Are Herman Miller Chairs Worth It?: Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve been searching for ergonomic office chairs, you’ve likely come across the brand, Herman Miller. Among the corporate elite, having a Herman Miller chair can serve as a status symbol. However, these chairs come with quite an expensive price tag despite serving the same purpose as other chairs. Thus, you may be wondering, “are Herman Miller chairs worth it?”

The answer comes down to your wants and needs. For some people, these chairs may not be suitable, while they can be a perfect fit for others. In this article, we’ll cover the reasons you should buy a Herman Miller chair and reasons you shouldn’t. By the end, you’ll know whether it’s right for you. 

About Herman Miller Chairs

Herman Miller isn’t simply a fad that has come and gone. Since its inception in 1905, Herman Miller has continuously aimed to produce high-quality office furniture that improves the performance and health of its customers. Based in Zeeland, Michigan, the company has over 8,000 employees and has won many awards over the years. 

These awards and recognition applaud their excellence in categories such as product design, environmentally responsible, innovation, ergonomics, and more. Their most popular chairs are the Aeron and Embody chairs. However, they offer plenty of other seating options that differ in design and construction.  

Herman Miller has always upheld themselves with their purpose of improving other people’s lives through their products. Their designers, Jeff Weber and Bill Stumpf solve the issue of physical harmony between technology and people. Through their continuous research on ergonomics, Herman Miller always brings new innovations to the market by adding layers of intelligence that you can feel and see. 

They have strived to build office chairs that are incredibly high-quality, incorporate innovative technology and design and fit their criteria for sustainability. Unlike other manufacturers that use new materials or are wasteful, Herman Miller primarily uses recyclable materials. What separates the brand from others is its desire and commitment to excellence. 

Check out my guide on the Best Herman Miller Chairs

Reasons Why Herman Miller Chairs ARE Worth It

It’s undeniable that Herman Miller chairs are incredibly ergonomic and have an outstanding build quality, which garners the high-price tag. There are many reasons to choose Herman Miller, and we’ll why it may be worth paying a premium office chair instead of more affordable options. 

They Last a Long Time

The Herman Miller brand is synonymous with exceptional build quality. From the backrest and seat down to the casters, every element has been meticulously constructed using only high-grade materials and made in US components. In fact, they offer a 12-year warranty on their products, which is generally unheard of. That demonstrates their confidence in the build quality and construction of their chairs. 

Aluminum bases offer a great blend between durability and versatility. Herman Miller chairs use high-grade aluminum bases topped with a graphite finish to add a luxurious appeal. The aluminum material is very light in weight, making the chair very easy to carry or move around. Despite their lightweight, aluminum bases can withstand large amounts of weight. For other types of bases, such as polypropylene bases, plastic, or nylon bases, large weights would normally cause wear and tear on the office chair bases. 

Their chairs also utilize 2.5-inch casters that are designed to work for both carpet and hard floors. It features a soft-polyurethane tread to prevent scratching hard floors yet is strong enough to roll against carpet resistance. The dual-polyurethane casters can bear a greater load capacity compared to rubber casters. Not to mention it provides shock absorption and noise reduction. An office chair should be a long-term investment, and Herman Miller chairs are guaranteed to last at least 12 years. However, many people keep them for much longer. 

You Spend Long Hours in Your Chair

Most office workers spend more time sitting in an office chair than they spend sleeping. Thus, an office chair should be exceptionally comfortable while sitting. Most Herman Miller chairs use flexible material and technology that helps adapt and respond to your micromovements. 

For example, the Embody uses a dynamic matrix of pixels on its back and seat surfaces to conform to your body shape and movements. As you shift your body, the chair’s pixels will bend and flex to mimic your movement. Thus, you’re maintaining a healthy circulation at all times and eliminating pressure buildup. 

It’s hard to sit for long periods when you’re sweating, or your seat feels warm. That’s why Herman Miller chairs use a high-quality mesh or multi-layered fabric material to allow airflow to pass through. You’ll never have to worry about sweat sticking onto your chair or letting the seat heat up to the point of feeling uncomfortable. 

Having lumbar support is an essential aspect of long-term comfort. Without a lumbar support system, your back muscles will need to work harder to uphold an upright position. As a result, you’ll feel fatigued and more likely to sit with poor posture. The lumbar support should be height-adjustable to fit the curve of your spine and depth adjustable to let you set the right amount of firmness to the support. 

