Eames EA217 Soft Pad Chair with Gas Lift

Design & Heritage
The EA217 Soft Pad Chair, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1969, is a distinguished member of the Aluminium Group. Building upon the original Aluminium Group series introduced in 1958, the Soft Pad variant introduces plush, individually upholstered cushions, enhancing comfort without compromising the chair's minimalist aesthetic. The EA217 model features a gas lift mechanism, offering adjustable seat height to accommodate various desk configurations and user preferences, making it suitable for dynamic workspaces and executive settings.

Gas Lift Mechanism
Equipped with a gas spring system, the EA217 allows for continuous seat height adjustment, facilitating ergonomic adaptability for users of varying statures. This feature ensures optimal alignment with desks and work surfaces, promoting comfort and productivity. The chair also includes an individual back tilt mechanism, which can be locked in the forwardmost position, providing additional customization to suit individual seating preferences.

Soft Pad Upholstery
The Soft Pad cushions are foam-filled and upholstered in premium leather, offering firm yet comfortable support. The absence of arms in the EA217 accentuates its streamlined profile and allows more versatile positioning, particularly around tables or in tighter spaces, without compromising on the chair’s structural integrity or ergonomic performance.

Functional Innovation
Beyond its refined materials and craftsmanship, the EA217 exemplifies practical innovation. The combination of swivel, tilt, and height adjustment makes it suitable for varied professional environments, from executive boardrooms to flexible office layouts. Its mechanisms are engineered for long-term reliability, providing effortless adaptability without sacrificing design integrity. This focus on functional performance underscores why the Aluminium Group chairs remain a benchmark for modern office seating over half a century after their introduction.

Materials & Craftsmanship
Each chair is hand-cut and assembled, utilizing European-sourced leather and precision-cast aluminium. The side profiles, clamping bar, armrests, and base are made of polished die-cast aluminium or chrome-plated, ensuring durability and a refined finish. Over time, the leather develops a subtle patina, reflecting the quality and longevity of the materials and construction methods employed by the Eames studio.

Enduring Design
The EA217 Soft Pad Chair combines the functional and technical rigor of the Aluminium Group with the added flexibility of a gas lift mechanism. Its timeless design and ergonomic features make it a benchmark in modern office seating, suitable for various professional environments where both form and function are paramount.