Refurbishment Service

The reupholstery and refurbishment programme for your Vitra Aluminium and Soft Pad Group Chairs

Vitra offers a comprehensive refurbishment service for Eames Aluminium Chairs and Eames Soft Pad Chairs at the Vitra factory. The chairs are completely dismantled, the aluminium and chrome parts are professionally polished and the upholstery is individually renewed according to your wishes. You can choose any colour and material from the available fabrics and leathers – it is also possible to convert an Aluminium Chair into a Soft Pad Chair (or vice versa). After the refurbishment service, the chairs shine like new. On request and after consultation, the patina of the aluminium parts can also be retained.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Refurbishment Service

Which chairs can be refurbished?

The refurbishment service covers the Eames Aluminium Chairs (e.g. EA 103, EA 104, EA 105, EA 106, EA 107, EA 108, EA 112, EA 116, EA 117, EA 119) and Eames Soft Pad Chairs (e.g. EA 207, EA 208, EA 217, EA 219), which are completely refurbished and reupholstered at the Vitra factory.
What does the refurbishment include?

The chairs are completely dismantled, the aluminium and chrome parts are professionally polished and the upholstery is individually renewed. Colour and material can be freely selected from the available fabrics and leathers. In addition, lubricants are renewed and wear parts such as glides are replaced.
Can I have an Aluminium Chair converted into a Soft Pad Chair?

Yes. Thanks to the identical frame construction, a conversion from Aluminium Chair to Soft Pad Chair – or vice versa – is possible.
Is there a warranty on refurbished chairs?

Yes. After the refurbishment service, chairs from the Aluminium and Soft Pad Group come with a 10-year warranty.
How long does the refurbishment take?

The refurbishment and reupholstery process typically takes around four weeks. Vitra coordinates the exact collection date with you individually, so that you are without your chairs for as short a time as possible and your chosen fabrics can be sewn in advance.
How much CO₂ do I save compared to buying new?

The saving depends on the target configuration and amounts to up to 75% in CO₂ equivalents compared to a new purchase.
Is there a minimum order quantity?

Yes, the minimum order quantity is five chairs.
Can the patina of the aluminium parts be preserved?

Yes. On request and by arrangement, the patina of the aluminium parts can be deliberately preserved rather than polished out.
Can Aluminium Chairs and Soft Pad Chairs also be refurbished on site, without being sent to the factory?

No, the refurbishment service with reupholstery is only possible at the Vitra factory. This is because the construction of the Aluminium Chair requires special tools, equipment and assembly expertise for reupholstery and cover changes that are available exclusively at the Vitra factory.

Your Aluminium Chairs and Soft Pad Chairs can be refurbished and reupholstered at the Vitra factory via Vitra Circle for Contract.

The chairs are fully disassembled for the refurbishment process: aluminium and chrome parts are polished, and the upholstery is renewed as desired. Fabric and material can be freely selected from the available range of fabrics and leathers – thanks to the identical frame construction, a conversion from Aluminium Chair to Soft Pad Chair (or vice versa) is also possible. After refurbishment, the chairs emerge looking as good as new. On request and by arrangement, the patina of the aluminium parts can also be preserved. The chairs then come with a 10-year warranty. 

Refurbishment and reupholstery typically take around four weeks. We coordinate the exact timing with you individually to minimise the time you are without your chairs.

The CO₂ savings compared to buying new depend on the target configuration. These can total to up to 75% in CO₂ equivalents compared to a new purchase.

The minimum order quantity is five chairs.