Written by the Decomica Design Team — updated June 2026. We have shipped Eames Aluminium Group replicas to customers across Europe since 2015.
The Eames soft pad office chair replica reproduces the plush, individually cushioned seating of the EA217 (low-back) and EA219 (high-back) models — the most comfort-focused chairs to come out of the Aluminium Group series. If you want the polished aluminium frame and mid-century silhouette of the original, but with noticeably more seat depth and back support than the ribbed thin-pad variants, the soft pad is the model to choose.
The Story Behind the Soft Pad Group
Charles and Ray Eames first introduced the Aluminium Group in 1958. The original chairs — what we now call the EA117 and EA119 — used a thin ribbed leather sling stretched between polished aluminium side rails. The sling provided support through tension rather than padding, and it worked well for the kind of occasional seating the chairs were initially designed for.
In 1969, Alexander Girard returned to the Columbus, Indiana house he had designed with Eero Saarinen and asked Charles Eames for a more cushioned version of the same chair. The result was the Soft Pad Group: the same aluminium frame and base, but with individual plush cushion sections — both on the seat and the backrest — separated by the aluminium rails. The cushioning sits proud of the frame rather than recessing behind it, giving the chair a visibly plusher profile.
Herman Miller introduced the Soft Pad Group into production immediately. It remains in manufacture today, alongside the original Aluminium Group, as the more executive-facing option in the range.
EA217 vs EA219: Which Soft Pad Model Is Right for You?
| Model | Back height | Best for | Approx. seat height range |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA217 | Low-back | Boardroom, meeting room, occasional home office use | 420–510 mm |
| EA219 | High-back | Primary desk chair, executive suite, long working sessions | 420–510 mm |
The EA217 is the soft pad equivalent of the EA117: a lower back height that keeps the silhouette refined and unobtrusive. It is an excellent boardroom chair — comfortable for a 90-minute meeting but not so enveloping that it looks out of place around a conference table. The EA219 has a full high back that provides head and neck support as well as lumbar. For anyone spending six or more hours a day at a desk, the EA219 is the more sensible choice between the two soft pad models.
Both share the same seat, base, and mechanism. The only structural difference is the height and number of cushion sections on the backrest.
What Makes a Good Eames Soft Pad Office Chair Replica
The cushioning
This is where soft pad replicas most often disappoint. The original uses individually tailored, densely filled leather cushions that maintain their profile over years of use. Cheaper replicas use thin foam wrapped in bonded leather; these compress quickly and lose their shape within 12–18 months. Decomica’s soft pad replicas use multi-density foam cushions covered in genuine Italian leather. The leather is full-grain, not split or corrected-grain, which means the surface develops a patina rather than cracking or peeling.
The frame
As with all Aluminium Group chairs, the frame should be polished cast or extruded aluminium — not chrome-plated steel. Steel frames are heavier, the finish is visually different (less warm, more industrial), and they are more prone to surface corrosion in damp environments. Lift the chair before buying: an aluminium frame should feel noticeably lighter than you expect.
The mechanism
Tilt tension adjustment (usually a knob under the seat), pneumatic height adjustment, and 360-degree swivel are all standard. Confirm that the tilt lock engages cleanly and that the gas cylinder does not drift downward under sustained weight.
Leather Colour Options
Decomica’s Eames soft pad office chair replicas are available in several genuine leather finishes: black, white, dark brown, tan brown, dark grey, cream, and light grey. Each is full-grain Italian leather. Black is the most versatile — it reads as a neutral in virtually any interior. Dark brown and tan brown suit warmer, more traditional settings. White, cream and light grey work well in brighter, more minimal spaces. Dark grey sits between the two: contemporary without being stark.
A note on white leather in office use: it will patinate and pick up surface marks more visibly than dark colours. This is a property of the leather, not a defect — it is the same on Herman Miller’s white-leather originals. Factor this in if the chair will be in heavy daily use in a shared space.
Dimensions
| Measurement | EA217 (low-back) | EA219 (high-back) |
|---|---|---|
| Seat width | approx. 560 mm | approx. 560 mm |
| Seat depth | approx. 480 mm | approx. 480 mm |
| Seat height (range) | 420–510 mm | 420–510 mm |
| Overall height | approx. 830–920 mm | approx. 940–1,020 mm |
| Armrest height | approx. 620 mm | approx. 620 mm |
Ordering, Delivery and Returns
Decomica dispatches within 1–2 working days. EU delivery by DPD takes a further 5–7 working days; door-to-door is typically 6–9 working days. Free UK and EU delivery is included (Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus and Malta are the only EU exceptions). Tracking is sent by email once the order leaves the warehouse; you can also follow progress at the DPD Ireland portal using your consignment number.
The chair comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. If a fault presents within that period, Decomica arranges a free DPD collection. Change-of-mind returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery; the chair must be unused and in its original packaging, and return shipping costs approximately €40–50 via DPD. Refunds are processed within 30 days of the returned item being inspected. All prices include VAT.
Assembly Notes
The soft pad replica arrives partially disassembled. Attach the five-star castor base to the gas cylinder, insert the cylinder into the tilt mechanism housing, then secure the backrest rail. The process typically takes 10–15 minutes and requires only the Allen key supplied in the box.
Care Instructions
- Wipe leather with a clean damp cloth; condition with a pH-neutral leather conditioner every 6–12 months.
- Keep the chair out of direct sustained sunlight; prolonged UV exposure will fade any leather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Aluminium Group and the Soft Pad Group?
The Aluminium Group (EA117/EA119) uses a thin ribbed leather sling stretched tautly between the aluminium rails. The Soft Pad Group (EA217/EA219) uses individual plush cushion sections on both the seat and back, giving more padding depth and a more obviously upholstered appearance. The frame, base and mechanism are identical in both families.
Is the soft pad replica suitable for an 8-hour working day?
Yes, particularly the EA219 high-back. The combination of plush cushioning, tilt mechanism and adjustable seat height allows most people to sit comfortably for extended periods. Like any office chair, it benefits from periodic standing breaks. If you have specific orthopaedic requirements, we recommend testing the chair dimensions against your desk setup before ordering.
Can I specify a custom leather colour?
Standard stock colours are available immediately. For non-standard colour requests or trade orders, contact support@decomica.com — the team can advise on availability and lead times.
Are Eames soft pad chair replicas legal to buy and sell in the EU?
Yes. The original 1969 design registration has expired. Decomica sells these chairs as honest replicas inspired by the Soft Pad Group design; it makes no claim to Herman Miller or Vitra trademarks or manufacture.
Browse the complete Eames office chair collection, or read the full Eames office chair replica review to compare every model side by side. Free UK and EU delivery. 2-year warranty. 14-day returns.
