Soft Pad Lounge Ottoman Stool

Released as part of the Soft Pad additions to the Alu Group chairs in 1969, the Eames Soft Pad Ottoman was generally intended to be paired with the Soft Pad Lounger or Soft Pad Recliner but was made available separately.

All the Soft Pad Series were initially released in only Black Leather and sat upon the 4 star Universal base. Into the 1970's and the number of leather colors was increased as well as fabric upholstery options introduced.

Whereas the chairs of the Soft Pad series had a base change in 1985 to the 5 star Universal type, the Eames Soft Pad Ottoman remained the same as the additional 5 leg would have served no purpose for an item so small. It has therefore remained consistent and has been in continuous production since it was introduced in 1969.

The Ottoman appears in vintage adverts, catalogs and brochures always as part of a set with the recliner and sometimes the lounge chair of the Soft Pad series. It was however available to buy as a separate option and so we assume it was to give the consumer choice, based on whether they had need, space or budget for all or part of a set. It could also be deployed as a dresser stool, stool or side chair in theory.

The construction of the Eames Soft Pad Ottoman was exactly the same as the ribbed Alu Group Ottoman with literally the extra cushion added and sewn onto the piece. The Soft Pad Cushion filled the entire square of the Original Eames Soft Pad Ottoman and the result was a nice addition to a reclining set and lounge chair.

• The Soft Pad Ottoman will have either a label or stamp to help with the identification of the authenticity of the piece. Early versions from 1969 and well into the 1980's contained a metal impression stamped into the frame on the underside of the stool. Following this the usual adhesive labels were utilized until more recently when cloth labels have been used.
• Ottomans of this type are not commonly copied by reproduction makers but they still have been to a degree and are usually found alongside copies of recliners and lounge chairs. Copies are generally made from chrome and not brushed aluminum and the padding tends to have a squarer finish to the cushion parts. Generally, the copies do not match in terms of dimensions, quality of materials or details such as the back rest and heights, including those of the stools and ottomans.
• In the absence of a label or stamp to tell, it is always worth looking over the chair the Ottoman may be supplied with to give further clues. Look closely at the stitching on the Soft Pad cushions, on both Ottoman and chair as it should be interlocking and not straight through. The bases should also show tarnish that appears natural with the age of the chair, especially if it looks 'too new'. New release authentic versions will have cloth labels.

• The Soft Pad series were released initially in black leather only and these first edition early versions do have the highest desirability and overall value. Even with later upholstery fabrics and options, those with leather will always command the highest yield in the secondary market and especially if complete with original factory labels.
• All fabrics should be checked for holes, cuts, tears, creasing and sagging. Soft Pad cushions had a habit of sagging over the years when the foam of the cushion inside broke down and the top fabric stretched. These can all impact the overall value of the piece but Soft Pad chairs can be repaired and cushions refilled with new foam. Even leather specialists can bring life back to faded or crackled leather.
• Originality is the other most important factor when determining value. Those in fantastic condition, which have never had the need for repair or recover will always be the most treasured and thus the most valuable to buy.
• Soft Pad Ottomans will always command a higher value if part of a set with a Recliner or Lounge chair. A full set will be much more desirable as Ottoman stools on their own have limited use and wouldn't attract a high interest.