Eames Plastic Side Chair by Vitra — Dowel & Eiffel Bases

Eames Plastic Side Chair — Black — Dowel & Eiffel Bases (Vitra)

The Eames Plastic Side Chair was designed by Charles & Ray Eames and introduced by Herman Miller in 1950 as the first mass-produced plastic chair — a milestone in modern furniture. It remains one of the most recognisable pieces of modern design ever made.

More than seven decades later, the Eames Plastic Side Chair is still being made — and the number of imitators on the market speaks for itself. It has been widely copied, but the real thing is obvious once you sit in it.

The one-piece shell delivers genuine comfort through its subtle rearward slope and controlled flex. The instantly recognisable profile explains why it remains one of the most copied chairs ever made.

These examples are made by Vitra, the long-standing European partner of the Eames Office. Working in consultation with the Eames family, the original fibreglass shells were later developed into plastic as production methods evolved — these are the later plastic shell version. The shells are European made, properly finished and noticeably thicker than most replicas. The dowel base combines solid timber legs with steel cross bracing; the Eiffel base uses welded steel rod construction. Both are stable and built for long-term use at dining or meeting height.

We currently have a set of four in black with the timber dowel base (DSW), along with a small number in the Eiffel wire base (DSR). Stock is limited and non-repeatable.

Trends shift. Movements rise and fall. The Eames Plastic Side Chair is still being made because its mix of comfort, durability and visual impact has never been surpassed.

We regularly source genuine Eames furniture as it becomes available. You can view other Eames pieces we’ve handled over the years.