Living Room

Eames Rocker

We may be buying an Eames rocker for the living room!

Well, technically, it would be a “fiberglass shell chair” from Modernica. It’s an Eames rocker without the Eames license (though I’d argue that they’re just as authentic if not more so). Now I’m trying to decide on a color… hmmm.

Natural is nice, but so is white. Mustard looks yummy, but I’m afraid I’ll tire of it and it may not look right with the yellow curtains we already have. I thought the pink was too vivid, but it’s beautiful in this photo from Rachel’s House Tour on Apartment Therapy.

I’m wondering if the pink might be too much in my living room though, since we do already have pale pink walls and a pink zigzag rug. I think I love it in Rachel’s home because it’s an isolated spot of color.

My Living Room

I would put the rocker near the window and the Eames LCW that’s there now would be relocated to another room.

Another thing to keep in mind is that there is a sort of an Eames/Nelson knockoff chair (from IKEA) in Brandon’s office that’s right off the living room.

Brandon's Office

Would it be strange to see the real thing and a modified version in such proximity? Especially if both chairs were the same color?

Thoughts?

Sources & Paint ColorsNeed design help? Let's work together.

You Might Also Like...

  • 22209
    November 25, 2008 at 11:55 am

    Oh! I’m also going through the mental debate of whether or not to get an Eames rocker. But I have decided that if I get one, I will get it in white. With white you can match anything just by adding a pillow or a throw, and not clash with anything too.

    Here’s what I’m debating — do you know for sure that it is comfortable? I haven’t been able to sit in one before, so I don’t know first-hand. While it is a great looking chair, and I think I’d put a sheepskin on it, I don’t want to buy it unless it’s actually comfortable..

  • Jill Browning
    November 25, 2008 at 12:13 pm

    I think that the 2 chairs are different enough that they wouldn’t look weird together. I think the mustard color would look best in the room, but since it’s pricey, I don’t think I’d commit to a bold color.

  • amy
    November 25, 2008 at 12:15 pm

    I think it would be cool. I love my eames rocker! love it!

  • Catherine
    November 25, 2008 at 12:16 pm

    I would love to see you get the rocker in mustard! While I know that pink is a signature color, I just don’t think it is right on the rocker…not as sophisticated as your other design statements. And while white does go with everything, I would be worried that the desk chair would begin to compete with the rocker then. Still, they are noticeably different enough that I wouldn’t worry too much about anyone thinking they were supposed to be the same chair if white is your choice :)

  • Farrell
    November 25, 2008 at 12:22 pm

    I have a pair in lime green that I got a few years ago at White on White in NYC… love these chairs. My husband was never a fan, and now they’ve been repurposed as our deck chairs (look great on our deck by the grill!).

    I have a question about your husband’s office – where did you get that fabulous rug?

  • Stacy
    November 25, 2008 at 12:37 pm

    I think the mustard would look great in your place.

    I do think it would take away from both chairs having them in the same space together but less so if they were different colours.

  • Alexis
    November 25, 2008 at 12:42 pm

    I have a 3 month old baby girl, first time mom, and I am sure you are getting plenty of wanted and sometimes unwanted advice… anyway, from a slightly experienced mom here is my advice, make sure your rocker is comfortable!!! If your baby is anything like mine, or most, you will find they LOVE and sometimes require constant motion. Make sure this is one you are willing to spend hours in rocking your baby to sleep!! I love my rocker, and though it’s not the most stylish or attractive, it is so so so comfy and we love to snuggle up in it. I end up falling asleep in it all the time, and for those feedings at all hours of the night you are going to want some cush!! Also, if you plan to nurse, you will need something with good support. This is one thing you want to think function over fashion…

  • Anna @ D16
    November 25, 2008 at 12:47 pm

    Not to be difficult here, but why not buy a vintage one? MUCH cheaper (even if you have to buy a repro rocker base – they cost about $85), and you can still get the lovely fiberglass without it being a knockoff. (Yes, I have issues with Modernica, but I don’t like the new, licensed plastic Vitra-made versions, which I’m assuming is the reason you are tempted to buy from Modernica. Yes?)

    That said, I vote mustard or yellow.

