Engineered with high precision, Herman Miller chairs have earned an enviable reputation in the industry. Renowned for their comfort and style, the American chair maker has enlisted the services of biomechanics, physicians and all manner of designers to create their range of defining ergonomic office chairs.
The dynamic support provided by Herman Miller chairs has been linked to improved posture, the ability to think more freely and an enduring comfort that lasts over extended periods of use. Ultimately, Herman Miller have made office chairs ergonomic yet stylish, and that’s not easy.
What is the best Herman Miller chair?
Asking which Herman Miller chair is the best is like asking which Ferrari or Rolex is the best. There will be people out there who claim there is a certain car or watch that beats the rest, but most would agree that it’s a matter of preference.
Plenty of Herman Miller chairs are available to choose from. For some, the minimal styling of the Sayl Chair makes it a clear favourite. For others, the flexibility and intelligent pressure distribution of the Embody make it the superior chair. Of course, more than a few traditionalists maintain that there will never be anything that compares to the Aeron, a truly iconic office chair.
To get a better idea of the best fit for you, take a look at the features of the following Herman Miller chairs.
Herman Miller Aeron Chair
An undisputed legend in cool office design, the Herman Miller Aeron chair has become synonymous with workplace sophistication.
Bloomberg reported the Aeron as “America’s best-selling chair” in 2010. It began life in 1994 as a chair designed to ease the common aches and strains that seniors experience. Interviewing a large sample of retirees, Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick, the chair’s designers, were told that the ideal chair would be easy to get in and out of, friendly to joints and maintain a cool temperature.
Combining these demands, the two designers created a chair that featured a breathable woven suspension frame, adjustable armrests and a well-engineered tilt mechanism. Their revolutionary concept led to an office chair that provided the user with greater freedom and support. It wasn’t just about producing a cutting-edge piece of furniture; it was about creating a chair that was good for you, too.
But it turns out that it isn’t just older people who enjoy sitting comfortably.
It wasn’t long before the Aeron became a status symbol. The chair came to define the landscape of the dot-com startup. It wasn’t just the corporate world that got wrapped up in the hype, but the outside world, too. The chair became so firmly entrenched in the popular culture of the nineties that it made cameos in Will and Grace, The Simpsons and Frasier - quite an accomplishment for a piece of office furniture.
In 2016, the Aeron was remastered for the modern age. Driven by the same ambitious demands that inspired the original, the updated version of the classic chair embodies twenty years of feedback and an even more informed understanding of the body.
In particular, it features:
An 8Z Pellicle membrane with eight variable pressure support zones for better comfort and breathability
A renewed PostureFit SL to enhance lumbar support
Deeper armrest configuration capabilities
The team ultimately reengineered the chair to provide better health benefits, a more impressive performance and greater longevity.
Herman Miller Sayl Chair
Styled in collaboration with Yves Behar, the Herman Miller Sayl chair offers all the good looks and ergonomics of a classic Herman Miller office chair at a more affordable price.
Inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge and named after its resemblance to a mainsail, Yves made the unusual decision to provide a suspension tower to support the user. The tower meant that flexible elastomer suspension material could create tension at the points requiring the greatest support. Conveniently, the areas with the least amount of tension are where the user should be moving more freely.
Delivering a more passive version of Herman Miller’s patented PostureFit support, the Sayl chair allows the user’s spine to assume and maintain its natural ‘S’ shape to improve posture and reduce fatigue.
The Sayl chair's design requires fewer materials to build. This results in a more minimal look while being kinder to the environment, which aligns perfectly with the aesthetics and values of contemporary workplaces.
The Sayl chair's stripped-back styling means that it isn’t designed for heavy daily use like other models in the Herman Miller range. Ultimately, this chair is more suited to casual use and is a better fit for boardrooms than offices. However, the optional lumbar support makes the Sayl far more enjoyable to sit in for extended periods.
Available in a range of colours, the suspension back can be customised to complement the surroundings of the workspace it’s being introduced to. Once delivered, a great deal of tuning can be carried out to ensure that it offers the most comfort to the user, including seat height, seat depth and tilt tension.
Remaining hugely popular ever since it won the category for ‘Best Workplace Seating’ at the FX International Interior Design Awards in 2011, the Sayl chair owes its enduring success to its incredible comfort and outstanding good looks.
Herman Miller Embody Chair
From corporate clients to vloggers, the Embody has received testimonials across the board to support its claim to be the best office chair ever made. Designers Jeff Weber and Bill Stumpf made it their mission to ensure that form didn’t just follow function. They wanted a creation that shows the technical structure behind the scenes and then highlights them as an integral part of the chair’s form.
The BackFit system, resembling the spine of the chair, transforms this often overlooked office addition into a living, breathing part of the workforce with its flowing structure encouraging seated movement. Customisable features such as the frame finish, base finish and a good choice of upholstery colours ensure that Embody fits seamlessly into the office environment.
The ergonomic design is purposeful and strong, offering outstanding comfort. This natural connection of great design and ergonomic features has seemed elusive to many of Herman Miller’s competitors. Creating a synergy between mind and body whilst supporting productivity has once again been mastered with the creation of the Embody chair.
Herman Miller Mirra Chair
With the clue in the name, the Mirra Chair set out to mirror the user’s movements with its unique materials, design and function. With over 1.5 million chairs sold, this innovative design was and continues to be a leader in a tough, competitive market.
For this new generation of the Mirra chair, the designers gave particular thought to the materials used and their sustainability. Retaining its agility and individualisation was paramount, and the Mirra 2 takes responsible design to a new level thanks to full-scale testing.
How much is a Herman Miller chair?
Just like the supercars that inspired their design, the cost of a Herman Miller chair depends on the base model and the optional extras added. Adding features such as premium upholstery, roll-soft castors and mineral frames will all determine the cost.
Where are Herman Miller chairs made?
Committed to U.S. manufacturing, a lot of Herman Miller chairs are made in America. Specifically, they’re built in a factory in Zeeland, Michigan, where the business started back in 1905. While the manufacturer also has production sites in Europe and Asia, its commitment to ‘American-made’ products has earned Herman Miller a place in the respected ‘Made in USA Hall of Fame’.
Are Herman Miller chairs comfortable?
Yes, they are incredibly comfortable. With science and ergonomics at the heart of every design, the Herman Miller brand has become synonymous with office chairs that deliver outstanding comfort while also looking fantastic.
Which Herman Miller chair should I choose?
Which Herman Miller chair is best for you depends on your personal taste and requirements. With its design heritage, the Aeron sets a certain air of sophistication that is hard to match. However, the Embody appeals to those looking for a good all-round solution, particularly in an office situation. For agile and modern office spaces, the Mirra 2 or Sayl chairs prove a great choice, with their variety of colours and keen price point.
If you need a hand to decide which ergonomic chair is the best for you, let us help. Our expert team is here to assist you, using their years of office furniture experience to help you make the best decision for you or your staff. Call us on 01603 722483 to speak to our team, or email us at info@officefurniturescene.co.uk.
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