sseamom

I worked at a start up years ago that had the Aeron chairs for everyone (probably one reason it went belly-up). They were the most comfortable thing I have ever sat on anywhere-it was like sitting on air. When they went out of business the stuff was all auctioned off but even so I wasn't able to afford one. I have nothing like $1K in my budget to just sit around at home, but if I did, I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

Silpat

At work or at home, what desk chair do you prefer? Is a no-name <$200 chair from a big box store good enough, do you prefer the Aeron from Herman Miller (<$1K) or even something really high end such as the Eames Executive Chair ($3K+)?

We've always bought no-name chairs from the big box office stores or Amazon and usually they've been labeled "Made in Taiwan." Dh & I need to replace our current chairs, but I'm having trouble hitting "buy now" on the Aeron even though it looks as if it would suit us both well.

I'd prefer to buy chairs made in the U.S., so I checked out some Hon models but they looked so frumpy that I keep going back to the Aeron. There aren't any local retailers for the Aeron, so I can't try before I buy. I wish Costco sold them so that I could at least haul it back to return if it doesn't work out.

Any suggestions?

nj2011mom

We have all the fancy ergo chairs at work and all make my hips hurt. I'm currently sitting on my hard wood side chair with no hip pain. My office manager thinks I'm nuts, but I'm not complaining anymore.

fendergirl

we have the nice herman miller chairs at my work. They are really nice at keeping you ergonomically correct. That being said, I've seen quite a few people switch to a normal desk chair because they just weren't comfortable in them.

There is a staples line similar to the herman miller line for less money. They occasionally send out coupons in e-mail.

MomofWildChild

I use a kneeling chair. It does have a back so you can take a break and sit back.

Sop14's Mom

nj2011mom, I have the same issue. Clearly "ergonomic" = designed by men for men.

Lergnom

I think the best chair has 2 basic qualities:

1. It is the right height. This is the most important factor: many chairs are too low or too high for your work surface. That means you extend your arms up or down unnaturally, which stresses your back, shoulders and neck. Find a surface and chair that match and measure. Dining room or kitchen tables are often correct because they're made to go together.

2. Get a chair that isn't super comfortable. It is far better for you to move around often than to sit. I use a wood chair because my butt falls asleep if I stay in one place too long.

As an additional factor, I don't like chairs that recline when you lean back. This forces you to lean forward to remain in your work position and that stresses your back, shoulders and neck. You should be able to move around on your chair without it shifting. For the same reason, I prefer a chair that locks in place.

emeraldkity4

this is my desk chair, i got it to match my roll top desk. they have to be furniture, not just my office cause they are in the front room. I have to say i agree with the above observations about what makes a good chair.
Solid Oak English Office Arm Desk Chair Antique Harvest

notrichenough

Herman Miller has a sale twice a year that gets you 15% off. If you have Amazon Prime you can get free shipping. That brings the price of the top Aeron down to around $700-ish.

And they come in sizes. I have a "C", it is the best chair ever.

They also come with a 12 year warranty, I would probably go through 2 or 3 other chairs in that time.

The Aeron is expensive. But it is totally worth it.

emeraldkity4

They also come with a 12 year warranty, I would probably go through 2 or 3 other chairs in that time.

You go through a chair every few years? Ive had mine for 25yrs. What do you do to them?

overseas

emerald, your chair looks like what I am sitting on right now: solid wood. But it doesn't have rollers. It is just maple. I need a desk chair hence I am watching what you all write.

notrichenough

I sit in them.

I weigh over 200 pounds. The cheap chairs (< $150) from Staples et. al. are not built for that load. Either the piston wears out or a part breaks.

I use them a lot, too. 3-4 hours a day or more.

I debated stepping up to the next price range, but I had an Aeron at work and loved it. So I waited for the sale and bit the bullet.

jg0339

I'm sitting comfy in my Steelcase Sensor (model 4581233). I can't remember when we bought it; I do know it was ages ago. My model dates from 1999. Cushioned seat, plastic arm rests. Swivel seat with 5 legs on casters. I saw some used online for around $ 60. I don't know what they cost new. So comfortable!

archiemom

Try Sit4Less for chair options and pricing. But you really need to actually sit in the chair to know which will work for you. When we specify chairs for commercial projects, we always send samples of a bunch of alternatives for the staff to try. On that Sit4Less page, I have specified the Aeron (not so much) but also the Life, Leap (most popular), Think (TD Bank is standardized on this chair), Liberty (a local community college uses this one for all faculty), Amia, Uno (popular in call centers), Criterion. See if you can find a local commercial furniture dealer and try out a few even if you buy on the web. Commercial dealers will also often have overstock from orders that are never delivered.

DeskPotato

My office held a "chair clinic" where everyone was able to go sit in a variety of ergonomic chairs and select the model that they liked best. I know we tried Aeron chairs and a few others. I chose a Bodybilt chair. Turns out I already had a Bodybilt. But that was o.k.; I was allowed to take that one home for use during work-at-home days. It is a very comfortable chair! I had no idea (until just now, when I googled it) that this type of chair can run $1K or more. Now I feel lucky to have two of them.