Written by the Decomica Design Team — updated June 2026. We sell honest, high-quality replicas of iconic mid-century designs. All prices include VAT. Free EU shipping (mainland). 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The Eames EA119 replica is the high-back, ribbed thin-pad model in the Aluminium Group family. It shares the same polished aluminium frame and construction as the EA117 but extends the backrest to full upper-back height — making it the go-to replica for executives who want both the Eames silhouette and proper head/neck support.
The EA119 in Context: Aluminium Group Origins
Charles and Ray Eames designed the Aluminium Group for Herman Miller in 1958. The innovation was structural: instead of mounting upholstery onto a shell, they stretched leather or fabric between two arched, precision-milled aluminium side members. The result was a chair that flexed with the sitter’s movements, weighed far less than a conventional executive chair, and looked unlike anything else in a mid-century office.
The Aluminium Group family spans multiple back heights and uses. The EA117 is low-back; the EA119 is high-back — both using the original thin-pad construction first seen in 1958. The licensed original (Vitra or Herman Miller) retails from approximately €1,800 for the EA119. Decomica’s Eames EA119 replica reproduces the same proportion, frame architecture and leather upholstery for €350–€500.
What Makes the EA119 Different from the EA117
The EA117 and EA119 are brothers: same aluminium frame geometry, same thin-pad ribbed upholstery, same five-star castor base. The sole difference is backrest height:
- EA117 — low back; the backrest ends around lower-shoulder height. Compact, dynamic feel. Suits users who prefer freedom of shoulder movement or shorter torsos.
- EA119 — high back; the backrest extends to upper-shoulder/head height, offering full spinal coverage. Better for users over 175 cm, or anyone spending long hours at a fixed workstation.
In executive and boardroom settings, the EA119 reads as more commanding — the taller backrest conveys authority in a way the low-back EA117 does not.
EA119 vs EA219: Thin Pad or Soft Pad?
The other common comparison is EA119 vs EA219. Both are high-back models. The difference is the same as EA117 vs EA217 — it is entirely about padding:
- EA119 — thin, ribbed pad. Leather tensioned across the frame. Leaner silhouette, firmer feel.
- EA219 — soft pad. Individual quilted cushion pads inserted into the frame. Noticeably plusher for all-day sitting.
If you sit for six or more hours a day, the EA219 soft pad is typically more comfortable over time. The EA119 suits shorter sessions or users who prefer a firmer, more upright seating posture.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | EA119 — High Back, Thin Pad (Ribbed) |
| Overall height | 105–116 cm (adjustable) |
| Seat height | 43–53 cm (pneumatic adjustment) |
| Width | 58 cm |
| Depth | 60 cm |
| Upholstery | Genuine leather (ribbed thin-pad construction) |
| Frame | Polished die-cast aluminium side members (extended to high-back height) |
| Base | Five-star aluminium castor base, dual-wheel castors |
| Mechanism | Tilt with tension adjustment + seat-height gas lift + swivel 360° |
| Weight capacity | 120 kg |
| Assembly | Minor assembly required (~15 min) |
| Colours available | Black, white, tan brown, orange mesh, white mesh, and more |
Design Features Worth Knowing
The Aluminium Side Members
The two arched aluminium rails that frame the seat and back are the chair’s visual signature. On the EA119, these members are taller than on the EA117 — you can see the arc clearly from the side profile. On Decomica’s replica they are die-cast and hand-polished, not stamped steel with a chrome coat. The difference in weight and finish durability is significant.
Ribbed Upholstery Construction
Each horizontal rib on the EA119’s back and seat is formed by stitching leather over an individual foam insert, then tensioning the full panel. This creates the chair’s distinctive striped texture and allows the seat surface to flex slightly under body weight — giving responsiveness that a fixed shell cannot provide.
Five-Star Base
The base is die-cast aluminium throughout — not a mix of nylon arms with a chromed centre column. This keeps the visual language consistent with the frame and ensures the base does not flex under weight. The castors are twin-wheel, suitable for both carpet and hard flooring.
Who Should Choose the EA119 Replica?
- Executives and senior professionals who want a recognisable design-statement chair without the €1,800 price tag
- Taller users (175 cm+) who need proper upper-back support from a low-profile chair
- Design-conscious buyers who prefer the lean, graphic ribbed look of the thin pad over the plushness of a soft pad
- Boardrooms and meeting rooms where a consistent, prestigious aesthetic is required across multiple seats
- Home office users who sit for up to six hours and want a chair that holds its visual integrity at all times
Mesh Variant: EA119 in Breathable Mesh
Decomica also offers the EA119 management chair in a breathable mesh variant — the same high-back aluminium frame, but with a mesh panel replacing the leather pad. This is a popular choice for warm-climate users or those who run hot during long work sessions. Available in black, white, and orange.
Browse all EA119 options and current pricing in the Eames office chair collection. For a full comparison of all Aluminium Group models, see The Best Eames Office Chair Replicas — A Comprehensive Review.
Delivery, Returns and Warranty
- Free EU shipping (mainland EU; surcharge for Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Malta)
- Handling: 1–2 working days; delivery: 5–7 working days from dispatch (DPD Ireland)
- Returns: 14 days from receipt. Change-of-mind: approximately €40–50 DPD pickup, paid by customer. Defects: free collection.
- Warranty: 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Payment: Credit/debit cards and PayPal. All prices include VAT.
- Support: support@decomica.com and live chat (no phone line). Responses within 24–48 hours.
Care Instructions
- Wipe leather with a clean, slightly damp cloth. Avoid solvent or bleach-based cleaners.
- For mesh variants: use a soft brush to remove dust; a mild soap-and-water solution can be used on stubborn marks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the EA117 and EA119?
Both are low-profile Aluminium Group chairs with ribbed thin-pad upholstery. The EA117 is low-back (backrest ends at lower shoulder); the EA119 is high-back (backrest extends to upper shoulder/head). Same frame, same construction, different backrest height.
Is the EA119 the same as the EA219?
No. Both are high-back chairs, but the EA119 uses a thin ribbed pad and the EA219 uses quilted soft pads. The EA119 looks leaner and feels firmer; the EA219 is noticeably plusher for all-day sitting.
Does the EA119 replica require assembly?
Minor assembly is needed: attaching the castor base to the gas-lift column and connecting the seat unit. Instructions are included. This takes approximately 10–15 minutes.
Can the EA119 be used on both carpet and hard floors?
Yes. The dual-wheel castors fitted as standard are suitable for both surface types. The aluminium five-star base is also gentle on hard floors compared to nylon-base alternatives.
