Soft Pad Lounge Chairs

An addition to the Alu Group range and released to the market in 1969, the Eames Soft Pad Lounger had the same construction of the 'ribbed' Alu Lounger of 1958 but with the addition of three 2-inch separate cushions to the back rest and one larger seat padding. The chair was considered a luxury option, released primarily in only black leather and marketed as management, lounge and executive chairs.

The Eames Soft Pad Chair was initially released on the Universal (or Cruciform) base and in four variations; fixed position with arms (EA215) and without (EA213) as well as swivel with arms (EA216) and without (EA214). The whole Soft Pad series was released in every variation of that of the original 'ribbed' Alu Group chairs including the lounger, recliner, desk chair and ottoman. The product codes too mirrored that of the original Alu Group but with an extra starting digit.

Into the 1970's and the Soft Pad chairs were given more upholstery options including leather in Orange, Tan and Sierra as well as hopsack fabric editions. In 1973 the design of the Lounger was tweaked. It was actually shrunk in height by an inch but extended in depth by 2 inches, providing an even better sitting position and level of comfort for the user.

Further changes to the series would take place in 1985 when the 4 star base was changed to that with 5 legs. This stage also saw the four variants of the Soft Pad Lounger reduced to just one, coded EA433, with full swivel and arms. Since 2011, Herman Miller reverted the lounge Soft Pad back to the four star base that ended in 1985 and re-introduced the original code, EA422.

Designed and developed in 1968 and released in 1969, the Soft Pad Lounger has been in continuous production ever since. 

• All Eames Soft Pad Loungers carried either an original label or stamp, always the first and best place to check for authenticity. The very early versions of the chairs had patent stamps in the frame of the underside of the chair. Into the 80's and these were replaced with adhesive labels until cloth tags replaced them into the 2000's.
• The Soft Pads have been copied by reproduction makers over the last couple of decades but are never of the overall quality and can never replicate true ageing of vintage versions. Reproduction makers rarely create versions intended to 'pass off' as those of the original but are merely cheaper and inferior pieces designed to have the appearance of the original.
• In the absence of identifiers such as labels or stamps there are other things to check for. First check that the frame is brushed Aluminum and not cheaper chrome favored by repro makers. Check that the foam is not hard and fills the pads equally and with true comfort.  Without the need for in depth upholstery knowledge, check the stitching of the seat pads for interlocking stitches, repros tend to use quick flat-line patterns.

• Unlike the ribbed Alu group series, Leather was available right from the start of the production. This means that value and desirability follow a logical path with oldest being best and value being largely determined by rarity and of course, condition. Black leather 1st generation Soft Pad loungers have a very high secondary market value. 
• Condition is everything and it is important to check the upholstery for tears, severe sagging and or peeling and folds. The good news is that, unlike the ribbed versions of the Alu Group, re-upholstery of the padding sections is actually possible due to them being external to the mounted section across the frame.
• Originality however is also key and those that have led a less troubled life and still have their first fabric or leather covers will always be more desirable and ultimately value too.
• Check for tarnish on the base, and check that swivel versions move freely and without noise.