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Vitra

Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR

by Charles & Ray Eames, 1950 — from 330,00 €
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Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR

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330,00 € *
More than 5 x in stock, delivery time 1 working day (country of delivery Germany)
3 % advance payment discount*: 320,10 € (Save 9,90 €)

The defining feature of the Vitra Eames DSR is its filigree Eiffel frame - named after the Parisian landmark which it so poetically resembles. Ray and Charles Eames' design was conceived as a series and today is employed in a variety of seating and household objects. Since 2024 Vitra has manufactured the Eames Plastic Chair seat shells from resource-saving recycled material.

Details

Product type Multi-purpose chair
Dimensions

Without upholstery / with seat upholstery / with full upholstery



Dimensions in mm
Colours Seat shell, new colours 2024
17 Emerald RE
92 Citron RE
85 Cotton white RE

Seat shell
12 Deep black RE
56 Granite grey RE
48 Forest RE
34 Mustard RE
43 Rusty orange RE
03 Poppy red RE
41 Pale rose RE
11 Pebble RE
24 Light grey RE
23 Ice grey RE
04 White

Seat cushion / full upholstery, Hopsak
66 Nero
05 Dark grey
77 Nero / forest
73 Petrol / moor brown
22 Navy blue / dark grey
82 Ice blue / moor brown
23 Nero / ivory
80 Warmgrey / moor brown
88 Cognac / ivory
65 Coral / poppyred
19 Mustard / dark grey
18 Mustard / ivory
16 Yellow / ivory
87 Ivory / forest
86 Mint / forest
20 Green / ivory
81 Ice blue / ivory
79 Warmgrey / ivory

(Further Hopsak colours available on request)
Base
Basic dark
Chrome
White
Material Base: Chrome plated or powder coated wire with cross struts
Upholstery: Hopsak (100 % polyamide)
Seat shell: dyed-through polypropylene (white) or dyed-through RE plastic (all other colours)

Please note:
The RE plastic employed for the Eames Plastic Chair seat shells is composed of granules of recycled plastics from the German "Yellow Sack" packaging recycling system and approx. 10% fibreglass material to achieve the necessary rigidity. The familiar colours of the seat shells do not change as a result of this material change. However, with the lighter seat shell colours tiny pigments of differently coloured granules may be visible upon closer inspection. These pigments do not represent a defect, but are a feature of the new sustainable material. Below is a comparative example of the colour "ice grey" in high magnification - the new material is on the right.
Variants Optionally available with seat upholstery or full upholstery, edge reinforcement (piping) see picture.
Available with either a powder coated or chrome plated base
Optionally available with glides for carpets or felt pads for hard floors.
White frames have white glides as standard, all other frame colours are supplied with black glides.
Functions and Properties Non-stackable
Suitable for outdoor use (Version with basic dark or white coated base)
Care For cleaning the plastic elements always use a soft, damp cloth and a mild detergent.
Dust and fluff can be vacuumed, marks are best treated with a soft, damp cloth and a mild detergent.

Professional cleaning should be undertaken with the chair fully assembled and using upholstery foam or with a professional cleaning machine

Awards & Museum Permanent collection, MoMA, New York
Certificates EN 13761 (Office furniture - Visitor chairs)
EN 1728 (Furniture - Seating - Test methods for the determination of strength and durability)
Sustainability The Vitra Eames DSR is:
100 % recyclable
contains up to 14 % recycled material

Vitra conform to:
ISO 9001: 2008 (Quality management systems)
ISO 14001: 2004 (Environmental management systems)

Since the beginning of the production year 2024 the Eames Plastic Chair seat shells have been been manufactured from a recycled material, the so-called RE plastic. RE plastic material consists of granules of recycled plastics from the German “Yellow Sack” packaging recycling system. This new material is not only recycled but 100% recyclable, In addition its production generates significantly lower climate-damaging emissions and requires less energy.

Since June 1st 2019 Vitra has been operated a take-back program: Eames Fibreglass Chairs and Eames Plastic Chairs that are no longer required can be returned to Vitra.
Warranty 24 months

Register product and secure extended manufacturer's warranty of 10 years
Accessories Suitable Seat Pad for Eames Side Chairs and Leather Seat Pads by Parkhaus Berlin or Seat Dots and Soft Seats (Typ B) by Vitra
Product family Eames Plastic Chairs


Product datasheet Please click on the picture for detailed information (ca. 5,4 MB).

