Universal Base Dining & Work Tables

First seen in the marketplace in 1961, the Eames Universal Base table was an addition to the growing portfolio of Eames table designs in the Herman Miller catalog. Equally as versatile as the Contract and later Segmented tables, the Eames Universal tables, available in a range of finishes, were equally as good for the home or the workplace.

The Universal base, first seen with these tables and the 1961 Time Life Chairs, would later go on to become the mainstay of all the Eames workplace seating, literally replacing the older Contract base by the late 1960's. The tables however were very much sold in conjunction with the Contract tables and both types were sold side by side.

The series was first released with three dining or work options along with a matching side table. All of the tops of the first released Eames Universal Base series were circular but square and customized rectangular options would be available later into the mid 1960's. Essentially, the range would settle for two heights and two sizes of both the square and circular topped tables for the majority of the decades thereafter.

The construction of the Eames Universal Base table was entirely like that of the earlier Contract range, with their black steel pedestal and vinyl rimmed table tops. The difference of course was the shape of the base, made with a more slimline, sleeker design but still constructed with the bright polished Aluminum. Once the bases of the Alu Group chairs changed in the mid 1960's sales of the, now matching, Universal tables would increase beyond those of the Contract type that had preceded them.

• All Herman Miller Universal Base tables will have had a label, positioned on the underside of the top. The majority of earlier labels will be black disc, black strip or silver strip versions. It is also possible that some early and later models will have date stamps too from the manufacturer, Herman Miller.
• Whilst labels always offer the best method of authentication, in their absence there are always other things you could look out for. The metalwork should not appear 'as new' as even the very best maintained aluminum tarnishes naturally with age.  The Universal Base tables have been very well copied over the last decade and reproductions will begin to enter the secondary marketplace. The tops should show equal ageing and if the table is relatively new then there is no real reason for a label not to be present.
• There are two main things that influence the value of an Eames Universal Table, the top type and the condition. Any unusual stone or marble versions would likely command the highest value as they were very rare (vintage) and undoubtedly expensive even at the time. Next in terms of value would be tables with Natural wood veneers, in Oak, Walnut, Ash or especially Rosewood. There were also tops with Laminate Grains (faux wood) so it is important to know that these and the plain white laminated tops were the most common and likely the least valuable to buy.
• When it comes to buying any table, the second most important aspect to consider is condition. No matter which top the table is sporting, if the condition is bad then the desirability of the table will be affected.

The one piece foot section of the base was a combination of sand cast polished aluminum and a plastic foot glide. (Castors were available too on side variants)