The Aluminium Group chairs, designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1958, are some of the most elegant office chairs ever made. A polished aluminium frame holds the upholstery taut like a sling, so the chair looks light from every angle and fits a home office as naturally as a boardroom. The model codes can be confusing, so this guide explains the differences and helps you choose.
The model codes, decoded
The codes tell you two things: the upholstery style and the back height.
- EA1xx = ribbed: the upholstery is stretched across the frame with stitched horizontal channels. Slimmer, lighter and closer to the original 1958 design.
- EA2xx = soft pad: thick padded cushions are sewn onto the frame. Plusher and more cushioned, added to the family in 1969.
- xx7 = medium back and xx9 = high back.
| Model | Style | Back | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA117 | Ribbed | Medium | £349 |
| EA119 | Ribbed | High | £379 |
| EA217 | Soft pad | Medium | £379 |
| EA219 | Soft pad | High | £389 |
Ribbed or soft pad?
Choose ribbed (EA117 or EA119) if you want a crisp, minimal look, sit for moderate stretches, or are furnishing a shared or visible space where the chair needs to look sleek.
Choose soft pad (EA217 or EA219) if you work long days at the desk and want more cushioning, or prefer a more executive, substantial look.
Medium or high back?
A medium back supports your lower and mid back, keeps a low profile and works well at dining-height tables or desks in open-plan rooms where you don't want the chair to dominate. A high back supports your shoulders and is better if you lean back on calls or are taller. It also has more presence in a study or behind a large desk.
Faux leather or Italian leather?
- Faux leather costs less, is easy to wipe clean and is a good choice for busy spaces or if you prefer to avoid animal leather.
- Premium Italian leather breathes better over long sessions, softens with use and develops a richer look over time. It is usually worth the extra £15–£30 for a chair you sit in every day.
Check the fit before you buy
- Desk height: most desks are 72–76cm high. Make sure the armrests can sit level with or just below the desk so the chair slides in.
- Adjustment: all our office chairs have gas-lift height adjustment, tilt and a full 360° swivel.
- Flooring: on wooden floors, a chair mat protects the surface over years of use.
- Space behind the desk: allow enough room to push back and stand up comfortably.
Want something lower?
The ES104 is the lounge-height “lobby” chair from the same family, with deep soft-pad cushions. It suits a reading corner or a relaxed home office better than a standard desk.
Delivery, VAT and warranty
All prices include VAT with no customs or import fees for the UK and EU. Delivery is free to the UK and European mainland (offshore islands excluded), UK orders arrive within 5 business days, and every chair comes with a 1-year warranty.