Product presentation

Popular versions

Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, White, Without upholstery, Without upholstery, Standard version - 43 cm, Chrome-plated
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, Mustard, Without upholstery, Without upholstery, Standard version - 43 cm, Coated basic dark
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, Red (poppy red), Without upholstery, Without upholstery, Standard version - 43 cm, Chrome-plated
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, Ice grey, Without upholstery, Without upholstery, Standard version - 43 cm, Coated basic dark
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, Cotton white, Without upholstery, Without upholstery, Standard version - 43 cm, Coated basic dark
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, Forest, Without upholstery, Without upholstery, Standard version - 43 cm, Coated basic dark
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, Deep black, Without upholstery, Without upholstery, Standard version - 43 cm, Coated basic dark
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, Sea blue, Without upholstery, Without upholstery, Standard version - 43 cm, Coated white
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, Pale rose, Without upholstery, Without upholstery, Standard version - 43 cm, Coated white
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, White, With seat upholstery, Warm grey / moor brown, Standard version - 43 cm, Coated white
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, Light grey, Without upholstery, Without upholstery, Standard version - 43 cm, Chrome-plated
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, Red (poppy red), Without upholstery, Without upholstery, Standard version - 43 cm, Coated basic dark
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, Granite grey, Without upholstery, Without upholstery, Standard version - 43 cm, Coated basic dark
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, White, With seat upholstery, Warm grey / moor brown, Standard version - 43 cm, Coated basic dark
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, White, Without upholstery, Without upholstery, Standard version - 43 cm, Coated white
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, Deep black, With seat upholstery, Nero, Standard version - 43 cm, Coated basic dark
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, Rusty orange, With seat upholstery, Cognac / ivory, Standard version - 43 cm, Coated basic dark
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, White, With seat upholstery, Nero / ivory, Standard version - 43 cm, Chrome-plated
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, Citron, Without upholstery, Without upholstery, Standard version - 43 cm, Chrome-plated
Eames Plastic Side Chair RE DSR, Ice grey, Without upholstery, Without upholstery, Standard version - 43 cm, Coated white

FAQ

?
Should the answers to your questions not be found here, our service team can be contacted Mon-Fri, 9 am - 5 pm via +49 341 2222 88 22.

What does DSR mean?

DSR means Dining Height Side Chair Rod Base.

How much weight can a Vitra Eames DSR support?

The Eames DSR meets the "GS" test standards and is tested up to 110kg.
The way in which the chair is used is also important. Swinging, for
example, causes a higher strain which can reduce the chairs lifetime.

Why was the seat height of the Eames DSR raised?

Since Charles and Ray Eames designed the chairs the average height of the population has grown by around 10 cm. Therefore, in addition to adjusting the height of the Eames Lounge Chair in 2015, Vitra also adapted the Plastic Chairs (DSW/DAW, DSR/DAR, DSX/DAX) to better meet current user needs. The bases of the chairs are consequently now on average 2 cm higher. The change is minimal and accordingly can only be seen in direct comparison.

Can the Vitra Eames DSR be used outdoors?

Only the Vitra Eames DSR with the powder coated base can be used outdoors; special additives in the polypropylene slowing down the fading process. Despite that Vitra recommend not to leave the chairs in the sun for longer than necessary. Felt pads are not suitable for outdoor use, for outdoor use the plastic glides should always be used. Upholstered versions are not suitable for outdoor use.

How is the DSR seat height measured?

The seat height is determined according to the European standard EN 1335-1. This states that the chair be clamped in a special tester and loaded with a weight. The dimensions are then determined in the loaded state. The seat height being measured at a position defined by the standard and when in the load bearing state. The stated seat height cannot be measured with a conventional measuring device, rather is a normalised comparison value so that different chairs (for example, with and without height adjustment, or with varying thickness of seat cushion, etc.) can be compared with one another.

How do I recognise an original Eames DSR Plastic Chair?

On the underside of the seat shell, the material marking PP indicates the polypropylene used for the shell, a seal certifies the safety of the chair and a sticker indicates the place of manufacture and serial number. In addition, Vitra always supplies the original fully assembled.

Why a 2019 colour update for the Eames DSR?

The new colour palette allows for more possible combinations and offers a broader spectrum of different colour shades with the delineation into "Natural Tones", "Mid Tones" and "Bright Tones".

