A Definitive Guide to Eames Shell Chairs

Two of Herman Miller’s most iconic designers, Charles and Ray Eames, introduced the world to new ideas about what modern furniture could be and look like. From ergonomic design to the use of molded plywood as a material, the Eameses’ furniture helped bring color, comfort, and striking silhouettes to mid-century modern design. The 1940s and 1950s were a particularly productive period for the Eameses, with their Molded Plywood Chair, Lounge Chair and Ottoman, and Shell Chair all emerging within a single decade.

The goal when designing the Eames Shell Chair was to create functional seating that could be used throughout the home but also be mistaken for sculptural artwork. This means chairs with sweeping, elegant curves in a variety of colors that are made from completely new materials. In 1950, this meant seats constructed of molded plywood, fiberglass, and wire; now, this means all those materials plus the addition of 100% post-industrial recycled plastic.

It Starts with the Shell

The overall design for the Eames Shell Chair may seem simple, but what makes it so timeless and iconic is the amount of thought and energy put into every aspect of it. The shell itself was designed to support the sitter’s body in an ergonomic position, with details like its waterfall edge and its soft matte texture working together to form a coherent whole. And the continuing innovation in shell material that is lightweight, long-lasting, and durable has led to pieces that are both classic and forward-thinking. Whether it has the deep armchair or the more minimalist side chair, an Eames Shell Chair is built to last for generations.

Plywood

One of the Eameses’ most important innovations was their use of molded plywood in furniture design. Using heat and pressure, they realized plywood could be shaped into the comfortable curves of a lounge chair. This innovation was extended to the Eames Shell Chair, providing a lightweight and durable option for the shell itself.

Fiberglass

Innovation in molded fiberglass was also a significant step in mid-century modern design. By developing a new proprietary production process to make this piece safe and eco-friendly to create, Herman Miller was able to reintroduce the original 1950 design in a new material in 2013. These sleek fiberglass chairs come in a variety of vintage colors, with both upholstered and unupholstered versions, and fit into a range of casual and formal design aesthetics.

Wire

Along with their innovation in plywood and fiberglass, the Eameses starting experimenting with using wire in their designs. This led to the development of the Eames Wire Chair, the same shell chair design but constructed completely from chrome or powder-coated steel wire. These “Eiffel Tower” seats come in just wire, with a leather seat pad, or with a two-piece “bikini” seat pad.

Plastic

Embracing the Eameses’ penchant for design reiteration and reinvention, Herman Miller introduced a plastic option for the Shell Chair in 2001. Importantly, these plastic chairs are made of 100% recyclable polypropylene and have upholstered variations, making them a striking intersection of mid-century modern and futuristic design.

Recycled Plastic

In 2022, 100% post-industrial recycled plastic was introduced as the newest iteration in Eames Shell Chair materials. The production of this thoughtful addition helps divert plastic waste from the ocean. The recycled plastic seat maintains the comfortable look and feel of the original matte design and comes in a wide variety of colors as well as several base and leg finishes.

Choose the Right Legs

While the legs of the Eames Shell Chair may be more of a supporting feature in the overall design, they affect the structure and aesthetic of the chair. Whatever the choice—from wood to metal—each Eames Shell Chair leg variation perfectly complements and elevates the shell itself.