decomica.com within 14 days of delivery. Decomica will arrange a free DPD pickup and either replace or refund the chair in full.
Is the chair suitable for a nursery?
Yes — the RAR is widely used in nurseries. The controlled rocking arc and low centre of gravity make it stable. Keep it on a flat, hard floor for the smoothest rocking motion.
What is the weight limit?
100–110 kg. If you need confirmation for a specific product, email support@decomica.com.
Can I contact Decomica by phone?
No — Decomica operates by email (support@decomica.com) and live chat. Response time is 24–48 hours, Central European Time.
Verdict
The Eames RAR is a genuinely useful piece of furniture — not just a design statement. The replica market in the EU is mature enough that you can buy a well-made version at €90–180 with confidence, provided you buy from a seller with a clear warranty, an honest returns policy, and a tracked shipping service. Decomica ticks all three. Browse the full rocking chair collection or contact support@decomica.com with any pre-purchase questions.