Design Story

The Design

With the development of new production process and the use of new materials Charles and Ray Eames revolutionised furniture history. More than once. And although these days a perfectly normal feature of living rooms and commercial spaces around the globe, at its launch the Eames Plastic Chair family was a revolutionary. Created in context of the New York Museum of Modern Art's "International Competition for Low Cost Furniture" the design, consisting of a singular piece of fibreglass reinforced polyester resin, was awarded second place. From the initial idea quickly arose a family of multi-purpose chairs in both armchair and side chair versions and with range of bases. The Vitra Eames DSR having a four-legged base with a delicate wire base which beautifully embodies Charles and Ray Eames credo of providing "the most of the best to the greatest number of people for the least".

Unmistakable and versatile - the Eames Plastic Chairs

Production

Originally the Eames plastic chairs were produced in fibreglass reinforced polyester resin. A material that in the 1940s and 19590s was genuinely revolutionary as it allowed an until then unachievable combination of strength, durability and haptic elegance at an affordable price. From the earliest days of their career's the designs of Charles and Ray Eames were produced in America by Herman Miller. In the 1950s Willi and Erika Fehlbaum secured the rights to produce the products fro Europe and Asia, thus beginning the Vitra story. In 1993 increasing environmental problems and worries associated with fibreglass led Vita to stop production of the Eames plastic chairs. In 1999 however the development of new materials allowed production to be restarted using polypropylene. Polypropylene may not build the patina so characteristic of the fibreglass Eames chairs is however recyclable and less environmentally troublesome.

Always modern and timeless resistant - the Vitra DSR Chair

Designer

Maybe it was the extraordinary nature of their relationship that led Charles and Ray Eames to develop some of the most extraordinary furniture designs of the 20th century. Ray Eames was born in Sacramento, California in 1912, Charles Eames in 1907 in St. Louis, the pair met in 1940 at the Cranbrook Academy of Art where Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen were preparing for the New York Museum of Modern Art's "Organic Furniture Competition" A year later the pair married and established their design studio in Los Angeles from where, in addition to furniture design the pair worked across creative genres, most notable being their film, exhibition design and photography projects. Although all Charles and Ray Eames designs are officially attributed to both, the division of labour on the projects was clearly regulated: the trained architect Charles Eames being responsible for the technical aspects, the trained artist Ray Eames the aesthetic. Charles Eames died on august 21st 1978, on the same day Ray Eames closed the Eames Design Studio and exactly ten years later on August 21st 1988 Ray Eames passed away in Los Angeles.

Ray and Charles Eames

Historical Context

In both the USA and Europe the 1940s and 1950s were a period of unprecedented, and often rapid, change. The war was over, all eyes were directed forward and everyday lives were dominated by new values, ideals and sense of being. With their DSR side chair Charles and Ray Eames met the new expectations of post-war society. An increased demand for property led to previously unheard increases in property prices forcing ever more families into smaller properties: a situation which demanded new types of furniture. New types of furniture that could also be mass produced to meet the rapidly expanding demand.

Created in the new, revolutionary, material of fibreglass the Eames multi-purpose chair perfectly met these conditions. In addition the flexibility of the Eames plastic chair family meant that they quickly found use in public buildings, schools, and other locations looking for variable, inexpensive seating solutions. And so a chair born of necessity has become a global, and much loved, design classic.

Vitra Atelier

Manufacturer

Since the 1940s the furniture of Charles and Ray Eames has been produced in America by Herman Miller. In the 1950s Will and Erika Fehlbaum discovered a chair by Charles Eames in a shop window in New York and sought permission to produce Eames chairs in Europe. And so it came that since the late 1950's Vitra have been the officially licensed manufacturer of Charles and Ray Eames furniture designs for Europe and Asia. In addition to producing the pairs furniture a close, personal, relationship developed between Vitra and Charles and Ray Eames, so much so that today problems at Vitra are approached with the question "What would Charles and Ray do?".

A further indicator of the particular respect that existed between Charles and Ray Eames and Vitra is the fact that following Ray's death the Eames archive was entrusted to Vitra. From this archive Vitra are able, with permission from the Eames Estate, to regularly produce re-editions of long since forgotten Eames design classics. Beyond Charles and Ray Eames Vitra also have close professional relationships with leading contemporary designers such as Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec or Hella Jongerius. In addition to furniture, Vitra are also an important supporter of international architecture with their so-called Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein hosting buildings by leading contemporary architects including Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry or SANAA.

