If you want to bring Mid Century Modern style to your interior, one great way to do it is to shop for replicas of famous MCM furnishings.
Why not shop for the real thing? Well, in some cases, originals are hard to come by. In others, they may be readily available (for example, Knoll is still making Barcelona chairs), but the price point may be higher than what you can swing.
Purchasing MCM furniture replicas can save you thousands of dollars over getting an authentic original. So, depending on your budget, it may make more sense to go with a reproduction.
MCM furniture replicas vary considerably in terms of their quality. Some are beautiful, and nearly indistinguishable from the originals. Others are inaccurate, or not built to last. Below, we go over what to look for when shopping for MCM replicas.
1. A reputable manufacturer
Research the background of the company you are thinking about buying from. How much experience do they have with the particular furnishing you want to buy? How strong is their reputation? What do knowledgeable reviewers have to say about their quality?
2. Correct dimensions
A lot of lower quality MCM replicas are not built to the right dimensions (many Barcelona chair replicas, for example, run smaller than the original).
Look up the correct dimensions from the original manufacturer, and check them against the dimensions from the replica manufacturer. Make sure they match.
3. Accurate and sturdy materials
Shop for MCM replicas that are made out of durable, high-quality materials that will hold up to daily use for many years to come.
Additionally, make sure they are the correct materials. Try to get specific about this. For example, say you are shopping for an Eames Lounge Chair replica. Many authentic Eames Lounge Chairs feature a Palisander rosewood veneer for the shell. A replica using this same material will capture the authentic look beautifully.
As another example, let’s say you are getting a Barcelona Chair. It should feature a stainless steel frame and leather upholstery. But pay close attention to the buffing on the steel. It should have a mirror-like finish. If it doesn’t, it’s not accurate.
4. Manufacturing process
If the original furnishing was handcrafted, ideally, the replica should be made by hand as well. This ensures that the manufacturing process itself can be replicated, which may be necessary to achieve the same results.
Additionally, watch out for replica companies that cut corners. If a frame was originally made out of multiple pieces, for example, it should be on the replica too. If it was originally made out of a single piece, it should be on the replica as well.
5. Attention to detail
Check the exact placements and appearances of all the small components that are part of the piece’s construction (i.e. stitching, zippers, and so on).
The more familiar you are with the original version of a furnishing, the easier it will be for you to spot inaccuracies in a replica.
6. Warranty and returns
Even though MCM replicas can save you thousands of dollars compared to originals, they can still be pricey. For that reason, you should make sure your purchase is backed by a solid warranty. Look up the return policy as well. Shop from a company with excellent customer service.
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like The Wassily Chair and Mid Century Modern Style Coffee Tables You’ll Love. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube for more Atomic Ranch articles, house tours, and ideas!
