Eames DSW Chair Made of Fiberglass

The Eames DSW Side Chair (DiningHeight SideChair WoodBase) was submitted as a design by Charles and Ray Eames in 1948 to the “International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture Design,” won second prize, and went into production shortly thereafter. The organically shaped seat was initially made of polyester resin reinforced with fiberglass, which proved to be particularly easy to mold, comfortable, and pleasant to the touch. Using this material—which was new to the furniture industry—the designers succeeded in bringing a unique seat shell with a timeless design to the market.

Original Eames Chair

In the early 1990s, however, production of fiberglass shells was discontinued for environmental reasons. Instead, the seat shells were now manufactured from polypropylene. Many design enthusiasts, however, noted from the very beginning that the chairs’ charm was primarily defined by the visible fiberglass strands in the material. Thanks to improved manufacturing processes, Vitra is now, years later, returning to the roots of the DWS and once again offering the chair made of polyester resin reinforced with fiberglass in some of the original colors.

Wooden Base

The base is the signature four-legged wooden frame, available in various versions with delicate metal struts. Together with the fiberglass shell, this creates a harmonious blend of materials that blends seamlessly into any setting—whether at the dining table at home, in restaurants, cafeterias, or public waiting areas.