Written by the Decomica Design Team — updated June 2026. We have specialised in mid-century replica seating across Europe since 2015 and have shipped thousands of Aluminium Group management chairs.
The Eames management chair replica reproduces the EA117 mid-back executive desk chair — the chair from the 1958 Aluminium Group that most people picture when they hear “Eames office chair.” It combines a polished aluminium frame, a thin ribbed leather pad, tilt-swivel mechanism and five-star castor base. This guide covers what the original was, why the management designation matters, and how to identify a well-made replica.
What Is the Eames Management Chair?
“Management chair” is the informal name given to the mid-back Aluminium Group desk chair — most often the EA117. When Herman Miller introduced the Aluminium Group in 1958, the range was positioned for professional office use: “management” seating for executives and office managers, as opposed to task chairs lower in the range or the high-back “executive” models at the top.
The EA117 is a mid-back chair: the backrest rises to approximately the mid-shoulder blade, providing lumbar support without the full head and neck coverage of the high-back EA119. This makes it a good choice for desk work where you lean forward and engage with your work surface more than you recline.
Structurally, the EA117 uses the same polished aluminium side rails and five-star castor base as the rest of the Aluminium Group. The upholstery is a thin ribbed leather pad — stitched into parallel channels — stretched taut between the rails. The tension in the leather sling, not foam cushioning, provides the seat’s ergonomic response.
EA117 vs Other Aluminium Group Models
| Model | Back height | Upholstery | Best use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA117 (management) | Mid-back | Thin ribbed pad | Primary desk chair; lean-forward work |
| EA119 (executive) | High-back | Thin ribbed pad | Executive suite; reading and reclined posture |
| EA217 (soft pad low) | Low-back | Plush soft pad | Boardroom, meeting room |
| EA219 (soft pad high) | High-back | Plush soft pad | Primary desk chair; maximum cushioning |
The EA117 and EA119 are the original 1958 models with the thin ribbed pad upholstery. The EA217 and EA219 (Soft Pad Group) were added in 1969 and use individually cushioned sections for more plush support. If you prefer more padding, the EA219 is the high-back soft-pad equivalent of the EA119. The management EA117 is the go-to for those who want the crispest, most architectural version of the Aluminium Group look.
Design Detail: Why the Thin Pad Works
The ribbed thin pad of the EA117 looks minimal compared to a conventionally padded chair. In practice, the tension-based construction responds to the sitter’s weight by distributing it along the length of the sling rather than concentrating it at the seat bones. This is why the Aluminium Group chairs are comfortable despite the slim upholstery: the mechanism works differently from foam, not worse.
The ribbing serves two purposes. Aesthetically, the parallel channels give the pad visual rhythm and align with the horizontal lines of the aluminium frame. Functionally, the stitched channels prevent the leather from shifting laterally under load, keeping the pad centred in the frame.
In a quality replica, the rib channels should be evenly spaced, the stitching consistent, and the leather surface taut without being drum-tight. A pad that sags in the centre or has uneven stitching is a sign of lower-grade manufacturing.
Materials Specification
| Component | Material (Decomica replica) |
|---|---|
| Side rails and armrests | Polished cast aluminium |
| Armrest pads | Polyurethane over aluminium core |
| Upholstery | Full-grain Italian leather |
| Base | Five-star polished aluminium, dual castors |
| Height mechanism | Pneumatic gas cylinder, 90 mm travel |
| Tilt mechanism | Adjustable tension, tilt lock |
| Weight capacity | 120 kg |
Leather Colour Options
Decomica’s EA117 management chair replica is available in a full range of genuine leather finishes: black, white, tan brown, camel, dark grey, cream, and orange. Black is the market standard — it suits virtually any interior and shows fewer marks in daily use. Orange is the most distinctive: it reads as a bold design statement and is a faithful reference to some of the most striking original Eames Aluminium Group pieces produced in the 1960s.
All colours use full-grain Italian leather, not bonded or split-grain alternatives.
Dimensions
| Measurement | Approximate |
|---|---|
| Overall width | 595 mm |
| Overall depth | 595 mm |
| Seat height range | 420–510 mm |
| Overall height range | 850–935 mm |
| Armrest height (from floor) | approx. 620 mm |
Ordering, Delivery and Returns
Decomica dispatches within 1–2 working days. EU delivery by DPD Ireland takes 5–7 working days from dispatch; typical door-to-door is 6–9 working days. Free UK and EU shipping is included (Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus and Malta are excluded). Tracking is emailed after dispatch and available via the DPD Ireland portal.
The chair comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. Manufacturing defects are resolved with a free DPD collection. If you change your mind after delivery, you have 14 days to initiate a return; the chair must be in its original, unopened packaging, and return shipping of approximately €40–50 is the customer’s responsibility. Refunds are processed within 30 days of the returned item being received and inspected. All prices include VAT.
Assembly
The chair arrives in two to three pieces. Assembling the base, gas cylinder, and backrest rail takes approximately 10–15 minutes using only the Allen key supplied. No specialist tools are required.
Care Instructions
- Wipe leather with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Use a pH-neutral leather conditioner every 6–12 months.
- Clean the aluminium frame with water and a soft cloth; avoid abrasives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the EA117 management chair and the EA119?
The EA117 has a mid-back: the backrest reaches to approximately mid-shoulder height. The EA119 is a high-back with a taller backrest that supports the head and neck. Both use the thin ribbed pad upholstery and share the same frame, base and mechanism. Choose the EA117 if you lean forward into your work; choose the EA119 if you recline more and want full back support.
Why is it called the “management chair”?
Herman Miller positioned the mid-back Aluminium Group chair as seating for office managers and department heads — hence “management.” The terminology carried over to the replica market, where “Eames management chair” is widely used to describe the EA117 specifically.
Is there a mesh version of the management chair?
Yes. Decomica also offers the EA117 and EA119 in a mesh upholstery variant: a single panel of breathable mesh stretched across the aluminium frame in place of the leather pad. The mesh version runs cooler but has a very different visual weight and feel. Both leather and mesh management chairs are available in multiple colours.
How long will the leather last?
Full-grain Italian leather in daily office use typically lasts 8–12 years before showing significant wear. The leather will patinate — darkening slightly at contact areas — over that period. This is a feature of quality leather, not a defect. Conditioning once or twice a year will slow the process.
See every Aluminium Group management chair variant in the Eames office chair collection, or read the full Eames office chair replica review. Free UK and EU delivery. 2-year warranty. 14-day returns.