Another way to relax your muscles and relieve the pressure is to recline the backrest. Herman Miller chairs usually have three back angles, an upright, mid-recline, and full recline. Reclining backward also is an effective way to take breaks and let your body loose while you’re not working.

A Multitude of Adjustability Options

Everyone is unique in their body type; that’s why a chair should be adjustable to fit your exact build. Herman Miller offers chairs in multiple sizes suitable for people of all body types. For example, the Aeron comes in three sizes: Size A, Size B, and Size C. Size A is suitable for people between 4’10” tall to 5’9” tall and weighs between 90 to 150 pounds. For average-sized people between 5’2” to 6’6” tall and weighs between 130 to 325 pounds. If you need a heavy-duty chair, the Size C chair is designed for people between 5’3” to 6’6” tall and weighs between 180 to 350 pounds. 

Herman Miller chairs generally include a multitude of adjustability options, including seat height, seat depth, back recline, tilt-tension, armrest height, armrest width, armrest angle, and lumbar height and lumbar depth. 

Proper seat height and seat depth ensure good posture. Adjusting to the right seat height means you’re eye-level with the computer screen, and your feet are planted flat on the floor. Thus, you won’t have to hunch forward while working on your computer. The seat depth feature adjusts the seat pan forward or back. This ensures that the user always maintains proper back support while having their weight evenly distributed across the seat. 

Unlike most office chairs that can only adjust the tilt of the backrest backward, the Aeron has a forward tilt mechanism. Tilting the backrest slightly forward promotes better posture, reduces pressure on the lower back, and alleviates blood flow to the feet and legs. Since you’re sitting forward on your seat, you’re in a position where you’re more alert because your muscles are activated, and circulation isn’t being compromised. 

You Suffer From Aches and Pains

Whether you’re suffering from lower back pain, sciatica, hip pain, coccyx pain, arthritis, or any other aches or pains, Herman Miller chairs are health-focused and designed to reduce pain. In fact, the Embody received input from over 30 Ph.D. ‘s and physicians in physical therapy, ergonomics, vision, and biomechanics to ensure the chair is optimal for health and wellness. Pain from sitting on office chairs is often attributed to poor posture, pressure buildup, and lack of blood flow circulation. 

Depending on the chair you choose, there will be innovative features that help to increase blood circulation, eliminate pressure buildup and improve natural spinal alignment. The Aeron features their patented 8Z pellicle mesh fabric, an elastomeric suspension weave that stretches across the chair. On the edges, the mesh is tighter for greater durability, while the middle is more flexible, so you can comfortably lean and apply pressure. The suspension and flexibility of the mesh provide a soft, responsive feel, helping you relieve body aches and pain. Not to mention, the Aeron improves circulation by featuring a waterfall seat edge design to increase blood flow down to your legs.

Check our out guide on Mesh vs Fabric Office Chairs

Back pain is another common issue among office workers. The Embody is designed with a slimmer profile backrest with a curve that mimics the natural shape of the spine. Using the BackFit Dial feature, users can increase or decrease the curve in the thoracic part of the spine allowing users to customize their lower back and mid-back support. 

In contrast, the Aeron utilizes the PostureFit SL; two adjustable pads positioned to support the lumbar and sacrum. They are individually adjustable, where you can adjust the height and depth support. These features aim to reduce the stress placed on your lower back and help you keep an upright posture with little to no effort. 

Modern Design

Herman Miller chairs are distinctly unique from other office chairs. These designs are so interesting that they provide quite a futuristic and uber-contemporary feel to them. Thus, it instantly pairs well with a room that has other modern furniture and decor pieces. 

No matter which Herman Miller chair you look at, you’ll notice that the shape is quite different from others. To the naked eye, you might think that Herman Miller is simply designing chairs to make themselves stand out. However, these designs are more functional than you think. For example, the Embody uses a slim back profile to allow greater freedom of movement and curves to better align with your spine. 

Another very distinct chair design is the Herman Miller Sayl. It features an unframed 3D intelligent back, which was inspired by the Golden Gate bridge. The backrest has a dome shape giving you the freedom to stretch and move. Combined with the elastomer strands that vary in tension and thickness, users receive much more dynamic support compared to a traditional backrest. As you can see, Herman Miller combines modern design with ultra-efficiency and functionality to optimize human performance. 

