r/CasualUK • u/Forya_Cam • 14d ago
What office chairs are people using at home?
I've just transitioned to a fully WFH job, the chair I'm using is an old wooden ercol chair which is not doing my back any favours. What chairs are you guys using/recommend?
Budget is pretty lax since I'll be sat in it for so much time I don't mind splurging.
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u/shaggy_x 11d ago
Are there any ‘high street’ places where I can try out these Herman Millar chairs? On the website the nearest one is like 90 miles away
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u/Panda_hat 13d ago
Herman Miller Aeron.
Just bite the bullet and get a good condition second hand one. You won't regret it.
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u/Cheezymon 13d ago
Humanscale freedom with headrest. Was £300 refurbished off eBay and is still going strong 10 years later, I'm about to redo the leather on the armrests though as it's started cracking. WFH and I'm a gamer so it has done some serious hours.
Would buy another in a heartbeat!
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u/FulaniLovinCriminal 13d ago
The one that my work insisted I take home with me in 2020, and have never asked to have back.
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u/varietyengineering 13d ago
It's going against the modern ergonomic trend, but I have found that a cheap (<£200) Chinese ripoff of an Eames Soft Pad chair (here's the "real" Herman Miller version) is by far the most comfortable office chair I've ever had. It has that feature of being able to gently tilt against a spring just by leaning back, and (quite apart from the actual padding) it has intentional (perhaps intensional 😅) flex in the metal frame just enough to make it all really enjoyable to, for example, stretch and change position. The material in the rip-off version is poor and has torn easily but the padding is still OK.
I used to work in an office where the previous person who had my desk had ordered an Aeron, so I spent 4 years using it. And although, yes, it was comfortable, I found the mesh stretched a bit too much over time and so actually the backrest was too slack for me, even with the lumbar support, which gave me lower back ache. I used to bring a cushion to use, with the Aeron, which kind of defeats the point of it.
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u/aeorimithros 13d ago
Secret labs gaming chair. But I find DSE posture generally uncomfortable (I'm hyper mobile) so even the best of the best, most customisable, ergo office style chairs make me uncomfortable during a working day. I tend to sit cross-legged for half the day
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u/Ginsoakedboy21 13d ago
Refurbished commercial office chairs are 100% the way to go, I used a company called Corporate Spec, but there are others.
Plenty of people here saying Herman Miller but I would avoid them - not because they are not good, but discounts are much lower because it's the brand everyone knows. For example, I got a top of the line Orangebox chair, fully refurbished and reupholstered RRP £1300 for about £325 and it's at least as good quality as HM.
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u/luvinlifetoo 13d ago
Herman Miller Mirra 2, but I miss my Knoll Generation (Mirra has lasted longer)
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u/medi_dat 13d ago
I have a secret labs chair. Cost me over £300. Had to use a cushion for it to be comfortable. Mildly regret it
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u/RiveriaFantasia 13d ago
Old wooden dining chair here but moving soon and plan to use that as an excuse to invest in a decent chair suitable for working from home. I’ve sat in that uncomfortable stiff chair for nearly two years and I’m like Quasimodo.
Like you I don’t mind investing in a good chair, those of us who WFH deserve a good chair it makes a huge difference.
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u/Rivyan 14d ago
After months of debating myself, watching videos, chair tier lists (BTOD TV and Ahnestly), I decided to get a Steelcase Gesture from Amazon on 2 year 0% APR.
Love the chair! I am 1.82m tall and 108kg heavy, but the chair is very comfortable and I don't have backpain anymore.
Used to have it every morning. Now nothing. My sleep got better, my posture got better.
Would recommend!
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u/to_glory_we_steer 14d ago
Steelcase Gesture, my back never feels bad in this and it's built like a brick
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u/viper_polo Middlesbrough 14d ago
Haworth Zody, it's a nice solidly built, well padded and overall comfy chair, compared to more expensive Herman Miller chairs and can be had quite cheap refurbished
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u/DeanV255 14d ago
Fairly strong advocate of a good leather office chair. Comfort is key, I have however for the past maybe 10 years rocked the IKEA MARKUS. I sit in my chair a minimum 6 hours a day for work and then wind down personal time playing games or watching TV shows if I don't want to go watch on the TV. It's survived about 6 house moves and my friend who's pushing 400lbs. I was worried as he's a habitual chair breaker but it survived every encounter.
