Written by the Decomica Design Team — updated June 2026. We have supplied Eames Aluminium Group replicas across Europe since 2015, including the mesh variants in multiple colours.
The Eames white mesh office chair is the most visually distinctive variant of the Aluminium Group: the same polished chromed-aluminium frame and five-star castor base as the leather models, but with a single panel of breathable white mesh stretched taut across the seat and back in place of a leather pad. The result is a chair that looks lighter, runs cooler, and reads as decisively modern in almost any interior.
The Aluminium Group Mesh Variant: Background
Charles and Ray Eames designed the Aluminium Group in 1958 with a leather sling as the upholstery. The mesh versions — specifically the EA117 (mid-back) and EA119 (high-back) with mesh upholstery — are a later interpretation that applies the same tension-based construction principle to a breathable mesh weave rather than leather.
In mesh construction, the seat and back are formed by a single panel of tightly woven mesh material stretched across the aluminium frame and anchored at the perimeter. The mesh acts structurally: it bears the sitter’s weight through tension, just as the leather pad does in the original thin-ribbed models. The visual difference is substantial — the mesh reads as almost transparent from the side, giving the chair a much lighter visual presence than the leather alternatives.
The mesh also runs significantly cooler. Leather, even perforated leather, traps some heat at the contact surface. A mesh panel allows air to move freely through it, which matters considerably in shared offices without climate control, or in warm months generally.
EA117 Mesh vs EA119 Mesh: Which to Choose
| Model | Back height | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| EA117 mesh | Mid-back | Primary desk work; lean-forward posture; home or studio office |
| EA119 mesh | High-back | Long sessions; executive desk; reclined working posture |
The EA117 mesh is the mid-back management chair in mesh upholstery. It has a lower, cleaner backrest profile that suits compact desks and home offices where a large chair would look disproportionate. The EA119 mesh has the full high back that supports the head and neck, making it the more practical choice for a primary desk chair used 6+ hours a day.
Both models share the same frame dimensions, base, and mechanism. The only difference is back height and the number of mesh anchoring points on the backrest rail.
Why Choose White Specifically
White is the most popular non-black finish in the Eames mesh range. It suits bright, minimal interiors — white desks, pale timber floors, exposed concrete walls — where a black chair would anchor the space too heavily. White mesh creates a near-translucent visual effect: from most angles, the chair’s structure reads more than its colour, which makes it a versatile choice across different interior palettes.
White mesh does show marks more than black over time. Dust is visible on white mesh surfaces and can be removed with a dry brush or soft vacuum attachment. Oils from hands and hair will discolour white mesh at contact points over extended use; this is normal and consistent across all white mesh seating at this price point.
If you want the airy, light feel of mesh without the maintenance consideration, dark grey or black mesh offer similar visual lightness with better mark resistance.
Materials and Construction
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Frame / side rails | Polished chromed aluminium |
| Mesh upholstery | Single-panel breathable mesh; white |
| Armrest pads | Polyurethane pads over aluminium armrest rails |
| Base | Five-star polished aluminium with dual castors |
| Height mechanism | Pneumatic gas cylinder, approximately 90 mm travel |
| Tilt mechanism | Tension-adjustable tilt, tilt lock |
| Weight capacity | 120 kg |
Dimensions
| Measurement | EA117 mesh | EA119 mesh |
|---|---|---|
| Overall width | approx. 595 mm | approx. 595 mm |
| Overall depth | approx. 595 mm | approx. 595 mm |
| Seat height (range) | 420–510 mm | 420–510 mm |
| Overall height (range) | 850–935 mm | 940–1,020 mm |
Mesh Colours Available
Beyond white, Decomica’s Aluminium Group mesh range includes black, orange, and other colours. Each colour uses the same mesh panel construction and identical frame and base. Orange is the most characterful option — it references the vivid colourways used in some original 1960s Eames Aluminium Group commissions and creates a focal point in an otherwise neutral workspace.
Ordering, Delivery and Returns
Decomica dispatches within 1–2 working days. EU delivery by DPD takes 5–7 working days from dispatch; typical door-to-door window is 6–9 working days. Free UK and EU delivery is included (Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus and Malta are excluded from free shipping). Tracking is emailed after dispatch and viewable at the DPD Ireland tracking portal.
The chair carries a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Defective chairs are collected free by DPD. If you change your mind after delivery, you have 14 days to initiate a return; the chair must be in its original packaging and return shipping costs approximately €40–50. Refunds are processed within 30 days of the returned item being received and inspected. All prices include VAT. Questions: support@decomica.com or live chat, with a 24–48 hour response time (Central European Time).
Assembly Notes
The mesh chair arrives in two to three pieces. Attaching the five-star base to the gas cylinder and fitting the cylinder into the seat mechanism takes approximately 10–15 minutes. The backrest rail secures with the Allen key supplied. No specialist tools are needed.
Care Instructions
- Remove dust from the mesh panel with a soft dry brush or vacuum attachment on low suction.
- Spot-clean the mesh with a damp cloth and mild soap; rinse with clean water and allow to dry fully before use.
- Wipe the aluminium frame with a soft damp cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the white mesh version less durable than the leather Aluminium Group chairs?
The mesh panel is robust in normal office use but is more susceptible to snagging or tearing if subjected to sharp objects or forced stretching. Leather is generally more forgiving of accidental contact. For a primary desk chair in a clean office environment, the mesh is perfectly durable. For a shared or multi-use space with higher wear risk, leather may be the more practical choice.
Does the mesh Eames chair breathe better than the leather version?
Yes, noticeably. Air passes freely through the mesh weave, which means less heat builds up at the back and seat surface during long sessions. This is the primary ergonomic argument for mesh over leather in warm or poorly ventilated offices.
Is there a soft-pad mesh version?
No. The soft-pad construction (EA217/EA219) uses individually cushioned leather sections; by definition there is no mesh soft-pad variant. Mesh upholstery is only available on the thin-pad frame — the EA117 and EA119.
Can the mesh be replaced if it tears?
Aftermarket mesh replacement panels are available from specialist furniture upholstery suppliers. The replacement requires removing the perimeter anchoring trim and re-tensioning the new panel; it is a job for a professional upholsterer rather than a DIY repair.
See the complete mesh range in the Eames office chair collection, or read the full Eames replica review for a model-by-model comparison. Free UK and EU delivery. 2-year warranty. 14-day returns.
