If you have ever been in the market for an ergonomic chair, you have likely come across chairs by the brand Herman Miller. When compared to chairs from other manufacturers and brands, Herman Miller chairs are expensive. So why are they expensive and is it worth it?
This article will cover the answers to those questions in depth so that you can make an educated buying decision whether you purchase a Herman Miller or opt to choose a more affordable brand.
Also check out this video to learn about the similarities and differences between 7 different Herman Miller chairs.
Reasons for the High Cost of Herman Miller
Herman Miller is a brand known for its innovative designs and progressive ergonomics. There are tons of benefits to buying a Herman Miller chair over a less expensive option. Herman Miller chairs are designed to provide the user with good posture and to prevent back pain and other aches and pains throughout the body.
Sitting can be detrimental to your health, but a Herman Miller chair can lessen the damage of sitting on your overall health. Not only can good posture help you avoid unnecessary and distracting aches and pains, but those pains may even compromise your productivity. Poor posture also compresses your internal organs.
Herman Miller does their own research in order to promote productivity, good posture, and reduced health risks. People do not only use their chairs for work though. Gamers like their chairs for prolonged sitting and they can be used for anything that requires sitting.
Herman Miller always uses the best materials and craftsmanship in their products. They stand by their chairs and each one comes with a 12 year warranty. They also offer the ability to customize your own chair to suit your own body and needs. You can choose the features and materials that you care about.
They also have fantastic reviews and reputation to back up their high price tag. Even pre owned Herman Miller chairs are often expensive and that is because they were designed with the user in mind and made with materials that will last.
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Is Herman Miller Aeron Worth It?
The Herman Miller Aeron is one of the most, if not the most, popular chairs by the brand. The Aeron chair was co-designed with Don Chadwick and is known for its adjustability. It uses an innovative Pellicle fabric in order to eliminate pressure points that can restrict circulation.
The chair is supportive and ergonomically designed and can fit virtually any body type due to its customizability. It also has great lumbar support and it does not have foam and fabric which prevents heat and humidity around the body. This can provide more comfort by maintaining your body temperature as you sit.
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However, there are some downsides to be aware of. First, the chair is certainly expensive. It also takes time to adjust the chair to your liking so it may not be great if you share the chair with another person. One of the major downsides is that there is no adjustment for the depth of the seat. It does not have back height adjustability either.
So is it worth it? That depends on your reasons for looking for an ergonomic chair and how often you will be sitting. If you only sit down occasionally, then it may not be worth the high price tag. If you sit for hours every day, then you will likely benefit enough for the high price to be worth it. The benefits are even greater if you already suffer from back pain.
Why is the Aeron Chair so Expensive?
In addition to the benefits listed above for the reasons why the Aeron chair is so expensive, there are other things to consider. First, it takes a lot of money to design a chair the way that this one is designed. Not only is it stylish, but the ergonomics take tons of research and testing to develop.
You should also consider that due to the reputation and high price tag, the Aeron has become a status symbol. The Aeron was even added to the New York Museum of Modern Art in 2010. It has an award winning design that is guaranteed to fit your style.
The Aeron also comes in three different sizes so it can fit even people that are larger or smaller than average. It comes in a mineral color that is sure to attract attention. The tilt mechanism is designed with the natural curve of the human spine in mind.
There are also some optional features that you may want to consider. One is the tilt limiter that prevents you from leaning back too far. You can also choose to have fully adjustable arms. You can also add leather arm pads for comfort and style. Finally, you can opt for 2.5 inch casters suited for either hard floor or carpet.
Is the Herman Miller Embody worth it?
The Embody chair is more expensive than the Aeron, so is it worth the upgrade price? The backrest is upgraded and moves with the contours and subtle motions of the back as you sit. This is done with a single arm with branches or ribs that come out towards the edge of the backrest.
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The upholstery, called Balance, has 3 layers of a fabric that allows the air in to cool you off. You also have the option of choosing one of two other materials for the upholstery. The backrest is not as high as it is on other ergonomic chairs options which is one of the only negative features of this chair.
The ergonomics are phenomenal and can alleviate pain in the back by promoting good posture. The seat has a height adjustment and a depth adjustment which stands out from the Aeron. The chair is also wide to give you a good range of mobility.
The lumbar support is also adjustable as far as the tension goes. However, you cannot adjust the lumbar support height. You can get a frame in graphite, titanium, or polished aluminum that can hold up to 300 pounds.
Even though this chair does have some additional features and may be a good option for some people, for most people it does not seem like the higher price tag is typically worth it. The Aeron offers good ergonomics and style for a lower price point. If you do test out both chairs and find that the depth adjustability and the lumbar support on this chair fits you better, then by all means you should go with the Embody chair.
How Long Do Herman Miller Chairs Last?
One of the best features of Herman Miller chairs is their durability. So durable, in fact, that they all come with a 12 year warranty. This makes them a good investment regardless, but many users find that they can last much longer than that.
If you take good care of your Herman Miller chair, you can expect it to last a minimum of 15 years and that would still be on the lower end. On the upper end they can last a quarter of a century or more. They are well built, durable, stylish, and long-lasting chairs that are more of an investment than just a usable purchase.
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How can I tell if my Herman Miller chair is real?
The easiest way to verify if your chair is the real deal is to check underneath the seat. There should be a label with the Herman Miller logo on it as well as a model number and possibly even the vendor that initially sold the chair. Some may even have a serial number. All of this may be used for the warranty as well.
Herman Miller may even offer a certificate of authenticity for all of their popular chair models. In addition, most chairs should also have additional paperwork such as an instruction manual and other things that most users will hold on to since it is such an expensive purchase.
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Do Herman Miller chairs go on sale?
Yes! Herman Miller occasionally offers percentage discounts and many of the retailers who carry their products often have sales. If the chair you want is not currently on sale, but you do not necessarily need to purchase it immediately it may be best to hold off.
You may also be able to find a pre owned Herman Miller chair that is still in good condition. You can find the manufacture date on the underside of the chair to ensure that it is not too old. You may also find them at an affordable price at an outlet store.
You do have to be careful to avoid any fake chairs. Sellers may throw some Herman Miller components onto another chair which would not have a warranty, durability, and maybe even not the adjustability and ergonomics that a real Herman Miller chair will always have.
One important thing is that you should always try out a Herman Miller product before you purchase it. They are expensive and you want to be sure that it will be comfortable for you. This is also the best way to determine which Herman Miller chair you want to buy out of their fantastic lineup. You can also choose the size of the chair that fits your body type.
Final Thoughts on Herman Miller Chairs?
Herman Miller chairs are expensive, but they can be worth it if you sit a lot. They can help to reduce back pain and even wrist, shoulder, and neck pain as well. Not only that, but they can be a great addition to a standing desk so that you can get the health benefits of standing and reduce the health benefits that come with sitting.
