Eames Thin Pad Office Chair — Ribbed Leather Executive Seating
The Eames Thin Pad Office Chair is the purest expression of Charles and Ray Eames' original 1958 vision — a chair where the leather is not merely placed over a frame, but tensioned across it, creating a ribbed, structured surface that is as visually precise as it is physically supportive.
Originally produced as the EA 117 (low back) and EA 119 (high back) within the Eames Aluminum Group, the Thin Pad design has never been out of production — because its combination of sleek profile, ergonomic engineering, and material quality has never been surpassed. At House of Furnishes, we offer this iconic design in six leather colours across both back height configurations, each built with the same uncompromising standards as the original.
What Makes the Thin Pad Design Special?
The defining feature of the Eames Thin Pad Office Chair is its ribbed leather construction. Rather than a single padded surface, the leather is divided into vertical channels — each one independently tensioned across the aluminium frame. This creates a seat and backrest that responds to the body's natural contours while maintaining a lean, architectural profile that conventional executive chairs cannot achieve.
The result is a chair that looks one-third the visual weight of a typical executive seat, yet delivers comparable — and for many professionals, superior — ergonomic support. The thin pad design encourages active sitting, promoting natural spinal alignment rather than the passive sinking common to heavily padded chairs.
High Back vs Low Back — Choosing the Right Thin Pad Chair
Our Thin Pad collection offers two back height options, each suited to a different professional context:
- EA 119 High Back — Full-height backrest supporting the upper back, shoulders, and neck. The preferred choice for executive desks, home offices, and any setting where long-hour comfort and commanding presence are both required.
- EA 117 Low Back — A more compact backrest that sits at mid-spine height. Ideal for meeting rooms, creative studios, and professionals who prefer greater freedom of movement through the shoulders and arms.
Available Colours & Configurations
Every Eames Thin Pad Office Chair at House of Furnishes is available in six genuine leather finishes — Brown, Black, White, Tan Brown, Cream, and Ivory White — each paired with a chrome-plated, hand-buffed aluminium frame and five-star base.
Two configurations are available: a height-adjustable version with pneumatic gas lift, lockable tilt, and 360-degree swivel for desk use; and a fixed-height version designed specifically for meeting rooms and conference tables.
Specifications at a Glance
Every Thin Pad Office Chair in our collection is built to the following standard:
- Frame: Chrome-plated aluminium, hand-buffed to mirror finish
- Base: 5-star chrome aluminium with dual-wheel castors
- Upholstery: Genuine leather, hand-stitched ribbed thin pad channels
- Cushioning: Premium fire-retardant high-resilience urethane foam
- Dimensions: 59 × 63 × 108–113 cm (high back) | 59 × 63 × 87–95 cm (low
back) - Assembly: Simple self-assembly, full instructions included
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The Eames Thin Pad Office Chair is a design from the 1958 Eames Aluminum Group, characterised by ribbed leather panels tensioned across a cast aluminium frame. The "thin pad" name refers to the slim, structured cushioning that creates a sleek profile while providing ergonomic support.
Yes. The ribbed thin pad design promotes active, upright sitting which distributes body weight evenly and reduces pressure points. Many professionals find the structured support more effective for long work sessions than thickly padded alternatives that encourage slumping.
The EA 119 is the high back version, providing full support up to the neck and shoulders — ideal for desk work and executive settings. The EA 117 is the low back version, offering mid-spine support with greater shoulder freedom — preferred for meeting rooms and creative environments.
Brown, Black, White, Tan Brown, Cream, and Ivory White — all in genuine leather with a chrome aluminium frame.
Yes. Both the EA 117 and EA 119 are available in a fixed-height configuration, purpose-built for meeting rooms and conference tables where seat height consistency is important.
Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth for regular cleaning. Use a dedicated leather conditioner every 3–6 months to maintain suppleness and prevent cracking. Avoid direct sunlight and harsh chemical cleaners.