  • Christopher Busta-Peck
    November 25, 2008 at 12:54 pm

    Modernica is making the chairs in fiberglass now? Win! (I could have sworn that they were only making them in plastic, but that might have been another manufacturer.)

    As for comfort, I can’t speak for the Modernica product, nor for the armchair, but the armless version of the same, as made by Herman Miller, is quite wonderful. It flexes nicely to fit both my 6’8″ frame as well as that of my wife at 5’7″.

  • Ana
    November 25, 2008 at 12:54 pm

    Mustard!

  • landry
    November 25, 2008 at 12:56 pm

    I think the mustard chair would be the perfect accent to your print above the couch!

  • Nicole Balch
    November 25, 2008 at 12:56 pm

    Right – I don’t like the new plastic ones. I’m definitely open to vintage, and I’m keeping an eye out for the right color to pop up (whichever color I deem that to be).

    Alexis, we’ll still have one of those ugly and overstuffed (but COMFORTABLE) rockers upstairs in the nursery. Form over function. ;)

    Farrell, the rug was from Urban Outfitters.

    And 22209, they are very comfortable! The chairs are a bit small compared to most of what’s on the market today, but they fit your body so nicely.

  • melissa
    November 25, 2008 at 1:04 pm

    I bought a charcoal one from Modernica about six months ago and I LOVE IT. It shows scratches VERY easily though, so this is definitely a delicate piece that should be handled with care. With a new baby on its way, I would think that the oatmeal would be best– it seems like this one would conceal the inevitable scratches. I kind of wish I jumped for the mustard myself, but since I got it at the sample sale, I was a little strapped in the selection department. Although because this piece is something that you’re going to want to keep forever, I would say to opt for a more neutral color, something that’s not going to come and go with trends or aging tastes!

  • Kyle
    November 25, 2008 at 1:12 pm

    I don’t think it would be weird to have the real thing and the modified version that close together. I like the mustard one.

  • jen
    November 25, 2008 at 1:16 pm

    mustard! though jill is right, i may go with a nuetral since theyre quite expensive. but maybe you’re bolder than me!

  • 22209
    November 25, 2008 at 1:18 pm

    Excellent! I am also a bit (alot) small compared to most, and the smallness of the chair is one of the things that appeals to me :)

  • Mandy Ford
    November 25, 2008 at 1:36 pm

    I think the mustard would play nicely off of the artwork and go with your couch pillows. Love the wallpaper btw…being an old home owner too I can imagine what a PITA it must be to hang!

  • betsy
    November 25, 2008 at 1:41 pm

    i think the mustard would be stunning – especially with the artwork you have behind your couch. it would tie it all together, but would be different enough from the office chair that no one would think you were knocking off your knock off. :)

    the white and natural are too blah for your style (or what i’ve seen of your style) and the pink would be too much.

  • jenna
    November 25, 2008 at 1:50 pm

    I love the natural, myself. It looks like you’ve already got a beautiful modern-mixed-with-organic aesthetic going on and the natural rocker would fit perfectly. But you stumped me with the fraternal twin chair in the next room…hmmm…

  • dwellings and decor
    November 25, 2008 at 2:03 pm

    I like the mustard too! I think it would balance well with your beautiful artwork and create a nice flow in the space. I like Rachel’s pink chair because it flows nicely with her pink pillows. Good Luck!

  • Kate
    November 25, 2008 at 2:08 pm

    Since you’re in the Chicago area and Herman Miller is headquartered just over the lake in Michigan, you could check the Grand Rapids area Craigslist. I’ve heard that for many years (and they may still)Herman Miller gave an Eames Rocker to employees in congratulations for the birth of a new baby, so you may be able to find a good deal. But if you’re tied to a specific color, it might take a while. And, of course, there’s always Ebay!

  • eileenerb
    November 25, 2008 at 2:30 pm

    I vote for mustard. You will soon find out that with kids white = dirty. You’ll forever be wiping something off the chair.

  • Lindsay
    November 25, 2008 at 2:31 pm

    I like the white roacker and you can always add a colorful pillow. What kind of rocking/gliding chair are you going to get for the nursery? You have great decorating taste, so whatever color you pick will look amazing.

