Herman Miller is introducing a variety of new colors and bases for the Eames molded plastic chairs. The additional options expand the classic's ability to suit multiple applications and also reinforce the company's commitment to authentic, sustainable design.
Five new colors will complete a spectrum of 10 choices available for both the armchair and side chair models: Aqua sky, java, wafer, greystone, and sparrow will join existing colors black, red, white, light blue, and lime green.
Two bases, including the stacking/ganging base and the 4-legged base, will join the existing wire base, rocker base, and the recently reintroduced dowel leg base.
"The introduction of these colors and bases is a response to the increasing popularity of these chairs. They serve a variety of residential and commercial applications, and the additional colors and bases will provide a broader range of options for our customers," says product manager Gregg VanderKooi. "Since Herman Miller is the only licensed manufacturer of these chairs in North America, we believe it's important to provide authentic choices to protect the integrity of these classic designs."
The chair shells, once made of fiberglass-infused plastic, are produced in environmentally friendly polypropylene, a decision made by the company almost a decade ago to reinforce its commitment to sustainability. In addition, the chairs now are made in the United States to reduce their manufacturing carbon footprint.
The Eameses designed their molded plastic armchair in 1948 for entry in the International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture organized by the New York Museum of Modern Art. Herman Miller introduced the armchair, along with a companion side chair in 1950, and they soon found broad acceptance in residential and institutional markets becoming the first mass-produced plastic chairs. Herman Miller reintroduced the Eames molded plastic chairs in 2001 and then dramatically increased the offering in 2005 as part of its 'Get Real' campaign for authenticity.
The Eames molded plastic chairs are available from Herman Miller dealers and retailers, which can be located by searching www.hermanmiller.com/stores. The minimum advertised price for the chairs ranges from $229-$499.
