The Herman Miller Aeron is easily one of the most well-known office chairs ever made. There’s science and style to support the $700+ price tag new, but it’s hard to justify that price when someone else isn’t footing the bill. Instead of picking up a used Aeron, check out some of our favorite office chair alternatives that will, stylishly, fit just about any budget. ITALMODERN Bungie Office Chair At first, the idea of sitting on a chair made of the same things you use to secure things to the roof of your truck might seem ridiculous. It can’t possibly be comfortable. The bungees are definitely going to stretch. The ergonomics are terrible. The only problem with this ridiculously comfortable chair is that everyone that visits HAS to sit in the chair made of bungee cords. IKEA Markus Office Chair Don’t let the fact that this is made by IKEA immediately dissuade you from purchasing it because the construction is nothing like their fiberboard furniture. Markus is a high back chair with a padded seat, headrest and armrests that also has a mesh back for breathability.
It won’t win any Red Dot Design Awards, but it’s a great professional looking chair that also comes with a 10-year Limited Warranty. AIS Element 9600 Executive Office Chair Affordable Interior Systems (AIS) has been in the office furniture game for almost three decades, so it’s safe to say they know what it takes to make a great chair. The Element Executive Chair has a mesh back and a mesh over foam cushioned seat for maximum comfort and support. It also comes in multiple sizes and styles in case you’re looking for something a little different. WorkPro Commercial Mesh Back Executive Office Chair With a three-part, split-back design, this WorkPro office chair is probably the most alien looking of the lot, but those aspects give it a huge amount of adjustability. Adjust the back sections to perfectly fit you. Slide the seat forwards or backwards based on your mood. There’s even a large handle on the back in case you need to move it over carpet… or with someone in it.
Modern in Designs Reproduction Eames Office Chair When it comes to Mid-Century Modern chairs Eames is the name of the game, and their cost reflects that. This reproduction from Modern In Designs replicates the iconic ribbed styling of the chair originally designed in the 50’s, but does it at a fraction of the cost. Since each chair is hand crafted with a stainless steel frame and premium Italian leather, you’re not sacrificing much in terms of quality. RFM Seating Rainier High Back Chair The Rainier Office Chair from RFM Seating puts more than 35 years of experience in seating manufacturing to very good use. You get the standards like multiple back options, multi-function control, extra lumbar support and a ratchet back, but the Rainier also gives you 35 fabric options, multiple control options and close to ten different arm options. In other words, you can customize it to fit an of office of one to an office of one thousand. Alera Elusion Series Mesh High-Back Chair
We’re convinced the Alera Elusion chair was designed by someone who studied Henry Ford. The chair does its job as a chair, but nothing more. The aesthetics are great, but they’re not revolutionary. The cost is something everyone can afford. Oh yeah, and you can have it in whatever color you want… as long as it’s black. Merax Ergonomic Racing Style Napping Office Chair If we’re being completely honest, this Merax chair looks like a Recaro racing seat with armrests and casters, which we’re totally in to. In addition to the unconventional styling you also get: easy to clean and maintain PU leather and mesh fabric construction, adjustable armrests, 360 degree swivel rotation, a full headrest and a recline function. The recline function is where the “napping” part comes in because the chair gets almost fully horizontal for that afternoon “meeting” post business lunch. A number of studies have shown that sitting at your desk all day is not good for your overall health, but there’s been little proof that sitting for long hours leads to back pain.
Still, some studies do show that sitting puts pressure on the disks supporting your spine, which may make you prone to injury. “One of the negative effects of sitting is that it puts the spine in a flexed position (bent forward) and this may cause your back muscles to stop working efficiently, putting your back at risk of injury,” said Donald R. Murphy, clinical assistant professor at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Providence, R.I. Also, many people, at least anecdotally, complain that sitting makes their backs start to ache, and if you already suffer from back pain, sitting may make it worse. But there are definitely steps you can take to protect your back-- and some bad habits that can make it worse.Ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the human body and its movements. In other words, people have studied what shape and height your chair should be and what positions of your back, feet and arms are the most natural and cause the least strain on your body.
Ergonomics can get excruciatingly detailed, but here are the key points: 1. Make sure your lower back (lumbar spine) is curved naturally forward (as opposed to slumped outwards). This is so important because it reduces the strain on your back. Many ergonomically-designed chairs have a “lumbar support” built into them that is designed to maintain the curve. If yours doesn’t, you can buy a lumbar support pillow to stick behind your back. If you can’t do that, it is best to sit forward in your chair so you can let your spine fall naturally into a forward curve. 2. Adjust your chair and desk heights. Your desk height should allow your forearms to rest comfortably at a 90-degree angle. Your wrists should not be higher than your elbows. The top of your computer screen should also be at or slightly below eye level. 3. Keep your feet flat on the floor and your back against the chair. Shoulders must be relaxed and be careful not to hunch them up.Get up and stretch every 30 to 60 minutes.
Sitting for long periods puts pressure on discs and can weaken your muscles supporting your back. “Walking around for a few seconds and doing a few standing back bends (provided this does not cause pain) is enough to offset the negative effects of sitting,” Murphy said. Stand up and place your hands on your lower back. Gently push your hips forward and slightly arch your back. This takes the pressure of the discs. If you have some privacy, get down on the floor and do the yoga position called “the cobra,” in which you lie on your stomach and press up with your arms leaving your hips on the floor. Studies have shown that doing the cobra 15 times per day can lessen the likelihood of future back pain, Murphy added. Take regular breaks and microbreaks. Just getting up out of your chair can help break the cycle of clenched muscles. “We recommend people take many microbreaks to relax their muscles, and reduce their stress,” says Erik Peper, professor at the Institute for Holistic Health Studies at San Francisco State University.