The Eames Soft Pad group of chairs was designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1969. In terms of both construction and shape, the Soft Pad Chairs are similar to the design of The Aluminium Group. However, their sewn-on cushions create a striking contrast to the slender aluminium profiles. The Soft Pad Chairs are softer and more voluptuous than the chairs in the Aluminium Group, but without losing the clean clarity of their common silhouette. The chairs adapt to the body of the sitter and provide extraordinary comfort.
The Soft Pad Group includes a variety of models: EA 205/EA 207/EA 208: Conference chairs. EA 217/EA 219: Work chairs. EA 231: Home office chair. EA 222: Lounge chair. EA 223: 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.
Functional Design
The Eames Soft Pad chairs are celebrated for their thoughtful ergonomics and versatility. The contours of the cushions are meticulously crafted to align with the body's natural curves, offering excellent lumbar and upper back support. Features such as adjustable height, tilt mechanisms, and swivel capabilities make these chairs ideal for prolonged use, whether in an office setting or a home workspace. Each model within the Soft Pad Group serves a specific purpose: the Executive Chair provides a commanding presence with its high back, the Management Chair strikes a balance between comfort and compactness for desk use, and the Side Chair is designed for versatility in spaces like conference rooms or dining areas.
Evolution and Legacy
The Soft Pad Group was introduced as an evolution of the earlier Eames Aluminum Group, addressing the need for greater comfort while retaining the original series’ modernist aesthetic. The addition of soft, plush pads to the Aluminum Group’s taut, stretched upholstery brought a new level of luxury and accessibility, making the chairs suitable not only for corporate offices but also for casual and residential settings.
The design embodies the Eameses’ philosophy of continuous improvement and adaptability, seamlessly blending practicality with timeless elegance. Today, the Soft Pad Group remains a benchmark in high-performance seating, admired for its innovative use of materials and its ability to complement both mid-century modern and contemporary interiors. Its enduring popularity in diverse environments highlights its status as a design icon, bridging the gap between comfort and sophisticated aesthetics.
Vitra has produced the Soft Pad Chairs in the same superior quality for decades. This outstanding quality allows them to offer a 30-year warranty* on all the chairs in the Soft Pad Group.
*To benefit from the extended warranty, your product must belong to the Eames Soft Pad Group and have been purchased from a certified dealer after 1 September 2003. You have three months to register your product from the date of purchase.
Colours & Materials
Upholstery Grades
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
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.
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