Manufacturer: Vitra

Designer: Charles & Ray Eames, 1969

This is a genuine original Vitra piece.

The Aluminium Chairs and Soft Pad Chairs rank among the most important furniture designs of the twentieth century. The EA 231 is Vitra’s home office addition to the Soft Pad Group — equipped with an adjustable backward tilt mechanism and an upright seat angle adapted to desk work. Designed without castors, it does not resemble a typical task chair; its casual, inviting appearance makes it a natural fit for any well-appointed home office.

The EA231 features a medium-height backrest with armrests, seat height adjustment via gas spring, and swivel function. Sewn-on cushions with polyurethane foam padding sit within side profiles and spreaders in die-cast aluminium, available with a polished or chrome-plated finish, or powder-coated. The tilt mechanism is adjustable and lockable in the forward position. The four-star base is also in die-cast aluminium with the same finish options, fitted with plastic glides for carpet or felt glides for hard floors.

The shape and structure of the Soft Pad Chair mirrors that of the Aluminium Chair, but stitched upholstery renders it softer and more comfortable, creating an interesting contrast with its slim aluminium frame.

The upholstery on all Soft Pad chairs has been updated with an innovative viscoelastic foam, increasing comfort whilst ensuring the lasting resilience of the cushions.

Vitra grants a 30-year guarantee on all chairs of the Soft Pad Group.