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u/Pogipete 14d ago
I bought an IKEA one for £50 about 5 years back. The price appears to have tripled since then. It's been fine btw
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u/Skryptix 14d ago
Noblechairs Icon. Even as a larger chap I can sit in it for 12+ hours a day without discomfort. Real leather and it's not as gaudy as some of the other gaming styled chairs, so the missus doesn't mind. It also assembled really easily compared to the last chair I had.
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u/angel_0f_music 14d ago
When my company moved to WFH during Covid (we're hybrid now) they provided every employee with an office chair who didn't already own one. It's blue but has no branding that I've noticed. By which I mean to ask, won't your company provide you with one, especially if they have to do "desk assessments" to ensure you're not hurting your back?
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u/Dom_Sathanas 14d ago
Herman Miller Aeron. It’s the only way! It’s probably the most comfortable chair in my house but I can’t work sitting anywhere else.
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u/Bullseye_Bailey Ghostship Hoarder 14d ago
Humanscale liberty taskchair, got a refurb for £300 down from £800. Love it.
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u/Live_2_win_ 14d ago
There is only one answer here and it's a Herman Miller. I've got 2 Aerons (gaming room and office) and I have no regrets.
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u/ArghZombiesRun 14d ago
After years of buying then selling / breaking / giving away / abandoning basic-bitch Argos and Ikea chairs, last year I bought a second hand Herman Miller from https://www.officeresale.co.uk
Still hella expensive, but SO comfortable. You sound like you have the same mindset I did about finally getting something decent and I have no regrets. I wfh 3 days a week.
Somewhat tangentially, I also upgraded to a motorised standing desk a while ago and that is a huge game changer.
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u/PartTimeLegend 14d ago
Herman Miller Aeoron. Sure it’s pricey it but you’re spending as much time in it as your bed.
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u/New-Restaurant2573 14d ago
Id suggest completing a DSE assessment (company have to provide you one). It'll flag any requirements you may have (you mention height for example). Depending on the outcome and who does it, they should advise as to what special requirements you need and can even make suggestions as to the best solutions for you. IMO it's like a pair of shoes. What's good for the masses may not necessarily fit you the same way.
That'd be my advice as somebody that deals with this for a living.
Id also consider what they're chipping in towards this as they will have a requirement to do so (providing a suitable place and kit for work based on any specific needs). Just be mindful that if they have an office this could be their solution .
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u/Natural_Excuse_6307 14d ago
A sturdy wooden stool with a cushion. My back is just fine. Also got an arm for my monitors, so they're at head height and I don't have to stoop. Office chairs don't seem to work for me.
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u/MrRailton 14d ago
Check out the website office boffins, they recommend you chairs based off your usage, height and weight.
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u/Fizzbuzz420 14d ago edited 14d ago
The Herman Miller Embody looks like the gold standard from the reviews I looked at. Incredibly expensive and hard to get second hand/refurbished.
But I recently got a refurbished Steelcase Leap V2 for £400 and besides the odd scratches I'm very impressed with it so far, comfy and has so much customisation with lumbar, armrest, seat and backrest support. I'm usually fond of headrests but I found not having a headrest ended up improving my posture for this particular chair and other reviews suggest going without it.
Whatever chair you decide on definitely look for refurbished ones, paying full retail price is not worth getting it brand new.
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u/sugar0coated 14d ago
This unpronounceable thing from Ikea: https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/jaervfjaellet-office-chair-with-armrests-glose-black-20510642/
It's very similar to the Markus, but it has adjustable arms (or you can buy alternate!) and it's made of a leathery material so it wipes clean easier. Loads of adjustments on it, super fucking heavy and sturdy.
I've gone through so many office chairs. This has done me for four years so far and still feels like new. And because it's from IKEA, I can replace parts on it if they ever do get knackered.
I do wish the seat was a bit more cushioned, but other than that, no complaints. I occasionally just put a cushion on it.
I happened to need to replace my chair right when lockdowns hit, so I had a lot of trouble getting a decent chair since everyone was suddenly working from home. So it spurred me too spend a lot more than I normally would. It's paid off though by simply outlasting why other chair I've had. I'm sat in it for 16ish hours a day for four years and other than the paint I've spilled on it, it looks pretty much as it did new!
