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 EA217 replica is a low-back, soft-pad aluminium office chair from the Eames Aluminium Group lineage. It offers thicker, quilted leather cushioning versus the ribbed EA117 — making it the choice for extended daily sitting without sacrificing the Aluminium Group’s iconic look.
The Eames Soft-Pad Story
When Charles and Ray Eames first introduced the Aluminium Group in 1958, the chairs used a thin, tensioned pad — elegant, lean, but not the most comfortable for long work sessions. By 1969, the Eames Office had developed the Soft Pad Group: the same polished aluminium frame and five-star castor base, but with individual quilted cushion pads slotted and zipped into the frame for a significantly more plush feel. The EA217 is the low-back soft-pad model in that evolution.
Today, the licensed Vitra version costs approximately €2,000–€3,000. Decomica’s Eames EA217 replica delivers the same visual character and seat comfort for €300–€400, using genuine leather and a hand-polished aluminium frame.
What Makes the EA217 Different from the EA117
The EA217 and EA117 are often confused because both are low-back Aluminium Group designs. The distinction lies entirely in the upholstery system:
- EA117 (thin pad / ribbed) — leather is tensioned across the frame in one panel with horizontal stitching ribs. Lean, firm, graphic look.
- EA217 (soft pad) — individual cushion pads are inserted into the aluminium frame, creating a visibly thicker, more voluminous silhouette with a noticeably softer seat and backrest.
If you sit for more than five or six hours a day, the EA217 soft pad is meaningfully more comfortable. If you prefer a sportier, more responsive feel or a leaner visual, the EA117 is your choice.
Full Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | EA217 — Low Back, Soft Pad |
| Overall height | 88–98 cm (adjustable) |
| Seat height | 42–52 cm (pneumatic adjustment) |
| Width | 59 cm |
| Depth | 62 cm |
| Upholstery | Genuine leather over high-density foam soft pads |
| Frame | Polished die-cast aluminium side members |
| Base | Five-star aluminium castor base, dual-wheel castors |
| Mechanism | Tilt with tension + seat-height gas lift |
| Weight capacity | 120 kg |
| Assembly | Minor assembly required (~15 min) |
| Colours available | Black, white, tan brown, cream, light grey, dark grey, and more |
Materials and Build Quality in Decomica’s EA217 Replica
A well-made EA217 replica hinges on two things: the quality of the leather and the finish of the aluminium. Here is what to look for — and what Decomica provides:
Leather
Decomica uses genuine leather, not bonded leather or PU vinyl. Real leather will stretch slightly during the first weeks of use, conforming to the aluminium frame under normal sitting pressure — exactly what the original does. Bonded leather would crack within 18–24 months under the same conditions. The soft pads are filled with high-density moulded foam that retains its shape over years of daily use.
Aluminium Frame
The characteristic side members are die-cast aluminium, hand-buffed to a mirror polish. This is important: a chrome-plated steel alternative looks similar at first but dulls over 12–18 months and is noticeably heavier. The five-star base is also aluminium — not nylon — which gives the chair a solid, planted feel and a consistent visual finish throughout.
Castors
Dual-wheel castors are fitted as standard. They work on both hard floors (parquet, tiles, concrete) and carpet without gouging or leaving marks. The castor stems are a standard 11 mm diameter, so replacements are readily available if needed.
Colour Range
Decomica stocks the EA217 replica in multiple leather colours. The most popular are:
- Black — the default boardroom choice; works in every interior
- Tan brown — warm, mid-century feel; pairs well with walnut and oak desks
- White — clean and graphic; suits modern or Scandinavian interiors
- Cream — softer than white; popular for home offices
- Light grey — neutral and versatile; increasingly popular in contemporary workplaces
- Dark grey — the understated alternative to black
Browse all colours and current pricing in the Eames office chair collection.
Ideal Use Cases
The EA217 soft-pad replica is particularly well suited to:
- Home offices where daily sitting time exceeds five hours and comfort matters as much as aesthetics
- Executive offices where a recognisable, prestigious silhouette is required at a sensible price
- Creative studios — architects, designers, and writers who want mid-century character without the mid-century price
- Buyers upgrading from a mesh chair who want leather but prefer something less imposing than a high-back executive chair
How the EA217 Compares to the EA219
The EA217 and EA219 share identical upholstery construction (soft pads, genuine leather) and the same aluminium frame and base. The only difference is backrest height:
- EA217 — low back; backrest ends at roughly mid-shoulder blade height
- EA219 — high back; backrest extends to head/neck level, providing full upper-back and neck support
If you are over 180 cm tall or spend long hours on video calls where posture matters, the EA219 high-back may be more suitable. For users under 180 cm or those who prefer freedom of shoulder movement, the EA217 is the better fit. See a full comparison in 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-day return window. Change-of-mind returns: 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 VAT-inclusive.
Care Instructions
- Wipe with a clean, slightly damp cloth. Never use solvent or alcohol-based products on the leather.
- Condition the soft-pad leather twice a year using a colourless leather conditioner to prevent drying or cracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the EA217 and the EA117?
The EA217 uses soft, quilted pads inserted into the frame, giving a thicker, more comfortable seat and backrest. The EA117 has a thin, ribbed pad tensioned tightly across the frame — leaner in look and feel. Same aluminium frame; different upholstery system.
Is the Decomica EA217 real leather?
Yes. Decomica specifies genuine leather for the EA217 soft-pad cushions. This is important because bonded leather will crack within 18–24 months under normal use; real leather improves with age when properly conditioned.
Can I use the EA217 on a hard floor?
Yes. The dual-wheel castors are suitable for both hard floors and carpet. They are standard 11 mm stem size and easy to replace if needed.
Does the EA217 require assembly?
Minor assembly is required — attaching the castor base to the gas lift and connecting the seat shell to the backrest. This typically takes 10–15 minutes. Instructions are included.
