The Eames LKR 'Cats Cradle' Wire Side Chair or abbreviated Low (L) Height, K-Wire (K) Chair on Rod (R) Base, also known as the ‘Cats Cradle’, was one of most memorable and unusual designs. This wire mesh side chair was available with two styles of removable upholstery, a full covering and a two piece ‘Bikini’ pad.
The lounge intended Eames LKR Chair had already been used successfully with the plastic arm chair LAR however had never been released officially on the plastic side version. The result of the experiment was a memorable and classic design of steel and wire from head to toe. Available initially only in black then later zinc and white, the wire mesh version became something of a steady seller until the series was discontinued in 1967.
The ‘Cats Cradle’ base which featured on the Eames LKR Cats Cradle Chair was something of an enigma and quite a brave new design for the times. Although never the highest selling base of the plastic or wire series, it has developed something of a cult status today. It was released with the wire mesh chair alongside the rocker RKR, Eiffel DKR, Dowel DKW, X-Base DKX and joined later by the pivoting PKC.
Although the wire series chairs are attributed to Charles and Ray Eames (as heads of the design office and normal practice of the day), it is well referenced that the development was very much a team affair. One-time fellow employee of the Evans Plywood Company, Harry Bertoia, once even remarked that left behind sketches of his were a potentially direct inspiration behind the series. He went on to produce his own very successful wire range with Knoll Associates.
| Height | 26” | 66.04 cm |
| Width | 19” | 48.26 cm |
| Depth | 21.75” | 55.25 cm |
| Seat Height | 13.5” | 34.3 cm |
| Top | Molded and Resistance Welded Steel wire – Black Or Zinc Plated |
| Base | Steel Bent Rod Frame, Black then later Zinc and White |
| Feet | None |
Early Eames LKR-2 with Naugahyde 'bikini' cover
Close up of 'cats cradle' base used on LRK
1964 Herman Miller catalog page of the LKR
LKR attachment close up showing shape and indentations
1955 brochure and specifications sheet by Herman Miller
1952 Herman Miller LKR catalog element