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 EA117 replica is a low-back, ribbed thin-pad aluminium office chair inspired by the Eames Aluminium Group (1958) — one of the most copied workplace seats of the twentieth century. Decomica’s version pairs genuine leather with a polished five-star aluminium frame and costs a fraction of the licensed original.
What Is the Eames EA117?
In 1958, Charles and Ray Eames unveiled the Aluminium Group for Herman Miller — a family of chairs unlike anything that had come before. Instead of a rigid shell, upholstery was stretched and tensioned between two precision-milled aluminium side members, creating a seat that flexed with the body rather than against it. The EA117 is the low-back management model in that family: compact enough for a desk, refined enough for a boardroom.
The licensed originals (Herman Miller, Vitra) retail from around €1,500 upwards. A well-made Eames office chair replica delivers the same silhouette and seating experience at €250–€400 — which is why the EA117 replica remains one of the most searched mid-century office chair terms in Europe.
EA117 Design: What Makes It Distinctive
The EA117’s defining characteristic is its thin, ribbed pad. Each horizontal rib is formed by stitching leather over individual foam inserts and then tensioning the whole panel into the aluminium frame — a process the Eames Office called “sling” or “suspended” upholstery. The result is a chair that looks almost impossibly slender from the side but sits with genuine depth and give.
Key visual details:
- Low backrest — sits just above the lumbar zone; ideal for wearers who prefer shoulder freedom
- Ribbed (thin pad) surface — horizontal stitching lines every 40–50 mm across the seat and back
- Polished aluminium frame — two arched side members visible from behind; the chair’s structural signature
- Five-star castor base — die-cast aluminium, 360° swivel, dual-wheel castors for hard and soft floors
Full Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | EA117 — Low Back, Thin Pad (Ribbed) |
| Overall height | 86–96 cm (adjustable) |
| Seat height | 42–52 cm (pneumatic adjustment) |
| Width | 58 cm |
| Depth | 60 cm |
| Upholstery | Genuine leather (ribbed thin-pad construction) |
| Frame | Polished die-cast aluminium side members |
| Base | Five-star aluminium castor base, dual-wheel castors |
| Mechanism | Tilt with tension adjustment + seat-height gas lift |
| Weight capacity | 120 kg |
| Assembly | Minor assembly required (base + back attachment, ~15 min) |
| Colours available | Black, white, tan brown, camel, orange, and more |
EA117 vs EA217: What Is the Difference?
Buyers frequently confuse the EA117 and the EA217. Both are low-back Aluminium Group chairs — but the upholstery construction differs fundamentally:
- EA117 — thin pad (ribbed); the leather is tensioned tightly over slim foam inserts, giving a lean, tailored look. Best for users who prefer a firmer, more responsive feel.
- EA217 — soft pad; thicker, quilted cushion pads are mounted within the frame with more volume and a plusher seat. Better for longer sitting sessions.
Neither is objectively better — it is a matter of preference and use case. The EA117 tends to suit dynamic workstyles; the EA217 suits those who sit for extended periods.
Who Is the EA117 Best Suited For?
The EA117 works well for:
- Creative professionals and architects who move between desk and drawing board and want a chair that does not feel bulky
- Smaller offices or home offices where visual lightness matters
- Buyers who want the authentic Aluminium Group silhouette without the soft-pad price premium
- Conference rooms where a consistent row of chairs needs to look sharp from every angle
It is a less ideal choice for people with lower-back issues requiring tall lumbar support — in that case, the EA119 high-back is worth considering.
What to Expect from a Decomica EA117 Replica
Decomica sources EA117 replicas built to replicate the original’s construction logic:
- Genuine leather upholstery — not bonded leather or PU. The leather is real and will develop a patina over time.
- Hand-buffed aluminium frame — the side members are die-cast and polished rather than plated, giving a brighter, more durable finish than chrome-spray alternatives.
- Pneumatic height adjustment — a proper gas lift, not a threaded screw mechanism.
- Tilt tension — the resistance of the lean-back can be adjusted to body weight.
You can browse the full range and compare colours in the Eames office chair collection or read a broader model comparison at The Best Eames Office Chair Replicas — A Comprehensive Review.
Delivery, Returns and Warranty
- Free EU shipping on all orders (mainland EU; surcharge applies for Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, Malta)
- Handling: 1–2 working days; delivery: 5–7 working days from dispatch (DPD Ireland)
- Returns: 14-day return window from receipt. Change-of-mind returns cost approximately €40–50 (DPD pickup). Defective items are collected free of charge.
- Warranty: 2-year manufacturer’s warranty covering structural and mechanical defects
- Payment: Credit/debit cards and PayPal. All prices include VAT.
Care Instructions
- Wipe down with a slightly damp cloth; follow with a dry cloth. Avoid alcohol-based cleaners on leather.
- Condition the leather every 6–12 months with a colourless leather cream to maintain suppleness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EA117 the same as the EA217?
No. Both are low-back Aluminium Group chairs, but the EA117 uses a thin ribbed pad and the EA217 uses a thicker soft pad. The EA117 is leaner and firmer; the EA217 is plusher. They look similar at a distance but feel quite different to sit in.
Is the Decomica EA117 genuine leather?
Yes. Decomica’s EA117 replicas use real leather upholstery, not bonded leather or PU vinyl. This is a key quality differentiator versus budget replicas sold on marketplace sites.
How long does delivery to mainland Europe take?
Handling takes 1–2 working days. Once dispatched via DPD Ireland, delivery typically arrives within 5–7 working days — so 6–9 working days total from order to door.
Does the replica look like the original Vitra/Herman Miller chair?
Yes, in silhouette, proportion and upholstery construction. The key visual differences on close inspection are typically finish quality on the aluminium members and leather grain texture. The overall look is faithful to the original design.
