Part of the Eames plastic fiberglass series, the Eames DSX Chair abbreviation stood for Dining (D) Side Chair (S) on X Base. The MSX is the same only the M refers to it being medium height. The DSG (Dining Side Guard) which was developed later in the mid-1950s was essentially a DSX with longer back legs that ingeniously prevented the shell from making impact with a wall!
The X part of the Eames DSX Side Chair name refers to the original base when it was developed. The original design of base, made for the Zenith Plastics manufactured DAX arm tops had an X criss-cross pattern on the part that connects to the seat top. This was then replaced by the H base in 1954 which was technically a better made and more versatile fitment which lasted through the generations of shells in years ahead.
The names DSX and MSX were kept the same even after the change from X to H base.
These more traditional ‘four legged’ variants sold in far higher numbers than the DSR and DSW and were the best seller of plastic side chairs outside of the commercial DSS stacking version. They too were available with a removable hopsack cover by Alexander Girard and with permanent upholstery too on later models. Finding original, usable excellent condition removable covers is very rare.
It is possible to find early X base versions (not DSG) of these with the original first edition feet, called the ‘domes of silence’. Most of the 50’s versions can be found with the rubber boot glides before Herman Miller progressed to the white nylon self-leveling glides that are still being used even today. The chair was made in countless shell colors throughout the years.
| DSX | MSX | DSG | |
| Height | 31.25” (79.4cm) | 28.75" (73.02cm) | 31.25” (79.4cm) |
| Width | 18.5” (47cm) | 18.5” (47cm) | 18.5” (47cm) |
| Depth | 22” (55.88cm) | 23” (58.42cm) | 23.5" (59.7cm) |
| Seat height | 18” (45.72cm) | 15.75" (40cm) | 18” (45.72cm) |
| Top | Molded Plastic Zenaloy (fiberglass re-enforced plastic) |
| Base | Tubular Steel Frame (X or H Base) |
| Feet | Domes of Silence, Boot Glide, White Nylon Glide |
First Generation X-Base names for the criss-cross pattern (1951)
First Generation X-Base
As used on the arm series released one year previously, the first generation bases were the x-bases with easy to spot underside pattern.
The first X-bases were constructed using heavy gauge metals than the later version and thus are heavier.
The X-base would only be used for a short time before the newer, lighter and more versatile H base replaced it
For tops, check Shell Generations via this link
The first H Base (seen here on arm top) retained the dome of silence feet
Second Generation DSX Base
The X-base would only be used for a short time before the newer, lighter and more versatile H base replaced it.
The H base, named also for the shape resemblance to the underside.
The first H-Bases retained the screw in feet known as Domes as Silence.
For tops, check Shell Generations via this link
The H-Base feet were changed to accommodate Push on Boots
Third Generation X-Base
The next generation H-Base introduced a change of feet.
Screw in 'Domes of Silence' were replaced with push on Boot Glides
Change would occur late 1954
For tops, check Shell Generations via this link
By the early 1960's H-Bases released with self leveling Glides
Fourth Generation X-Base
The final generation of the DSX bases given nylon foot glides
The glides could adapt to changes in floor surfaces due to moving flexibly
Following the late 50's change the glides remain in use today
The most commonly found DSX eames chair base generation
For tops, check Shell Generations via this link
Original vintage Eames DSX side chair
Vintage Herman Miller ad showing DSG & DSX
Shorter MSX (Medium) height side base
1964 Herman Miller Catalog Showing DSX & MSX with sister arm chairs
Eames DSX fiberglass shell sIde chair
1977 Herman Miller DSX catalog page
Group of late 1960's DSX chairs on H-Base
Vintage 1955 Herman Miller brochure for Eames DSX side chair
1970's Naugahyde upholstered Eames DSX side chair