Wire Chair

Designed by Charles and Ray Eames out of welded steel wire, the Wire Chair is a variation on the theme of the organically shaped one-piece seat shell, pairing transparent lightness with technological sophistication. The seat shell of the Eames Wire Chairs can be joined with a variety of different bases and optionally fitted with a seat cushion or a two-piece seat and back pad. The latter is also known as the 'Bikini' pad due to its shape – it comes in a fabric or leather version with a wide choice of colours and is permanently attached to the chair. It is additionally available as the removable 'Bikini Outdoor' model made of weather-resistant fabric for use in exterior settings.

Vitra has developed a new outdoor version of the 'Bikini'. Equipped with a clip system, it can now be easily removed and washed or replaced: the Wire Chair Bikini Outdoor. As the fabric and padding are weather-resistant, the powder-coated Wire Chairs can now also be fitted with a comfortably upholstered 'Bikini' pad in outdoor settings. In addition to the powder-coated finish, some models of the Wire Chair are also available in a chrome-plated version. Charles and Ray Eames used different versions of the compact lounge chair Eames Wire Chair LKR (Lounge Height K-Shell R-Wire Base) both indoors and out at their legendary home in Pacific Palisades, the Eames House. Like the original model, the current LKR can be used inside and outside.

Together the Eames Wire Chairs, Fiberglass Chairs and Plastic Chairs RE form an extensive product family of the Eames Shell Chairs, with a suitable version for almost every taste and purpose.

In 2016, Vitra added roughly 20 mm to the base height of the Wire Chairs while adapting the seat geometry accordingly. These revisions, which are aesthetically almost imperceptible, increase the comfort of this classic chair design, especially in combination with contemporary tables.