Reasons Why Herman Miller Chairs Are NOT Worth It

As much as we want to hype up the benefits of Herman Miller, it certainly isn’t for everyone. For college students on a budget or for those looking to get the most bang-for-your-buck, there are alternatives you can choose that are comparable to Herman Miller chairs. Or perhaps, you’re not a fan of mesh upholstery and want something with more cushion and leather. Let’s dive into why these chairs may not be worth it. 

Very Expensive

The first you may notice when stumbling on the Herman Miller product page is their hefty price tag. While the price point is completely justified based on its build quality, adjustability options, and ergonomics, it’s not for everyone. Not everyone has the budget to spend on an expensive office chair. 

Generally, office chairs range between $100 to $1,500 depending on many factors. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can still find great alternative options for less money, likely between $350 to $800. If you do a little bit of internet detective work or read our blog, you’ll find plenty of less popular office chairs that give you great bang-for-your-buck. 

Other Chairs Offer Similar Features at a Lower Price

It’s impossible to find a near-replica of Herman Miller chairs because they are unique in design, build quality, and innovative technology. However, there are many office chairs that approximate some of the features that they have. 

First, you’ll want to look for office chairs with mesh or fabric upholstered materials. Chairs such as the Duramont office chair or NeueChair by Secretlab come to mind. Although the chairs won’t have the elastomeric suspension construction of the 8Z pellicle or the multi-layered fabric of the Embody, look for a fabric that is breathable and comfortable to sit on. 

Next, consider the adjustability options available. You’ll want to look for seat height, seat depth, back angle, tilt-angle, tilt-tension, lumbar height and depth, and armrest. 

Adjusting the back angle along with tilt-tension allows you to change positions smoothly and take some of the pressure off your back. Armrest adjustments enable users to comfortably rest their forearms and elbows while putting their arms in an optimal position for typing or writing. 

Every backrest needs lumbar back support because it fills the gap between the seat and your spine. Keeping the lower back support prevents the natural tendency to lean or slouch forward, thus causing back pain. 

Lastly, analyze the build quality of the chair. Make sure it’s not built from low-quality materials such as plastic. Look for steel or aluminum frames and bases since they can withstand the most amount of weight. Make sure the casters are either rubber or dual polyurethane to prevent damage on the floors. Once you know what to look for, you can easily find an alternative to Herman Miller chairs. However, keep in mind, you’ll still likely sacrifice something. It’s difficult to find a chair that has the complete package of an Aeron or Embody. 

You Want Leather Upholstery

Leather upholstery on office chairs often conveys some prestige and status in the corporate world. Besides visual appeal, they also provide excellent comfort, durability, and stain resistance.

One of the advantages of leather seats is their texture. They tend to have a very smooth, supple, and soft texture to them. Leather upholstery usually covers some form of paddings like memory foam or high-density foam. This padding helps to dissipate pressure and make sitting incredibly comfortable. On cold days, leather upholstery retains body heat well, allowing you to feel warm and cozy. 

Leather also tends to be incredibly durable when it comes to scratch and stain resistance. It’s easy to get food stuck into the little holes of mesh and fabric upholstered chairs. In addition, they tend to stain easier as well. With leather seating, you can simply wipe off food and water stains, making them easy to maintain their prestigious look. The scratch resistance of leather depends on its quality. Higher-grader leather, such as genuine leather or full-grain leather, is incredibly tough and won’t scratch or tear easily. Bonded leather or faux leather is more prone to scratches. 

It’s also important to consider the return on your investment when purchasing an office chair. Mesh and fabric materials fabric tends to last between seven to fifteen years. In contrast, real leather can last up to 25 years. Thus, the leather chairs may last you for decades, giving you more value for what you paid for.  

Why Are Herman Miller Chairs So Expensive?

There’s no one particular reason why Herman Miller chairs are expensive. In short, they’ve branded themselves as a premium brand that provides a unique experience greater than other office chairs do. This is similar to how high-end fashion brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Prada can charge an outrageous amount for the same product as other brands. 

