Eames Molded Plastic Side Chair with Wire Base - Dining Chairs - Seating - Herman Miller Official Store
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Eames Molded Plastic Side Chair with Wire Base

Designers: Charles and Ray Eames
A classic piece of mid-century furniture. As stylish and useful today as when it was designed in 1950. A multitude of color choices can be paired with either a chrome or black base.

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Eames Molded Plastic Side Chair with Wire Base

A Work of Art that Works

True to the original, but now made with eco-friendly materials, the Eames molded plastic side chair is what it has always been—an art object for your home that is also comfortable and durable.

The organic shape and sophisticated lines of this chair, with the streamlined "Eiffel Tower" wire base, work anywhere—in the dining area, living room, family room, home office. Sit back and relax—comfort is built in.

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Charles and Ray Eames

Fulfilling the goals of every modern designer.

Charles and Ray Eames View Design Story
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  • Design Staying Power

    Design Staying Power

    The Eames molded plastic side chair features organic shapes and sleek lines. Originally offered without upholstery or other covering, it remains that way, in keeping with the designers’ appreciation of honest industrial materials.

  • Classic Comfort

    Classic Comfort

    The shell seats have high, flexible backs, deep seat pockets, and waterfall front edges so you can sit comfortably even for extended periods.

  • Colorful Variety

    Colorful Variety

    The side chair is available in 10 colors that range from vibrant to subtle, and either a chrome or black finish.

  • Good for the Earth

    Good for the Earth

    Shells are made of polypropylene—which is 100 percent recyclable. The plating process used for our trivalent chrome finish reduces environmental and health issues associated with other forms of chrome plating.

Eames Molded Plastic Chairs

Enduring, functional,
beautiful—that's why
it's a classic.

Meeting the Needs of Modern Living

Have any other designers been as adventurous as Charles and Ray Eames? Calling them "pioneers" seems like a major understatement. Their curiosity and enthusiasm, their interest in working with new materials, and their playfulness in imagining new shapes led them to designs—like the molded plastic chairs—that changed the look of American furniture.


It Started With a Contest

Several models of the molded plastic chair were designed as entries in a contest sponsored by New York's Museum of Modern Art. The catalogue to the "International Competition for Low-cost Furniture Design" put it this way:

To serve the needs of the vast majority of people we must have furniture that is adaptable to small apartments and houses, furniture that is well-designed yet moderate in price, that is comfortable but not bulky, and that can be easily moved, stored, and cared for; in other words, mass produced furniture that is planned and executed to meet the needs of modern living . . . .

Charles and Ray Eames enjoying their day

The Legacy of the Design

Describing their goals as furniture designers, Charles and Ray said this: "Getting the most of the best to the greatest number of people for the least."

In 1949, Pittsburgh department store magnate and modern architecture devotee Edward Kaufmann (Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Fallingwater house for him) agreed. In the introduction he wrote to the catalog of the Detroit Institute of Arts "Design for Modern Living" exhibition, he had to say about the molded plastic chairs:

Perhaps more than any other individual in his field, Charles Eames—with the development of the famous "Eames chair"—has fulfilled the desire of every modern designer to create objects that will serve their purpose better than ever before and at lower cost.

Famous after only one year. And three-quarters of a century later, the Eames molded plastic chairs are still admired and desired for their innovative design, practicality, versatility, and comfort.


Eames Molded Plastic Side Chair

"Getting the most of the
best to the greatest number
of people for the least."– Charles Eames





Early advertisement for Eames Molded Plastic chairs

Beginning of Production

The armchair was developed first, after years of experimenting with materials and production methods. The side chair was developed shortly after and proved the Eames's point that parts could be interchanged, mixed and matched, to create beautiful, functional, mass-produced furniture.

All of these chairs had shells made from fiberglass in polyester resin. We changed the composition to a more environmentally responsible material—100 percent recyclable polypropylene, dyed throughout so the colors are integral and remain vibrant even after many years.

The Wire Base

The "Eiffel Tower" base was developed after experimentation with steel rod construction and stability spacers. Over the years, we have worked at finding ways to improve the chair bases, to make them more stable and durable and able to withstand hard use over time.

Eames Molded Plastic Side Chair with Wire Base Charles and Ray Eames

Prototype drawing of Eames Molded Plastic chairs


Archival photos courtesy of Eames Office LLC


General Dimensions

  • H:31.75"
  • W:18.5"
  • D:22"
Eames Molded Plastic Side Chair with Wire Base

Shipping Information

Standard Shipping Method:
LTL Carrier
Packaging Type:
Box
Packaging Dimensions:
21" x 19" x 32"
Package Weight:
13 lbs.
Assembly Required:
No
White Glove Service Recommended:
No

Warranty

Warranty:
1-year
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Care & Maintenance

With regular care and maintenance, your Herman Miller product will provide many years of superior performance and satisfaction. To maintain quality, please follow the cleaning procedures outlined here.

The instructions for the care and maintenance of Herman Miller products are provided to you as a service. No warranty is implied since results may vary.

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Chrome

For normal cleaning, wet cheesecloth in a nonabrasive cleaner, like liquid dish soap, and rub the chrome component lightly until the original luster reappears. Dry the component with a soft cloth to remove any soap residue.

Plastic

For normal cleaning, wash plastic surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in mild detergent and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasive kitchen cleaners.

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Is this chair well suited for outdoor use ?

How well the chair will deal with sun, heat, moisture, rain, insects and bird "gifts" ?
8 months ago
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Answer: 
Although the Eames Molded Plastic Armchair is a very durable chair, it is not designed for outdoor use. If exposed to prolonged sun, colors may fade over time. Please follow the proper care and maintenance to maintain quality.

Care & Maintenance
If your chair is exposed to outdoor elements or bird "gifts," be sure to wash plastic surfaces with a soft cloth soaked in mild detergent and water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasive kitchen cleaners.

To clean the chrome chair legs, wet cheesecloth in a non abrasive cleaner, like liquid dish soap, and rub the chrome component lightly until the original luster reappears. Dry the chrome with a soft cloth to remove any soap residue.
8 months ago
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Product Q&A

1 Question | 1 Answer
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Eames Molded Plastic Side Chair with Wire Base 5 5 1 1
The perfect little side chair! I just got myself one of these for my apartment. I already have a very comfortable Eames management chair at my desk but I needed something as a secondary chair for my room. The chair is light, solid, stylish, and comfortable! The back flexes with your movement and it really has a nice feel. It is exactly what I was looking for! April 25, 2012
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