Soft pad office chairs in leather, from £349. The soft pad style separates the backrest into individually cushioned panels, which is what makes it the most forgiving chair in our office range over a long working day.
Medium back or high back?
Both share a 53cm seat width, a 48–57cm gas-lift seat height, 37cm armrests set 27cm above the seat, and arms sitting 70–79cm from the floor.
- EA217-style, medium back — 91–101cm overall. A deeper 63cm seat. Supports up to the shoulder blades. The better choice if the chair lives in a living room or bedroom and you would rather it did not dominate.
- EA219-style, high back — 101–117cm overall. Carries the head and neck. Choose this for full days at a desk, or if you are over about 6ft.
How it compares to ribbed
Ribbed thin-pad chairs use one continuous panel and give a sharper, flatter profile. Soft pad chairs are visually heavier but distribute pressure better, because each cushion flexes independently. If you sit for more than about four hours at a stretch, soft pad is the one to pick.
Deciding between the two? Read our Soft Pad vs Ribbed office chair comparison.
Fitting your desk
The 48–57cm seat range suits standard UK desks of 72–75cm. Armrests at 70–79cm from the floor clear most desks, but check yours if it has a low apron or a keyboard tray — that is the usual point of conflict.
Delivery and assembly
UK delivery only. Delivery is free on every product, Dispatched in 1–3 business days and delivery usually takes 5–10 business days after dispatch. Part-assembled on arrival, typically under 10 minutes. 2-year warranty.
Frequently asked questions
What is a soft pad office chair?
The soft pad style separates the backrest into individually cushioned panels, which is what makes it the most forgiving chair in our office range over a long working day.
How much do soft pad office chairs cost?
From £349, with free UK mainland delivery on orders over £100.
Should I choose the medium back or the high back?
The EA217-style medium back is 91–101cm overall with a deeper 63cm seat and supports up to the shoulder blades — better if the chair lives in a living room or bedroom and you would rather it did not dominate. The EA219-style high back is 101–117cm overall and carries the head and neck — choose it for full days at a desk, or if you are over about 6ft.
What do the two share?
Both have a 53cm seat width, a 48–57cm gas-lift seat height, 37cm armrests set 27cm above the seat, and arms sitting 70–79cm from the floor.
How does soft pad compare to ribbed?
Ribbed thin-pad chairs use one continuous panel and give a sharper, flatter profile. Soft pad chairs are visually heavier but distribute pressure better, because each cushion flexes independently. If you sit for more than about four hours at a stretch, soft pad is the one to pick.
Will it fit under my desk?
The 48–57cm seat range suits standard UK desks of 72–75cm. Armrests at 70–79cm from the floor clear most desks, but check yours if it has a low apron or a keyboard tray — that is the usual point of conflict.
Are these genuine Eames chairs?
No. These are Eames-inspired office chairs made by Habitat Furnishes. The authentic Aluminium Group and Soft Pad chairs are produced under licence by Herman Miller and Vitra. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to those companies, or with the Eames Office.
How long does delivery take?
Free UK mainland delivery on orders over £100, dispatched in 1–3 working days and delivered 5–10 working days after.
Does it need assembly?
Part-assembled on arrival, typically under 10 minutes, with a 2-year warranty.