Everything's coming up Eames

I’ve always thought the saying, ‘Imitation is the highest form of flattery,” was a bunch of hooey. But as I gear up to move into a new apartment—scouting furniture to replace items that have been with me for a few too many years—I’m realizing that imitation isn’t such a bad thing after all.

Thanks to knockoffs, particularly those of two of my favorite designers, Charles and Ray Eames, I can get the look of their sleek, simple and sophisticated pieces without breaking the bank. Here are some of my real deal and reproduction seating favorites. 

Rockers

The real deal: The Molded Plastic Rocker (a.k.a. the rocking armchair rod)

This awesome design dates back to 1948, and it has a polypropylene deep seat pocket that's fixed atop a wire base with two maple runners for long, comfortable rocks. Available at Design Within Reach in black, light blue, lime yellow, red orange and white, this original is going to run you $479. Though I can't afford it, if authenticity is your thing, then this iconic item might be well worth the price.

The reproduction: Mod Rocker

Can you tell the difference? I can't. Moderndose, one of my go-to online sites for fun home accents and furniture, is offering up their take on the Eames rocker for just $189. The only difference between the two is that this version has solid ash wood runners. But really, who cares. This buy keeps $290 in your pocket, and is an absolute must have for me.

Desk Chairs

The real deal: Aluminum Management Chair

Available at Hive, this 1958 low back, leather-padded swivel chair would perfectly compliment my steel sawhorse-style desk, but at a starting price of $1,179, I'd have to sell said desk, and then some, to afford it. However, the plus side of splurging on the original is that it comes in over a 150 color/fabric choices and it's well, a true Eames.

The reproduction: Lider Desk Chair

Thanks to Z Gallerie—a store that sells stylish furnishings at attractive prices—I can score myself an Eames look-alike for only $249 (plus a $30 shipping and handling fee). Though I'm not a fan of the additional S&H charge and it has a faux-leather seat, the chair swivels and has an aluminum base just like the real thing. I think I can get over the two minor drawbacks. Oh, and this repro comes in white, espresso and black. I'm getting the white, for sure.

Though Eames is my thing, reproductions of other iconic designer pieces do exist. So shop around and feel good about saving a few bucks. Hey, you can always fib and say that great chair or table is the real deal. White lies never hurt anyone.