  • Cindy
    November 25, 2008 at 2:56 pm

    I love the pink but you’re right, I think it would be too pink for the room. My suggestion is the neutral and agree with the suggestion to add a colorful pillow to it.

  • Joanna
    November 25, 2008 at 3:33 pm

    I’m adding another vote for the mustard. For the exact same reasons already stated – the artwork, and to be different from your hubby’s one. It would be an awesome pop of color on that side of the room. What about the ‘chiffon’? Looking at that color on the website, it looks just like your curtains. A bit more colorful than the oatmeal but not as bold as the mustard.

    I’m sure you will choose something wonderful. Get whichever you keep coming back to, whichever one makes you all tingly inside. Yeah I know, preaching to the choir, right?!!

  • flights of fancy
    November 25, 2008 at 3:50 pm

    Hi there! I vote mustard. It’s a bold color but life is short, why not go for it?!

    (love your blog, btw)

  • Erin
    November 25, 2008 at 4:18 pm

    Ooo, it’s one of my furniture dreams to have an Eames rocker. I’m definitely begging for one when/if I have babies, because then I’d have kinda a way to justify the expense.

    Though I love the mustard, I think the natural color would be the best. I think the yellows might overtake the color palate and it might be overwhelming. White would also be nice and I was totally sold on charcoal until I read the comment about the scratches. I don’t think it would conflict with the chair in Brandon’s office at all, quite the opposite. They are very different, though in the same general aesthetic, so they would get along just fine.

  • chelsea
    November 25, 2008 at 4:28 pm

    I like the pink one in that room best. I think because the pink is such a bright color whereas the pink on the wall is very muted and the pink on the rug isn’t a pop-out-at-you-pink, it would do well in there. You have enough neutral tones in there that it would balance it out well enough.

  • Joy
    November 25, 2008 at 5:11 pm

    Mustard, all the way – neutral but bold.

  • Danielle Melnyczenko
    November 25, 2008 at 6:29 pm

    i think Natural colour would be best and no I don’t think they would clash. have fun

  • Blythe
    November 25, 2008 at 9:29 pm

    The print in your living room is great. Love the girl with the flowing hair.
    Where is it from?

  • Jenn
    November 25, 2008 at 9:53 pm

    I vote for natural. But I may be biased since I have several original Eames chairs in natural (not rockers though).

  • Emilie
    November 25, 2008 at 10:44 pm

    I’d go with the white. The natural seems to blah for me. White is crisp and clean!

  • Ashley (PLB Worker Bee)
    November 25, 2008 at 11:52 pm

    lime green, nicole, lime green!

    i think the mustard would look the best. here’s why:
    pink would make the room “too girly”
    white is bland, and i know you… you’re not bland!
    neutral is the choice for people that secretly want white but also want to make it look like they went “bold”
    so there you have it…mustard is the clear winner!

    the “part-time help” from the “non-creative” family creativly helped!

    xoxo

  • casafroggy
    November 26, 2008 at 10:08 am

    Mustard!

  • kristina
    November 26, 2008 at 11:00 am

    I’m parital to the “real” ones and I just bought one for our nursery in red; due in February!

  • ellen
    November 26, 2008 at 12:15 pm

    Gosh, it’s so hard to say … but my vote would be for the mustard or natural color.

  • i suwannee
    November 26, 2008 at 12:24 pm

    i have white – love it.

    but i’m thinking mustard might be it!

  • Nichole
    November 26, 2008 at 1:52 pm

    I’d have to say mustard! The white and natural would just blend in with the sofa and chair that’s already in the room. And the pink might get lost in the rug?

    Plus, the mustard would bring down the yellow from the painting on your wall! :]

    I’m sure you’ll pick the perfect one!

  • laura @shore chic
    November 26, 2008 at 2:19 pm

    Mustard! (I seem to be in the majority :-) It will work so well with the painting, and won’t be right up against it (so they won’t clash). I also think it will “pop” more than the pink (since you already have quite a bit).

    Good luck…I so know you’ll pick a winner. :-)

    – Laura

  • Kristin
    November 26, 2008 at 4:11 pm

    I say: Go for it, get the mustard one! You can always put a pink or brown pillow on it to soften it up if need be.