Branding

Due to their incredible success and popularity, Herman Miller has become a household name. In fact, one of their slogans says it all, “inspiring designs to help people do great things.” Herman Miller is best known for its unique modern chair designs, excellent ergonomics, and sustainability efforts. They tend to attract customers who value optimizing their health, performance and enjoy modern interior design. Furthermore, Herman Miller has done plenty of charitable initiatives to give back to their communities, which further grows their brand. 

Best-In-Class Build Quality

All of the chairs are made from premium components in the US that are designed to last a very long time. The base and frame use strong aluminum materials to withstand a lot of weight. In addition, most of the upholstery used is either a flexible elastomeric mesh or a multi-layered polyester fabric. The mesh material stretches and conforms to your movement. The rigidity on the edges of the mesh helps to prevent potential tears or abrasions. 

To prove their build quality, Herman Miller shows proof of certification for passing various testing protocols. All of their chairs are tested for their ability to withstand wear and tear in actual use, such as strength, elongation, color transfer, seam slippage, and even fire retardancy.

Innovative Design

Herman Miller sets a new standard when it comes to innovation and modern design. Rather than conforming to typical norms of regular office chairs, each model brings a unique design. In fact, they are the true pioneers of their designs. Every chair features a highly skilled designer that offers unique ideas to improve human productivity. 

Many of the designs have a futuristic look that helps inspire others to think outside of the box. Furthermore, these designs offer functional aspects that support better human efficiency. 

For example, the Herman Miller Cosm uses a continuous flexible surface that removes the gap between the back and seat, thus providing dynamic spinal support. Or the Embody uses a curved spinal backrest instead of a flat backrest with lumbar support. This curved backrest mimics the human spine so that you’re supported in all areas of the spine, such as the cervical, thoracic and lumbar. Most chairs simply have a non-dynamic flat backrest that doesn’t adjust well to movement. 

Warranty

Herman Miller offers an exceptional 12-year warranty that includes both labor and parts. It’s their way of promising customers that they stand behind the quality of their chairs. The warranty covers everything, including caster, tilts, pneumatic cylinders, electrical components, and all moving mechanisms. Under warranty, it states that Herman Miller will replace or repair a part or product that failed due to a defect in material, workmanship, or under normal use. 

However, it’s important to keep in mind that Herman Miller won’t cover the warranty in certain situations. This includes damages that occurred due to mistreatment or misuse, negligence, or lack of care. In addition, they won’t replace anything that doesn’t affect the functionality of the chair, such as changes in surface finishes, stainings, and markings. 

Buying Experience

Honesty and transparency seem to be at the forefront of Herman Miller’s branding. As a consumer, you don’t want to feel like you’re being misled to buy something that you’ll later be disappointed with. 

The moment you land on Herman Miller’s website, you learn everything you need to know about their products and company. For example, they detail what every feature does and how it helps you in terms of performance or health. It’s easier for consumers to make a buying decision when they’re informed about why the product is worth buying. In addition, they offer a variety of ways to contact them via email, chat, or phone. On their website, you can also track your order, find answers to frequently asked questions, and much more. 

Lastly, Herman Miller offers a lot of customization with their chairs. For example, users can pick the finishing on their base, the size of the chair, and plenty of other add-ons. They don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, you can customize every little aspect of the chair, from the back support to the casters. 

Should You Buy a Herman Miller Chair?

Yes, unless the price is an issue or you prefer leather upholstered chairs, Herman Miller is arguably the best option in the market. They provide a wide range of products with exceptional ergonomics, lots of adjustability options, long-lasting comfort, and pain relief and help you perform better while working. On top of that, these chairs complement your office space and can serve as a centerpiece of a room because of their futuristic design. From a cost-benefit perspective, Herman Miller chairs will last you for over a decade. Although the price may seem high, you’re getting an even greater value in return. 

Sitting all day isn’t ideal for the human body, which is why Herman Miller chairs offer a unique design and technology to allow users greater flexibility of movement. Their chairs provide support for your entire spine as you move and help to promote a healthy posture. 

Conclusion

Herman Miller is the gold standard for office chairs, and many manufacturers aim to mimic their features. However, they always offer cutting-edge technology and design to support good posture and place less stress on the body. 

Unlike other brands that simply offer similar designs and features, Herman Miller truly puts in extensive research and testing to offer something different to the marketplace. As a result, they’ve become the leader in ergonomic office chairs. We hope you’ve gained clarity on whether Herman Miller is worth it for you and have helped you in your journey to finding your next office chair.