You already know the Eames Molded Plastic Side Chair from Herman Miller as an iconic piece. In May, Herman Miller will add molded wood in a range of veneer and base options, collectively called the Eames Molded Wood Side Chairs.
So why molded wood? When the original plastic chair line was designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1950, it was first explored as shells stamped in steel, before successfully mass producing the designs in molded plastic. However, the curves of the design were too dramatic and complex to produce in molded wood at the time. Now with 3-D veneer technology, the wood veneer now has the extra flexibility to be molded into the curves in a single shell.
The molded wood will be available in santos palisander, white ash and walnut woods, and wire (or “Eiffel Tower”), dowel leg and 4-leg base options. Retail pricing will range between $728-$1,200 in the US.