  • Monica A
    November 26, 2008 at 6:46 pm

    I think the yellow one could be a nice contrast with the red in the carpet and accesories, and a complement to the yellow painting over the sofa. If you get tired of the color you can always ‘disguise’ it with a pillow or throw.

  • Terri
    November 26, 2008 at 8:51 pm

    For the room the way it is now, I vote mustard. But am I the only one who thinks the painting over the sofa may need to change once a mustard rocker is in…maybe something else with more chocolate and a few splashes of mustard?

  • Nicole Balch
    November 26, 2008 at 11:20 pm

    I like the mustard idea, but I hesitate because I already look at my yellow curtains and think ‘ugh, time for something new’. And I always feel like the room is unbalanced as it is because the only yellow in there is in the curtains and the quilt above the couch. My orange and white Anthropologie chair is on the other side, and then the TV on its white and wood stand.

    Still undecided! I guess I’m between white and mustard at this point, though eileenerb had a good point about white+kids=dirty.

  • Erin
    November 26, 2008 at 11:55 pm

    If you’re open to other colors, I think moss would play off the other colors you have very well, but it might add to the unbalance as there isn’t really anything else that shade.

  • jogirl
    November 27, 2008 at 8:04 am

    Hey there, firstly I am soooo jealous, I have one of these on my chrissy list..I would take one in fluro green if they had it.
    Anyway, my little input is I really love all of them, but looking at your living room, what colours are in that cushion on your sofa, the one on the left hand side..is it a mustard, if so I would go with that or the natural..
    anyway..good luck Jogirl

  • leslie
    November 27, 2008 at 2:25 pm

    I think having the two chairs close to each other is fine. And maybe keeping both white will create symmetry. The wallpaper looks amazing, by the way!

  • Lou
    November 27, 2008 at 11:05 pm

    I think the mustard will look great since you’ve already got yellow highlights.

  • Erin
    November 28, 2008 at 3:01 am

    The mustard would be perfect, especially if you’re planning to keep the wall hanging- it seems like it would go with that really well.

  • Pamela
    November 28, 2008 at 1:21 pm

    Some thoughts: Rachel’s pink chair works well because she has another spot of pink AND the right light green to complement the pink in a light-toned neutral background. You appear to have a warm-toned neutral background, so your yellow curtains may bother you a bit because, in the photo, they look too cool a tone for the rest of the room. By comparison, the mustards and reds in your pillows and wall hanging hold up to the warmth of tone in your sofa and rug (the two largest pieces of color). So perhaps for you the mustard rocker will work to emphasize that warmth. If you put your finger over the white table top in your photo, you may more clearly see how the mustard chair could enliven the room.

  • serena
    November 28, 2008 at 6:28 pm

    I think pink. Colors with the same base – like your darky pink rug, and the warm tone in yellow curtains will come alive with a glory-pink chair in the mix. Plus you have a nice mix of neutrals in there with your sofa and coffee table. That way too, the ikea whitey and pinky can be like high class lassy and modern man, rather than competing for favour (in the case of white vs. white) – or boring neutral vs. white. Mustard, because the tone seems dark, I think will clash with your rug. too much greentone in that yellow. go with your heart/abdomen! of course, though. the walls being pale pink – will be barely noticeable when that beauties in the room; but then I’m a fan of tone on tone.

  • ali
    November 28, 2008 at 11:50 pm

    hello! This is my first time commenting on your beautiful blog. First things first, congratulations on your pregnancy! Second, I love your style (coincidentally I also live in an old Oak Park home!) and I love the choices here, but girl, do yourself a favor and find something COMFORTABLE (like, the most comfortable chair you can possibly find). If you happen to get a “troubled” sleeper like my little guy (14 mos.), you will end up spending hours rocking away in that damn chair — and you will thank me. :) Ours seemed comfortable enough in the store, but like I said, having spent literally HOURS upon HOURS in that chair (oftentimes falling asleep there myself), my tail bone really hurts and I wish we’d chosen comfort over looks.

  • ali
    November 29, 2008 at 1:23 am

    OK, ignore me! Just saw that you already answered a similarly comfort-concerned mommy comment above.

    And also, I vote mustard. I think I’d dig the contrast.

