Hmmm, whatever you're looking for is no longer here. Or maybe you mistyped the URL? Either way, we hope you find your way again. Vous cherchez quelque chose ? Hum, ce que vous cherchez n'est plus là. Ou peut être avez-vous fait une faute de frappe? Dans tous les cas, on vous souhaite de retrouver votre chemin. Mmm, lo que buscas ya no está aquí. ¿O quizás fué un error de tecleo? En todo caso, esperamos que encuentres tu camino.Herman Miller has announced that it will start making the iconic Eames Molded Chair in fiberglass... again. The fiberglass chairs were discontinued from production in 1989 and ever since then, the iconic chairs that decorate modern houses have been made with recyclable polypropylene. But now we're getting back to the good stuff. First introduced in 1950, Ray Eames decided to discontinue the fiberglass model of the Eames Molded Chair in 1989 because its material chemistry was "detrimental to the environment" and the fiberglass couldn't be recycled.
Herman Miller has developed a more sustainable way to make fiberglass. The new manufacturing process (which cribs from the car industry) eliminates volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) during production. Herman Miller describes the process of its new fiberglass: The fiberglass is now formed and processed using a woven, “dry binder” method instead of the traditional “wet” process, eliminating wet glue adhesives and instead relying on a heat-activated, dry polyester. This has also eliminated the need for thermal oxidizers and other environmental control equipment in the production process. Combined with a new “monomer-free” resin, the production process for the new fiberglass chairs is emission-free and creates a safer environment for the workers handling it, as well as a greener, recyclable shell at the end of the chair’s useful life.Even better, Herman Miller reformulated the color pigments to nail the vintage color options for the new old Eames Molded Chair.
The nine vintage color options of the Eames Molded Chair and Side Chair will be available in Summer 2013. They'll come in wire, dowel leg, four leg, stacking and rocking bases.Here's what the fiberglass version of the Eames Molded Chair looks like:[Web Wire, Cool Hunting]I’ve been hankering for a change in the dining room lately. I’m going to paint the wood trim white (it’s on my 30 Before Thirty list), and I’d like to paint the ceiling too. The wallpaper is staying (I’m going to have to be very careful when painting the trim), and so is the rug. Now, while I do love my vintage dining set, I have been pining for new chairs. I like Eames shell chairs (especially with the dowel legs), but doesn’t everyone? And I already have two Eames chairs elsewhere in the house. I still have eight stackable plywood chairs in the basement, though we should probably just go ahead and sell them on Craigslist. And I could just change out the pink fabric on the chair seats for something else (faux-leather?).
Or there are always the cute oval back dining chairs that I’ve long admired. But do you know what I’m really into lately? Black spindle back chairs. Family Chairs (available as a mixed set of four, or individually), MOMA Thatcher Side Chair, Room & Board I can sell my current dining room set on Craigslist, and then use the money toward new furniture. I know the OLLE chairs are affordable, but the other chairs all have more graceful lines. OK, or I could just see how my vintage set (which I do not want to alter other than seat fabric) looks in the room once the trim has gone white.Ming Green Side Chair Written by Katie on January 10, 2012. The dull January sky has me itching for some color so, of course, this bright true-green metal chair caught my eye. With a little Ming Dynasty thrown in, it fits the bill for robust seating in a modern-yet-eclectic home. And it’s welded from steel, so you can have it indoors or out. Written by Katie on October 12, 2011.
Man, this folding chair is something else. When you think about regular folding chairs and their clunky look and quality, this one is a winner. Sleek and simple, it folds completely flat, allowing for stacking horizontally or hanging on a wall hook. This would be a great choice for extra seating, as you can store it away in a closet when not needed. Also suitable for outdoor use. Sale is valid October 6–18 (2011), so you can save a little by ordering now. Support BLTD by buying here. Written by Katie on September 15, 2011. Whoa, the Salt Chair is now down at $83.30 due to DWR’s dining sale. I believe that makes it the least expensive chair that DWR has ever carried (correct me if I’m wrong). The Salt Chair is a classic choice for a dining area, especially as it has a very compact footprint, which means less wasted space. Written by Katie on August 24, 2011. This Horqueta* Chair has an awfully friendly price tag, don’t you think? Especially considering it’s less than a light fixture made from corrugated cardboard (see Upcycle Pendant Lamp).
