Vitra Aluminium Group
The Aluminium Group offers a diverse range of models suitable for homes, offices, and public spaces. With various aluminum base options-polished, chrome-plated, or black powder-coated-and a wide selection of fabric or leather upholstery colors, there’s an ideal Aluminium Chair for every setting. Vitra has maintained the same exceptional quality in its production of Aluminium Group chairs for decades, enabling them to provide a 30-year warranty* on these iconic pieces. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames, this collection has been continuously produced since its debut in 1958. Originally created for industrialist J. Irwin Miller’s private residence, the chairs were designed to combine outdoor durability with indoor elegance. The Eameses achieved a minimalist yet ergonomic design by using tensioned fabric or leather stretched over a lightweight aluminum frame, eliminating the need for a bulky internal structure.
Key Features of the Aluminium Group
Innovative Use of Materials: The chairs employ a lightweight but durable aluminum frame, which was an innovative material choice at the time, lending the chairs their sleek, modern appearance. The fabric or leather is stretched between the aluminum ribs, creating a firm but flexible seat that adapts to the user’s body.
Ergonomic Design: The chairs are designed to provide long-term comfort. The backrest, which is higher than many other chairs of its era, offers support to the lower back. Some models also include adjustable features to adapt to different sitting positions.
Versatility: The Aluminium Group includes a variety of models: EA 101/EA 103/EA 104: Dining chairs. EA 105/EA 107/EA 108: Conference chairs. EA 117/EA 118/EA 119: Work chairs. EA 131/EA 132: Home office chairs. EA 124: Lounge chair. EA 125: Matching ottoman for the lounge chair. These chairs can be used in a variety of settings-office spaces, meeting rooms, and homes-making them a versatile choice for both formal and casual environments.
Timeless Aesthetic: The clean, minimalist design, combined with high-quality materials, makes the Aluminium Group timeless. The chairs are available in a range of upholstery options (fabric, leather, mesh) and a variety of colours, allowing for customisation to suit different spaces.
Craftsmanship by Vitra: Vitra, a renowned Swiss manufacturer, has been producing the Aluminium Group chairs since the 1950s, maintaining the high-quality standards set by the Eameses. Vitra has ensured that the design remains relevant while offering slight modern updates, such as new upholstery options and advanced ergonomics.
Sustainability: Vitra has also focused on making the Aluminium Group chairs sustainable by using recyclable materials and maintaining an eco-friendly production process.
Legacy and Influence
The Aluminium Group chairs have influenced office and residential furniture design globally. Their lightweight construction, combined with durability and aesthetic appeal, set new standards in the furniture industry. The chairs have found a place in prestigious settings worldwide, including corporate boardrooms, art galleries, and private residences, solidifying their status as design classics.
Upholstery Grades
Netweave - Heavy use
The semi-transparent, self-supporting netweave fabric combines a robust structure with an elegant, airy appearance.
Available in 2 colours.
Material: 74% polyurethane, 29% polyester
Weight: 630 g/m² (18.6 oz/y²)
Width: 138cm +/- 2cm (54“)
Fastness to light: Type 6–7
Fastness to rubbing: Grade 4–5 dry and wet
Fabric F60 Hopsak - Medium use
Hopsak is an expressive, flat plain-weave fabric made of polyamide. The duotone colours offer a multitude of design possibilities in high-contrast, brightly hued or subtle combinations of warp and weft threads. Highly durable and robust, Hopsak can be used in private interiors as well as public areas.
Available in 35 colours.
Material: 100% polyamide
Weight: 550 g/m² (16.2 oz/y²)
Width: 127cm +/- 2cm (50“)
Abrasion resistance: 200,000 Martindale
Fastness to light: Type 6
Pilling: Grade 4-5
Fastness to rubbing: Grade 4–5 dry and wet
Fabric F80 Cosy 2 - Heavy Use
Cosy 2 is a high-quality milled woollen cloth with a warm character. The lively melange yarn emphasises the fabric's natural colours – from delicate shades to vibrant hues – and gains added elegance with colour-coordinated stitching. The fabric offers thermal comfort and excellent durability, making it suited for upholstered furniture in office settings as well as residential applications.
Available in 15 colours.
Material: 20% polyamide, 80% new wool
Weight: 590 g/m² (17.4 oz/y²)
Width: 154cm +/- 2cm (61“)
Abrasion resistance: 50,000 Martindale
Fastness to light: Type 6
Pilling: Grade 4-5
Fastness to rubbing: Grade 4–5 dry and wet
Fabric F120 Track - Heavy Use
Track is a medium-weight woollen fabric with a subtle pattern of fine diagonal stripes, which gives it a sporty, fresh appearance. Track comes in a large selection of colours– from natural pastel shades or neutral tones to strong, bright hues. This makes it easy to find the right colour for any setting. Thanks to its high quality, the fabric is suited for office environments, but also adds a beautiful touch to home interiors.
Available in 25 colours
Material: 10% polyamide, 90% new wool
Weight: 480 g/m² (14.2 oz/y²)
Width: 143cm +/- 2cm (56“)
Abrasion resistance: 100,000 Martindale
Fastness to light: Type 6
Pilling: Grade 4-5
Fastness to rubbing: Grade 4–5 dry and wet
Leather L20 - Heavy Use
The standard grade leather used by Vitra is a robust cowhide leather, dyedthrough, pigmented and embossed with an even grain pattern. Since it is hardwearing and easy to maintain, it can also be used in office environments.
Available in 16 colours.
Material: Robust cowhide with a distinctive, even grain
Fastness to light: Type 6
Thickness: 1.1–.1.3 mm
Fastness to rubbing: Grade 4 dry and wet
Leather L50 - Leather Premium F - Medium Use
Relatively smooth cowhide with a flat grain and fine top sheen. Dyed-through and lightly pigmented, tanned with an agent extracted from olive tree leaves.
Available in 22 colours.
Material: Semi-aniline nappa leather with a very soft and supple feel, vegetable tanned
Fastness to light: Type 5
Thickness: 1.1–.1.3 mm
Fastness to rubbing: Grade 4 dry and wet
Base
Polished aluminium acquires an attractive patina over time, giving it an understated and authentic look.
Chrome-plated aluminium keeps its shine for many years and has an elegant, high-quality appearance.
Powder coating is scratch-resistant; it softens the aluminium’s ‘technical’ aesthetic and conveys a contemporary feel.
Polished aluminium
Chrome-plated aluminium
12 Deep black powder-coated (textured)
37 Chalk powder-coated (textured)
60 Dark bordeaux powder-coated (textured)
Downloadable Ebrochure
If you would like more detailed information on the upholstery options download the factbook and read from Page 33
Charles & Ray Eames
Explore the history of designers Charles and Ray Eames. Often referred to as a twentieth-century interpretation of the nineteenth-century English club chair, this seating instantly became a symbol of comfort. The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is one of the most significant designs of the 20th century.