  • elizabeth
    November 29, 2008 at 1:59 pm

    I vote a different chair all together. First I am over these chairs, but more importantly you dont want you 10 month old taking it in face with the hard unforgiving material. Not a very child friendly choice

  • suzanne cabrera.
    November 30, 2008 at 9:06 pm

    I say go with the pink. Its unexpected.

  • jodi
    December 1, 2008 at 12:29 pm

    the mustard would look great, but i totally understand your concern about getting tired of that color.

    i think since the rocker will go where the LCW is now, that you should choose natural. if you are happy with the color balance in the room as is, the natural is closest to the color of the existing chair.

  • vol25
    December 1, 2008 at 5:09 pm

    Love the chair and have been coveting it for quite some time… but I always wonder, will the chair eventually rock back with each rock? Or does it stay in place? We have a vintage rocking chair in our church and I hate the thing. Every time I rock little journey, I end up with the rocker against a wall! :)

    Oh- and I vote for white, scratches would possibly be easier to touch up?

  • justine
    December 2, 2008 at 9:10 am

    Mustard! We have the red/ orange for our sons room. Have you tried them out? They are very small and low scale. I think they are perfect for a kids room.
    For their 1st birthdays they get a piece of art or furniture.

  • nikkirose
    December 2, 2008 at 12:11 pm

    I’m voting for white. If you are tired of the mustard curtains, then maybe a pop of white would help break them up. You have plethora of white accessories throughout your home and are obviously aware of how versitile it is. Kids can make a mess but the chair will wipe clean… just keep him/her away from the sharpies!

  • Erica
    December 2, 2008 at 3:27 pm

    Mustard!

  • tula@whorange
    December 3, 2008 at 12:04 pm

    Your place is STUNNING! i have the same dreams of stars screenprint (only mine is a different color). i love your blog. it’s so inspirational!

  • irk24
    December 4, 2008 at 1:07 pm

    Where did you get the couch? Love it. I think it would look great in chocolate or dark brown. I don’t like the carnation pink with your carpet. Avoid white with small children, dark brown will hide the stains. Mustard might be hard to put elsewhere should you want to move it. I agree, though, make sure you can sit comfortably for a nice long stretch.

  • mari.
    December 8, 2008 at 6:55 am

    hey! i am from brazil and i loveeee your blog! your ideas are absolutely gorgeous!!!

    i was thinking about doing something similar to the painting above your coach… did you painted or is a graphical design?

    can i find it on the web?

    thanks for the help =]

    best wishes!

  • Making it Lovely
    December 8, 2008 at 10:59 am

    OK, I’m going with natural. After finishing the dining room and seeing how much pattern and color there is, I think something simple would look best. There’s too much pink in the living room already, I may tire of mustard, and white looks too brand new. Natural’s the way to go.

    Mari, that’s a quilt! It’s from Dream of Stars – I put mine over stretcher bars (like for a canvas).

    irk24, the couch is Jasper from Room and Board.

  • lucinda
    December 26, 2008 at 10:28 pm

    I’ve been meaning to tell you that ever since I saw your home on Apt Therapy you inspired me to allow my boyfriend’s AT-AT into the design of our home. However, being a decorative painter I had to dress it up a bit. Here’s my post about the transformed AT-AT. http://shaktispacedesigns.blogspot.com/2008/10/and-now-for-something-completely.html

    I love your home. You are so inspiring. Love, love, love the new wallpaper. Happy New Year!

  • Jen
    December 28, 2008 at 5:14 am

    Hello and happy new year (almost)! I have just dreamed up an entire room around that pink and ivory zig zag rug of yours, and I’m hoping you can tell me where to find it. Looks like a Madeleine Weinrib cotton, but I don’t see it in pink on the website. And let’s be honest, I’m hoping yours is a a much cheaper version! :)

  • Making it Lovely
    December 28, 2008 at 2:03 pm

    Lucinda, that’s so fun! I told Brandon about it. :)

    Jen, the rug is by Madeleine Weinrib. I didn’t know that it came in other colors, but ABC Carpet and Home (in NY) has it in several others that aren’t listed on her website.

  • Lien
    March 4, 2009 at 8:47 pm

    Hi! I just found your site tonight and I love your design ideas! I saw the picture with the green curtains in the background – can I ask where they came from?