Eames EA219 Soft Pad High Back Chair

Design & Heritage
The EA219 Soft Pad High Back 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 incorporates plush, individually upholstered cushions, enhancing comfort without compromising the chair’s minimalist aesthetic. The EA219 model features a high backrest, providing additional support for the upper back and shoulders, making it suitable for extended periods of use in executive offices and conference rooms.

High Backrest Configuration
The high backrest of the EA219 offers enhanced support for the upper back and shoulders, promoting an upright posture and reducing strain during extended sitting. This design ensures comfort during long meetings or focused work sessions, making it particularly suitable for executive offices and professional environments where ergonomic support is critical.

Soft Pad Upholstery
The Soft Pad cushions are foam-filled and upholstered in premium leather, offering firm yet comfortable support. The armless design streamlines the chair’s profile while allowing versatile positioning, particularly around desks or in collaborative spaces, without compromising on structural integrity or ergonomic performance. The design maintains a precise balance of comfort and visual restraint, in line with the Aluminium Group’s design philosophy.

Enhanced Ergonomics
Beyond the high backrest, the EA219 integrates subtle ergonomic principles from the Eames studio, including a slightly reclined back angle and tensioned support in the lumbar area, which together reduce fatigue and maintain a natural seated posture. Combined with the chair’s swivel capability and optional gas lift height adjustment, this makes the EA219 adaptable to a variety of workstations and user preferences, offering both support and flexibility.

Materials & Craftsmanship
Each chair is hand-cut and assembled, utilising 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 EA219 Soft Pad High Back Chair combines the functional and technical rigor of the Aluminium Group with the added flexibility and support of a high backrest. Its timeless design and ergonomic features make it a benchmark in modern office seating, suitable for professional environments where both form and function are paramount.