You spend hours at a time sitting at your desk, so you want to have the most comfortable chair you can get for your money. If you get aches and pains while you work, it might be time for an upgrade. This week we're checking out five office chairs that offer the best combination of value, comfort and ergonomics. The Aeron chair set a new standard for ergonomics and comfort when it was first released, making it one of the most famous office chairs in the world. It also set a new bar in terms of cost: new models having a starting retail price of $1200, although they can usually be found for less if you buy second-hand. The Aeron's design is so popular that companies around the world order them by the hundreds, and the chair even has a permanent instalment at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It was initially designed in 1994, so even though it still looks modern and comfortable, recent studies have pointed out that the Aeron may not be the best ergonomic choice over long sitting sessions.
But there's no doubt the Aeron is comfortable, adaptable, highly customisable and still has a huge fan base. The Embody is Herman Miller's next-generation office chair, and it was designed by one of the original designers of the Aeron. It takes a more modern approach and hones in on ergonomics and full back support. Any complaints about the Aeron's ergonomics were largely addressed in the Embody, which can be independently adjusted and moved separately from the base and arms. It's still a pricey model at over $1700, but it's easily one of the most comfortable chairs you'll ever sit in. The back conforms to your shape using what Herman Miller calls "Pixelated Mesh" and multiple points of flexibility all along the length of the chair back. Some people complain the Embody has subpar lumbar support and more complicated settings compared to the Aeron, but most will tell you it's the best chair they've ever owned. The Steelcase Leap earned praise for affordability, superior construction and customisability.
It's a bit more of a task chair than others, but the design makes sure your whole back is supported. Its design includes a special breathable foam padding that airs itself out through special slots that ensure you won't get too hot during long work sessions. Rather than conform to you, Steelcase designers give you individual control over everything from the arm height to the seat depth. They retail for around $1000, but they can be found for less, especially if you buy second-hand. I was lucky enough to sit in a Leap every day at my last job, and it's just as sturdy and customisable as the marketing promos say. The Raynor Ergohuman series was designed primarily for people who sit in their chairs for long periods of time. The design may not win any artsy awards, but its customisable components, add-ons and independent control over the seat height, arm height, headrest and rocker tension are impressive. It has breathable mesh and leather upholstery, a high back and comfortable headrest.
The Ergohuman also features a slightly wider seat pan than most chairs, and it's ideal for taller folks who want decent back support. Raynor just unveiled the Ergohuman v2, which offers a number of improvements in design, ergonomics and weight capacity. The v1 will run you around $900 at retail, while the v2 has a list price of around $1000. The $399 IKEA Markus is a high-backed chair that comes in a variety of colours and your choice of leather or padded fabric. The Markus lacks some of the features and customisability you'll find in the others, but it has been praised for being remarkably comfortable (I was thinking about getting one myself before I got my Embody). It's height adjustable with tilt and lock, but don't expect to independently adjust the armrest or change the seat depth. The curved design, mesh back and shallow seat pan enforces good posture, making it a great bang-for-your-buck office chair. This week's honourable mention goes to the simple exercise ball for its comfort (once you're used to it), flexibility, and the fact that it naturally enforces proper posture.
Plus, the fact that they're widely available for little cash (at least compared to the other five mentioned here) makes them an attractive option for home office workers on a budget. Also worth mentioning is the Herman Miller Mirra, one of the more affordable Herman Miller chairs that also has space-saving and comfort options. Have something to say about one of the contenders? Want to make the case for your personal favourite, even if it wasn't included in the list? Let us know in the comments below. When you want to fit a number of folks around a table, having an attractive, sturdy side chair with a small footprint is a must. Good for dining tables as well as around the house, there are many, many options, so I've compiled a list of those that I think are unique, more attractive or just plain smart. This one up top (The J77 on the right) is in my house as is the J104 chair on the left. Both are part of part of Hay's 2011 relaunch of the Danish furniture classics originally made for FDB, the Danish Consumers’ Co-operative Society.
"FDB’s furniture production started in the 1940s and their main idea was functionalist and democratic design for the people." Both are made of beech, come in four colors and ship from Finland in a heartbeat. (Image credit: Crate & Barrel) Cole Side Chair - $99.95 A fresh new version of the classic Thonet design (see below), the Cole has less bent wood and more straight lines. Solid beechwood and only in black. Vienna Side Chair - $109 From Crate & Barrel and made in the original Thonet factories in Eastern Europe, the Vienna hews to one of the classic shapes and adds a seat cushion or a little more comfort. Solid beechwood, lacquer finish (grey, white and black) and engineered wood seat. Era Side Chair - $239 The Era from DWR, also hails from the Czech Republic and sports another great Thonet design. Also made of beechwood but with a waterbased stain and varnish, the wood and construction must be of higher quality to warrant the 2.5x price. (Image credit: Blu Dot)
Real Good Chair - $149 From Blu Dot, the Real Good chair is not only small in scale it also packs flat and is super light. If you like modern and minimal this is a very good solution. "Powder-coated steel ships flat and folds along laser-cut lines to create a dynamic and comfortable chair. As skinny as a supermodel yet far more sturdy. Available in aqua, ivory and white with gray legs or four glossy tone-on tone colors: black, green, humble red or navy." Salt Chair - $109 From DWR and inspired by classic Shaker Designs, the Salt combines a simple shape and a simple price in FOUR colors. Yes, they also have red. Solid European beech wood; Reidar Chair by Ola Wihlborg - $49 I love this design from IKEA which is made entirely out of aluminum so that it can be used inside or outside. The seat is perforated for good drainage and good looks. It comes in three colors: yellow, black and white. Idolf Chair by Ola Wihlborg - $59 A Thonet inspired side chair, also by Ola Wihlborg and IKEA, this super affordable one packs flat for self assembly and is made out of beechwood and beech veneer with a clear acrylic lacquer.
(Image credit: Hive Modern) Prouve Standard Chair - $995 This is the licensed original made in Germany by Vitra, and it's a beauty. One day, I'd like to have a few of these around my table. Designed by Jean Prouvé in 1930, the chair now comes in many color combinations and is made of lacquered tubular and sheet steel. Seat and back in natural or dark oak. (Image credit: Industry West) Standard Chair - From $99 NOT a licensed original and made at a much lower quality level, this version of the Standard Chair is extremely affordable and comes in many color combinations. This is a good gateway drug on your way up to the real thing one day.... The Lucy Chair - $450 Small batch made by Bend in Los Angeles, I include this to show a completely different and fresh direction. Made of Hot-dip galvanized iron to prevent rust, with a powder coated finish, it comes in over eight colorways. Kyoto Chair - $150 This commercial quality chair from DWR (1999) is super slim and durable.