The Eames EC430 and EC431 Side chairs were 1970's work focused additions to the fiberglass plastic chair range using the newer ‘universal’ base. They were designed to be desk chairs with a swivel action and the EC431 had additional height adjustment.
The universal base which featured on the Eames Universal Base Chairs was introduced to the fiberglass plastic chairs in 1971 with the release of a whole series of work focused chair designs. In addition to the EC430 and EC431 were corresponding arm chairs EC432 to EC437 as well as the Loose Cushion Arm Chair, coded EC176 and EC178.
These plastic series chairs are often wrongly mistaken for later editions of the PSC or PSCC but the reality is that both were available side by side. The universal base was first used on the 1961 Time Life chair and then was introduced to the Alu Group in 1968 to replace the original contract base type. The universal base lived up to its name with its versatility and could be fitted with either glides or castors.
The EC series all benefited from factory upholstery from Herman Miller in a variety of fabrics and color finishes. The shell of the series however was only available in 3 color options, Dark Tone (Black), Parchment (White) and Neutral Light (Off White) and there were no generation changes with the design.
Herman Miller's focus in the 1970's grew increasingly towards the commercial workplace market and the portfolio grew with adaptations such as the Eames EC430 Side Chair to cater for those needs. The chairs lasted until the fiberglass series was stopped in 1989 due to lowering demands and changes of trend and taste.
| Height | 32.25” | 81.92 cm |
| Width | 18.5” | 47 cm |
| Depth | 22” | 55.88 cm |
| Seat Height | 18.5” | 47 cm |
| Top | Molded Plastic Zenaloy (fiberglass re-enforced plastic), foam & upholstery |
| Base | Cast Alu Universal Base |
| Feet | Castors or glides |
EC431 with height adjustable pivot stem
Eames EC431 with adjustable height - excerpt from Herman Miller 1974 brochure
EC430 Eames Universal base fiberglass work chair