Which Herman Miller Chair Should You Buy?

TL;DR

To choose the best Herman Miller chair, consider the Aeron for its superior build and comfort, the Mirra 2 for better adjustability and value, and the Embody for its unique support system and flexibility. The Lino is average and lacks advanced features, while the Sayl offers a stylish yet supportive option. The Chassis has great design but may be uncomfortable for longer use due to its arm design.

Transcript

i've been sitting in hermann miller chairs for years i love their high-end design and the way they feel really solid and well-built i also love all of the unique technology they use like the 8z pellicle mesh on the aeron and the pixelated support system on the embody it is really hard to beat the overall quality and the 12-year guarantee a herman m... Read More

Key Insights

• 👍 The Aeron chair from Herman Miller offers top-notch build quality, a modern design, and a smooth recline function. The fully adjustable arm package and posture fit SL lumbar support are highly recommended upgrades.
• 🤔 The Aeron chair's seat design with hard edges and bucket-like side bolsters may not be comfortable for those who like to move around and stretch frequently. The mesh seat is also firmer than desired.
• 😮 The Mira 2 chair provides many advantages over the Aeron at a lower price, including width adjustment for the arms, two-way adjustable lumbar support, and a flex front seat depth adjustment. It offers a high level of recline and breathability.
• 👌 The Embody chair has a unique pixelated support system, a comfortable seat without hard edges, and a flexible backrest. However, the armrests may be considered clunky, and the lack of an adjustable lumbar system is a downside.
• 😕 The Lino chair offers average comfort and decent adjustability but lacks advanced technologies and a unique design expected from Herman Miller. The mesh quality is lower, and the hard frame can be uncomfortable.
• 🤔 The Sayl chair has a flexible and supportive backrest resembling the Golden Gate Bridge. The rubber-like material is comfortable, but the shorter back height may be an issue for taller individuals. The armrests are comfortable with good adjustment ranges.
• 😎 The Chassis chair has a great design and the autoharmonic tilt recline feature. However, the leaf arms may rub against the skin uncomfortably, and the seat may not provide enough leg support for taller individuals.
• 👍 If unimpressed with Herman Miller's lineup but still looking for a high-end chair, consider checking out Steelcase.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the pros and cons of the Aeron chair compared to other Herman Miller chairs?

The Aeron chair is highly regarded for its top-notch build quality, smooth recline function, and comfortable arm pads. However, some downsides include an uncomfortable seat design with bucket-like side bolsters, a rigid backrest frame that restricts movement, and a lack of seat depth adjustment.

Q: How does the Mirra 2 chair differ from the Aeron chair?

The Mirra 2 chair offers similar functionality to the Aeron at a lower price. It includes adjustable lumbar support and a flex front seat depth adjustment, along with a high level of recline. However, the chair's hard plastic backrest may be less comfortable compared to the Aeron's mesh, and the arm width dimensions might not suit everyone.

Q: What makes the Embody chair unique compared to other Herman Miller chairs?

The Embody chair stands out with its pixelated support system, which provides a softer feel, a flexible seat, and an incredibly flexible backrest. Its seat has no hard edges and allows for movement, but some may find the individual nodes slightly noticeable. Adjustable lumbar support is absent, and the arm design is clunky.

Q: How does the Lino chair compare to other Herman Miller chairs?

The Lino chair offers good overall build quality and adjustability, but it lacks the advanced technologies and unique design found in other Herman Miller chairs. The seat may be too firm for some, and the lower-quality mesh and hard frame pose comfort issues. These factors make the Lino chair less compelling considering its price.

Q: What are the highlights and drawbacks of the Sayl chair?

The Sayl chair stands out with its unique backrest design inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge, offering flexibility and support. The seat is comfortable and has a seat slider for customization. However, the chair's shorter back height may pose issues for taller individuals, and the arms, while adjustable, have a specific forward sloping shape that may not be preferred by everyone.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Aeron chair is praised for its build quality, smooth recline function, and comfortable arm pads, but the seat design and rigidity of the frame can be uncomfortable.

• The Mirra 2 offers similar functionality to the Aeron at a lower price, with adjustable lumbar support and a flex front seat depth adjustment, but has a slightly less comfortable seat and clunky arm design.

• The Embody chair stands out with its unique pixelated support system, providing a softer feel, flexible seat, and an incredibly flexible backrest, but lacks adjustable lumbar support and has clunky arms.

• The Lino chair offers average comfort and adjustability but lacks advanced technologies or a unique design, making it less impressive compared to other Herman Miller chairs.

• The Sayl chair features a flexible and supportive backrest designed like the Golden Gate Bridge, a comfortable seat, and adjustable arms, but may have limitations in back height for taller individuals.