Production of an Eames Chair

The Vitra Eames Shell Chairs: An Overview

Eames Plastic Chairs

Vitra Eames DSR
Dining Height Side Chair Rod Base

Vitra Eames DSR

Vitra Eames DSX
Dining Height Side Chair X-Base

Vitra Eames DSX

Vitra Eames DSW
Dining Height Side Chair Wood Base

Vitra Eames DSW

Vitra Eames PSCC
Pivot Side Chair Cast Base on Castors

Vitra Eames PSCC

Vitra Eames DSS-N / DSS
Dining Height Side Chair Stacking Base

Vitra Eames DSS-N / DSS

Vitra Eames DAR
Dining Height Armchair Rod Base

Vitra Eames DAR

Vitra Eames DAX
Dining Height Armchair X-Base

Vitra Eames DAX

Vitra Eames DAW
Dining Height Armchair Wooden Base

Vitra Eames DAW

Vitra Eames PACC
Pivot Armchair Cast Base on Castors

Vitra Eames PACC

Vitra Eames RAR
Rocking Armchair Rod Base

Vitra Eames RAR

Vitra Eames LAR
Lounge Height Armchair Rod Base

Vitra Eames LAR

Vitra Eames DAL
Dining Height Armchair La Fonda Base

Vitra Eames LAR

Eames Fiber Chairs

Vitra DSR Fiberglass
Dining Height Side Chair Rod Base

Vitra DSR Fiberglass

Vitra DSX Fiberglass
Dining Height Side Chair X-Base

Vitra DSX Fiberglass

Vitra DSW Fiberglass
Dining Height Side Chair Wood Base

Vitra DSW Fiberglass

Vitra DAR Fiberglass
Dining Height Armchair Rod Base

Vitra DAR Fiberglass

Vitra DAX Fiberglass
Dining Height Armchair X-Base

Vitra DAX Fiberglass

Vitra DAW Fiberglass
Dining Height Armchair Wooden Base

Vitra DAW Fiberglass

Vitra RAR Fiberglass
Rocking Armchair Rod Base

Vitra RAR Fiberglass

Vitra LAR Fiberglass
Lounge Height Armchair Rod Base

Vitra LAR Fiberglass

Eames Wire Chairs

Vitra DKR Wire Chair
Dining Height K-Wire Shell R-Wire Base

Vitra Eames DKR Wire Chair

Vitra Eames DKX Wire Chair
Dining Height K-Wire Shell X-Base

Vitra Eames DKX Wire Chair

Vitra Eames DKW Wire Chair
Dining Height K-Wire Shell Wood Base

Vitra Eames DKW Wire Chair

Vitra Eames DKR Wire Chair Checker
Dining Height K-Wire Shell R-Wire Base

Vitra Eames DKR Wire Chair Checker


More about 'DSR' in our blog

Eames Alchemy. Or how Charles and Ray Eames turned steel into plastic.....

...The Eames plastic side chair shell was released a year later in the complementary DSX, DSW, DSR, PSCC and RSR versions, and the first upholstered plastic chairs appeared in 1953... An explanation can be found in our 2009 post DSR, RAR, DAW, ETC… The plastic chairs of Charles and Ray Eames...

(smow) Blog Best of 2011

There is nothing cheaper and less original in the world of journalism than a look back over the highlights of a year/sports event/concert series/etc. Except possibly "Ten tips for the perfect curry/haircut/crease" However such a review offers the uninspired...

DSR, RAR, DAW, ETC... Plastikstole af Charles og Ray Eames

...Eksempelvis har 'Eames DSR - Dining height Side chair Rod base' og 'Eames DSW - Dining height Side chair Wood base' samme S-skal, men forskellige typer stel...

(smow)offline: The best little warehouse in Texas ... or #Leipzig

...And so we have spent the past few days directing Eiermann desk, Vitra DSR and USM Haller carrying Vitra Eames Elephants through the endless corridors of the (smow)warehouse...

DSR, RAR, DAW, ETC... The plastic chairs of Charles and Ray Eames

...And so one has, for example the Eames DSR - Dining height Side chair Rod base - and the DSW - Dining height Side chair Wood base...

All 'DSR' Posts

Accessories

Soft Seats
Seat Pad for Eames Side Chairs
Seat Dots
Leather Seat Pad for Eames Side Chairs

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