In the wake of the recent Herman Miller vs. Matt Blatt court case and a growing backlash against replica furniture, it’s a brave woman who puts her name to saying actually, it’s okay to buy that faux Eames lounge chair. That woman is Melbourne interior stylist Kylie Tyrrell from Gold Chalk Interiors and here’s what she has to say…
“I’ve been thinking about real v replica for some time. I recently saw a house redecorated with replica furniture and I was pleasantly surprised.
Deep down I think I prefer real, but I know that that is very limiting. How on earth would you ever be able to afford more than one piece of the real thing, if even that?
When I first went to check out some replica for myself I had visions that the quality would be terrible but I have to say that I really did like some of the items I had been eyeing off online. I also liked the fact that in some of the more popular pieces, there was a ‘good, better, best’ option available, depending on your budget.
I didn’t even realise that you could buy high quality replicas that have the same design, same quality and same comfort as the original, but are manufactured in a different country, making them much more affordable to the mass market.
Architects often recommend replica furniture to their clients who want the look without the hefty price tag. And many architects buy replicas themselves because they understand that today, good design and quality do not necessarily go hand in hand with high prices.
The main difference with a replica compared to an original is that the original will gain in value over time whilst the replica may one day end up in your hard rubbish collection. And you know what? that’s OK, because just maybe by the time that happens it could have well and truly served its purpose!”
Interiors Addict will be sharing a number of people’s opinions for and against replica furniture over the coming days. If you have something to say too, get in touch.
Photo of Kylie by Leonie Jane Photography
Comments
I have always coveted an Eames lounge chair but could never afford one. I checked out replicas and was pleasantly surprised to find most of them to be really good. I bought one and have been very happy with it. There are plenty of good replicas out there. Two of the best I found when looking came from Barcelona Designs and Manhattan Home Design. I hope more people who can’t afford the real one find their bliss with a good quality replica. I know I have.
I just wrote an article about a video damning replica furniture in any form. Personally I believe that ripping off recently designed furniture is not fair. That’s why we have patent, copyright and design law but if it was made by someone who has been dead for 30 years then what’s wrong with replicas? They don’t need the money any more and why should a company like Herman Miller have exclusive rights to a design?
If you’re interested in it, it’s here:
http://retrowhirl.com/2013/11/20/equal-rights-for-design-or-why-you-shouldnt-buy-reproduction-furniture/