
DCMBy Charles and Ray Eames
During World War II, American designers Charles and Ray Eames (1907–78; 1912–88) worked with the United States Navy to make a new leg splint. Recognizing that metal splints could further injure a wounded person through the vibrations of their material, the couple created a new model with molded plywood. That wartime experience propelled the Eameses to continue their explorations in plywood. In 1946, they debuted the DCM, its shortened name referencing the “Dining Height (D) Side Chair (C) on Metal (M) Rod Base.”
The DCM was featured in “New Furniture Designed by Charles Eames” at the Museum of Modern Art, even though the pieces on view were the fruit of the highly collaborative process between Charles and his wife, Ray. In fact, the sculptural form of the DCM’s seat and separate back — which earned it the nickname “Potato Chip” chair — were largely influenced by Ray’s interest in abstract art, such as Alexander Calder’s mobiles and Joan Miró’s biomorphic forms. Inventive in its application of the plywood molding process for its birch material, the DCM is shaped to fit the sitter’s body. Its use of tubular steel is also worthy of note — an innovation that makes it look as if the plywood seat and back are floating in place. Rubber “shock” mounts allow the parts to be easily screwed together.
When it was brought to the mass market by Herman Miller in 1947, the DCM was an almost instant success for its lightweight portability and versatility. It is still among the most popular models produced by Herman Miller, exemplifying the Eameses’ influential legacy in modern living.
Eames Dcm
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Walnut
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
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Chrome
Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Steel, Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1940s North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Plywood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
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Steel
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Plywood
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21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Ch...
Steel
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Wood
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Steel
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Aluminum
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Chrome
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Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel
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Wood
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
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21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Ta...
Aluminum, Steel
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
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Plywood
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Walnut, Plywood
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Metal
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Chrome
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Metal
Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Bentwood
Mid-20th Century Dining Room Chairs
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Steel
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