The 1970 update to the DCM chair was officially called the two-piece plastic chair but also picked up the abbreviated name DCMU which translated to Dining Height (D) Chair (C) on Metal (M) Rod Base Upholstered (U).
The 1970’s brought about a real change in styles and tastes and Herman Miller took those changes to aim their efforts at the commercial market. The DCMU was part of a group of early 70’s upholstered chairs aimed at the workplace including its sister chair, the two-piece secretarial chair (EC228).
The Eames two-piece plastic chair was literally an update on the original plywood DCM and even used the exact same rod base. The two-part plywood panels were replaced with plastic versions with new properties and then fully upholstered and edged in vinyl. The new developed plastics utilized 75% polyester which gave them a softer and glossy finish as well as 25% fiberglass to help keep them durable.
The Eames DCMU chair also lost the shock mounts from the original plywood version. The newly developed plastics panels were strong enough to have molded screw inserts embedded into them rather than have the need for additional glued mounts.
The chair was versatile, largely due to its standard Dining/Desk height, and its uses therefore were widespread, from dining chairs to commercial installations.
| Height | 29.5” | 74.93 cm |
| Width | 19.5” | 49.53 cm |
| Depth | 21.5” | 54.61 cm |
| Seat Height | 19” | 48.26 cm |
| Top | Two Pieces 25% Fiberglass, 75% Polyester Plastic, Upholstery |
| Base | Welded Steel Rod Base |
| Feet | Nylon White Self-leveling Glides |
Pair of Eames two-piece plastic chairs in orange hopsack
Black Eames DCMU chairs deployed in a library
The rear of the Eames DCMU two-piece plastic chair
Extract of original 1970's Herman Miller brochure page featuring DCMU chairs
Seat and back of the two-piece DCMU side chair
Original 1978 Herman Miller two-piece plastic chair brochure specs