Sling Seating Group

Released to the market in 1962, the Eames Tandem Sling Seating range was specifically designed for public spaces and commercial use. The design had the hallmarks of the 1958 released Aluminum Group, with black Naugahyde seating and support bars flanked by polished Alu frames, sides and leg sections. 

The Eames Sling Seating concept was born out of a real design need presented to the Eames Office to create comfortable and durable airport seating for Dulles Airport in Virginia. As the project gathered pace that need was matched by O'Hare International in Chicago and the resulting solution was the product we know today, which was first used in those two airport projects. This was also the reason why the chairs also became known as the Eames Airport Seating chairs.

The sections were initially available from 2 'bays' through to 10 and they could also be construction back to back if required and with optional tables. One seat versions have also been made over the years for specific needs. The success of the Eames Sling Seating Group in meeting the needs of the design have been so good that they are still manufactured and sold for the same purpose to this day. You can find the Eames Sling Seating modules all over the world in airports and public spaces and may well have unwittingly used them without even knowing.

Just Like the Alu Group, the design has turned out to be as durable as the chairs themselves and continue to be used for their original purpose.

• As far as we are aware, the Tandem Sling Seating Units have never been the subject of reproduction copying. This means that by default  they are most likely to be genuine. The only thing to look out for is designs (more recent) that may be similar in nature and used in the same environments for which these were intended.
• Herman Miller labels may be found on the T-beam strength bars on the underside of the Sling Seating modules. These are always the first stop to ensuring authenticity. Even without them the units are likely to be fine.
• Although the majority are made with the black Naugahyde which have helped the look of the design, more colors have become available over the years.
• Modern versions now incorporate plugs for electricity and USB media charging stations, bringing the design into the 21st century.

• The Sling Seating modules are very hit and miss in the secondary market. They can be found readily and differ in price a great deal. The reality is that the demand for these is small and specialized and this is why they don't generally command the vintage price they perhaps deserve as they are beautiful pieces.
• Generally, only smaller modules of 1 to 4 bays generally appear in the secondary market. We would imagine that it would be extremely difficult to sell those any bigger than this. They are being bought for re-use in lobbies, commercial settings, lounges and all sorts of applications. It is testament to the quality build that they have after years of possible airport service.
• Look out for any defects in the upholstery, cuts, breaks and bad sagging. If the damage is predominantly sagging it may be that it is coming from the frame and this will be almost impossible to repair. Condition will always determine the overall value one could realize through selling these. Check the metal work for pitting and tarnish.