Steel frame in hi-gloss carbon powdercoat. Written by Katie on July 26, 2011. Four narrow boards bend to form this very simple chair. Interestingly enough, you can create your own hybrid design if you own multiple colors, as it’s easy to disassemble and reassemble. It was originally created for the Danish Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, and you can read more about it at KiBiSi and HAY Denmark. Available from: A+R Store Green Chair by Javier Mariscal Written by Katie on June 30, 2011. How nice is the recent trend of furniture being made of recycled materials, thereby making the piece recyclable when it’s at the end of its life cycle? Very nice, indeed, and it’s certainly a trend to keep. This chair by Javier Mariscal is made from recycled polypropylene with a stacking metal base or a non-stacking wooden base. While I’ve only found one UK retailer so far, I’m sure there’ll be some retailers stateside that will pick it up (fingers crossed).
Produced by Mobles 114. The Green chair meets the Management System of Ecodesign UNE 150301. Price: £108.00 or 198.00 Shigeru Ban Modular Furniture System Written by Katie on June 14, 2011. There is more to this bench than meets the eye. Did you know it’s made primarily from recycled paper and plastic? Did you know it is a modular design based on on L-shaped units, which allow for building individual chairs, tables, and multi-seat configurations? One pack of ten makes a chair, table base or stool, while two packs will get you a bench, settee or coffee table. Three or more packs means longer bench seating (and possibly more interesting combinations). A simple system of connecting rods allows for quick assembly; one pack shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes to set up. Noted Japanese architect Shigeru Ban is the brains behind this system (there’s lots of images of his architecture on google if you want a quick look). Price: $390.00 per pack Available from: MODULE R
Written by Katie on May 27, 2011. Since this chair is powder coated steel, one can only assume it’s appropriate for outdoor use. While $300 is not cheap, it’s a heck of lot more affordable than, say, the iconic Bertoia Chair that requires more of an investment. Available from: ABC Carpet & Home Written by Katie on May 19, 2011. Not being a huge fan of all-aluminum chairs, I’m happy to see that British designer Michael Young has partnered with Emeco to bring about a hybrid with solid ash legs (harvested from fallen timber near Lancaster, PA, hence the chair’s name). The seat and back are available matte or polished, either of which gives a nice contrast to the softer wood. You also might be happy to hear that these stack up to six high, making storage optional. Written by Katie on March 17, 2011. Another design classic for you on this Thursday… Made from industrial steel rods, Harry Bertoia created his iconic seating collection in 1952 at the invitation of Florence and Hans Knoll.
Bertoia was given free reign to create what he wished, and the result was a reflection of his interest in metal work and open forms. Bertoia says, “If you look at these chairs, they are mainly made of air, like sculpture. Space passes right through them.” A fixture of mid-century design, the chairs are now available in a variety of finishes with or without replaceable seat cushion, back pad, or full cover. The popularity of the chairs (and the royalties he received) allowed Bertoia to return to sculpture soon after completing the collection. Knoll is the only authorized and licensed manufacturer of the Bertoia Collection which has been in continuous production since 1952. To learn more, visit Harry Bertoia’s wikipedia page. Price: $500.00 and up Availability: Buy Bertoia Side Chair here Houdini Chair by Stefan Diez Written by Katie on March 9, 2011. Besides being easy on the eye, this chair from e15 is also worth noting for its construction method: it’s completely screwless.
Made from 4mm thin oak-veneered plywood, the Houdini Chair is both visually and physically light and perfectly complements all e15 tables. There’s several photos showing how it’s constructed (The Making Of), which is as fascinating as it is laborious. Luckily, there’s a collection by Stefan Diez, of which the Armchair, Lounge, and Stool particularly stand out. Eames Molded Dining Chair DCM Written by Katie on March 3, 2011. Remember my little speech last week about adding more classics into the BLTD mix? Well, here it is Thursday and time for another piece deemed classic by many a mid century fan. Charles and Ray Eames are quite famous for their experimentation in wood-molding techniques and their success in creating high-quality furniture that could be mass produced. The Plywood Group, to which this dining chair belongs, is made from a process that eliminates extraneous wood, which lightens each chair’s visual profile and weight. The seat and back are molded to fit the body, making these chairs a comfortable seating option.
You might also be interested to know, if you don’t already, that this chair is in the permanent collection of New York’s Museum of Modern Art and in my own dining room (link). The Eames Molded Dining Chair is available with either chromed tubular steel or wood base frames (DCM – Dining Chair Metal – or DCW – Dining Chair Wood). Written by Katie on January 13, 2011. No doubt you’re somewhat familiar with MUJI’s range of office furniture (and if you aren’t, it would do you well to take a gander), but you might be interested to know that the Steel Pipe Chair is on sale now from $630 to $479… not too bad for a possible future classic. The chair’s design is based on the original Bauhaus design and made in Germany by Thonet GmbH. reg. $630.00, $479.95 Sale ($431.95 Members) Available from: MoMA Store Written by Katie on December 6, 2010. Hmm, $219 seems awfully affordable for a dining chair, especially considering there’s a nice balance of wood and steel.