In the early 1940s, Charles Eames and his wife, Ray, spent many years experimenting with new techniques of wood-molding to create plywood shells that conformed to the shape of the human body. Their discoveries were widely used in World War II as plywood splints, stretchers, and glider shells, molded under heat and pressure.

After the war, they applied their technology to produce high-quality yet affordable furniture that eliminated the need for a soft upholstery in favor of sculpted shells. After several iterations and refinements, the Plywood Group was born and soon became a classic of modern furniture design. The Plywood chair was truly comfortable and introduced a new visual profile that was suitable for business spaces and homes. Its success became so global that in 2001 Time Magazine named it the “Design of the Century”.

You can tell it’s Eames at a glance. Lounge chair, dining chair. Both with wood or chrome-plated steel legs. Molding thin sheets of lightweight veneer into gently curved shapes gives the durable material a soft, inviting appearance. The chairs work just about anywhere—from homes and offices to schools and public areas.

quote from hermanmiller.com

The lounge chair was the first member of the plywood collection. It was initially a single piece of wood bent and curved to form a chair. The single shell however was not ready for the weight it needed to carry, and after multiple experiments, Charles and Ray decided to abandon the concept and break the plywood into 2 parts supported by curved legs. It was then in 1945 that the icon of American design was born.

Time magazine called it “the chair of the century.” Did Charles and Ray regret the five years of work spent trying to make it one piece? On the contrary: about a different project that followed a similar iterative process, Charles said, “This way we know we have the right answer.”

quote from eamesoffice.com

The chair is now produced exclusively by Herman Miller and Vitra and comes in black Ash, red Ash, natural Ash, and Walnut with an option of leather and skin covers for the seat.

Following their objectives in making the chair more affordable, lighter, and more flexible, Charles and Ray replaced the plywood legs of the chair with a metal skeleton. This frame was connected to the body of the chair using thick rubber discs to absorb the shock between the seat and backrest. The result was the LCM, a chair that provided strength, resilience, and flexibility.