In The Graduate, Mr. McGuire tells Benjamin, "I just want to say one word to you. Just one word ... Plastics." Ahh, plastics: those synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids that are moldable, sturdy and easy to clean — three qualities that come in mighty handy when it comes to dining chairs.
How earth-friendly are plastic chairs? Well, it depends. Many are made from polypropylene, which can be heat softened and recycled. Many of the chairs below come in a variety of colors and can be used indoors and out. Most would look terrific in a modern or contemporary dining room, and some could be used for daring contrast in a more traditional or eclectic setting. You can have a field day mixing and matching shapes and colors, as well. While some of these are quite pricey, none exceeds $500.
Which plastic chairs have we missed? Which are your favorites?
16 Plastic Chairs
FIRST ROW
1 Eames molded plastic chairs from Design Within Reach. Made with Injection-molded batch-dyed polypropylene. Prices vary. A wide selection of bases available.
2 Masters from Ultra Modern. Modified batch-dyed polypropylene, $244.
3 Lizz chair from Design Within Reach. Made with Batch-colored technopolymer, $285.
4 Victoria ghost chair from Design Within Reach. Designed by Philippe Starck for Kartell. Made with single piece injection-molded transparent or batch-dyed polycarbonate. $330.
SECOND ROW
5 Luna by Papatya from Ultra Modern. Polypropylene with a transparent polycarbonate back, $239.
6 Mr Incredible from Hive Modern. POlycarbonate, $448.
7 Petite chair from CB2. Hi-gloss white formed Hirek® plastic seat, $169.
8 Urban from IKEA. Chair from reinforced polypropylene and feet made with synthetic rubber, $39.99.
THIRD ROW
9 Supernatural chair from Hive Modern. Fiberglass reinforced polypropylene, $230.
10 Nelson swag leg from Room and Board. Polypropylene, $499.
11 Lisboa side chair from Design Within Reach. Made from Polypropylene; fiberglass, $120.
12 Papyrus from Hive Modern. Transparent or smooth batch-dyed polycarbonate, $349.
FOURTH ROW
13 Ultra Bellini from Hive Modern. Nylon polymer, $275.
14 Thalya at Hive Modern. Polycarbonate, $293.
15 Panton chair by Vitra from Hive Modern. Made from fibreglass reinforced polypropylene dyed through with a matte surface, $295.
16 Spark side chair from Design Within Reach. Made with UV-resistant, glass-reinforced polypropylene, $171.
(Images: As credited above.)
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Emeco's 111 Navy chair didn't make the list?
I have 2 others: the Vad Wood chair by Casamania, and the Madeira chair by Skitsch in its' variety of color combos. Great article, my very favorite is the DSW by Eames with wood legs instead of metal.
I use the Urban chairs from IKEA at my kitchen table (round wood pedestal table from C&B) and I love them! I also have a toddler, so their perfect for climbing and moving around. they don't scratch the floors or topple over easily. I also have the toddler version that kinda looks like a mini bar stool!
Emeco's 111 Navy chair is aluminum not Plastic.
Emeco's Navy® chair is aluminum.
The 111 Navy chair® is plastic: http://www.emeco.net/product/111navychair.html
you are so very right! dont know what i was thinking.
So many plastic chairs, and only a couple under $200 each?
Haven't we already established that plastic is toxic to the environment? As designers, Why are we still condoning the use of plastic when there are so many other materials we can use to make sustainable furnishings?
I think the only plastic chair that would enter my house is that clear one, and then with resistance. I love wood chairs. I do I do I do!!
I like the Umbra Oh! because it's stackable, and at only $60, it's affordable too.
I like the brown one.Simple in look but nice.