Eames Molded Plastic Armchair by Herman Miller

Herman Miller Eames Molded Plastic Armchair
designed by Charles and Ray Eames

At A Glance:
New materials, especially those that held promise for doing more with less, fascinated Charles and Ray Eames throughout their careers. Their fascination led to inventive modern furniture, such as the molded plastic chair. Designed in 1948 and first presented at the Museum of Modern Art, it was the first plastic chair to be mass produced. It speaks the creative freedom that Charles and Ray Eames possessed. They weren't hemmed in by what they thought their chairs could be. They allowed themselves to dream of different purposes and looks, and they weren't bound by convention or rules.

The current models looks exactly the same as the originals. They remain unupholstered, in keeping with the Eameses requirement that materials be expressed honestly and unselfconsciously. In fact, these were the first one-piece plastic chairs to be left uncovered. The base of the chair in this model is made of wire. the wire criss-crosses, mimicking the Eiffel tower's construction, but it's different and more simple than that.

See the entire Molded Plastic Chair Collection.

What's To Like:
The Eames molded plastic chairs are as beloved today as when they were first introduced in 1948. Whether being used in large spaces like auditoriums or cafeterias, or on their own in elegant homes, libraries, and conference rooms, these chairs unite enduring form and quality construction in a comfortable, durable seat. Charles and Ray Eames adapted molding techniques developed during World War II to mass produce this classic design. These molded plastic armchairs are true to the originals and are fully authentic, with updated materials to meet environmental requirements. Their enduring forms and quality construction make them comfortable, durable performers.

What's Not to Like:
If we're being picky, it is possible that those who are taller will find that the back of the chair doesn't provide enough support, and can end up being a bit uncomfortable. If you're not tall, this shouldn't be a concern.

The Bottom Line:
This is an unusual design for a chair, but it works beautifully. That's one of the hallmarks of a great Eames design. They are able to take something that shouldn't work, or that hasn't worked before (a one-piece plastic shell, wire base, etc.) and they make it so well, make it so beautifully, that you can't believe no one else thought of it before. They furniture they made has what they called "way-it-should-be-ness." The Eames Molded Plastic Armchair is absolutely chock full of way-it-should-be-ness.

Details:

• 31.5" h x 25" w x 24" d
• Seat height: 16.25"
• Arm height: 26"
• Single-piece Recyclable polypropylene shell with waterfall edges and molded back, seat and arms
• For extended comfort, the shell is connected to the base by rubber shock mounts
• The shell is dyed throughout so colors remain vibrant even after years of hard use
• The standard glide is also available with felt to protect hard-surface floors

The Herman Miller Eames Molded Plastic Armchair is also known by the following manufacturer Item Numbers: DAR.