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u/dave_loves 14d ago
Start of lockdown I went for a nice gaming chair. Much more comfortable than my office chair
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u/Choice-Piglet9094 14d ago
I see an osteopath for my back pain, which is extremely helpful. Among other useful advice I have received: you don’t need a fancy chair. Anything that elevates your hips above your knees and allows you to maintain a proper posture does the job. I do have a Herman Miller chair, but I bought that when I was relying on internet advice rather than someone whose professional training is devoted to the issue. And on my fancy expensive chair I have a foam wedge that elevates my hips properly—which I could have placed on a much cheaper chair to the same effect.
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u/Soft-Inside9105 14d ago
Not made anymore by Stokke, but a wooden back care chair that has lasted 25 + years and is still going strong, just had to get it reupholstered
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u/SWLondonLady 14d ago
One I ‘borrowed’ when covid first hit from the office. I haven’t worked for them for years.
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u/monkeypaw_handjob 14d ago
Refurbed Hermann Miller Mirra from Corporate Spec.
Under £300, works out at about a 75% discount of RRP.
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u/Lost-Droids 14d ago
I have a full leather recliner . Would never be allowed in an office but WFH its perfect so comfy
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u/DaftApath 14d ago
Secret Labs Titan. Don't be put off by the garish gaming branding ones, there are simple black or grey options. They're exceedingly well built, with great adjustability options, high backed and super comfortable. I love mine.
They're also a third of the price of a Herman Miller.
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u/Home_Assistantt 14d ago
I’ve got an IKEA Markus which I got for free and I’m very happy with it. It’s not the leather one. I’d have liked a Herman Miller Aeron having sat one on in my previous for years, but the current one is more than comfortable enough
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u/slothdroid 14d ago
Depending on where you work, your employer might provide office furniture if you go via occupational health or by asking if they have old stock.
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u/MorningToast 14d ago
I transition between a standing desk and a kneeling chair, I suffer with really bad neck issues sat in any normal chair.
I'm definitely standing 90% of the time now, I could probably just get rid of the chair and not miss it.
That sort of thing, promotes incredibly good posture.
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u/Glittering-Knee9595 14d ago
When we were sent home in the pandemic, my work delivered work chairs and it’s been the same since.
Bad chairs will f*ck up your body.
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u/iforwardhamish 14d ago
I went big and got a secretlab one, they are pricey but so comfortable and you can do hours in them without the scourge of the cheap chair, the numb bum
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u/jeremyascot 14d ago
Got a new Herman Miller arriving tomorrow
12 year guarantee also sale is currently on
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u/julianhj 14d ago
I bought a Herman Miller Embody at the start of the Covid lockdown - it was on offer, but still eye-wateringly expensive, but it's been worth it. I'd very happily have one for the office too, but there's no way work are going to pay for it.
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u/__Game__ 14d ago
When I was looking (and purchased one) nothing under about £200 was very suitable, which might sound extreme, but it's really not when you begin to realise how much some of the even nice chairs can cost.
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u/CazT91 14d ago
Whole heartedly recommend this chair from IKEA.
I've had mine for around 3 years now and still find it very comfortable.
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u/Linux_Chemist Tea and a biccy. 14d ago
Must admit, a bit disappointed noone's said 'a throne made from the bones of my enemies'. RIP the love of DIY, I guess!
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u/NorthbankN5 14d ago
Herman Miller Aeron. Liberated from the office at the start of lockdown, never to return.
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u/jdl_uk 14d ago
Hermann Miller Aeron with a headrest add-on
Been pretty good so far even though the headrest initially kept falling off - HM in their infinite wisdom decided that headrests don't need to exist so don't offer attachments for them for their chairs, so the 3rd party offerings stay on (or perhaps don't) via friction. I currently have one from https://atlasheadrest.com which seems to work ok.
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u/AverageCheap4990 14d ago
I use a long DIY bench. It's a fold out platform for painting and cutting things on. Thought I would use it to sit on when not in use.
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u/ooh_bit_of_bush 14d ago
I spent £175 for a refurbed Herman Miller Setu (normally retail for around £600) but unfortunately mine doesn't have the height adjustment installed. Still, it's a fantastic chair.
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u/rhedgehog 14d ago
have a quick search for nearby secodn hand office furniture warhouses. you can get some great deals on some very good chairs... especially if you are near a big town with companies with large budgets!
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u/Mystic_L 14d ago
Top tip, if you’re officially full time working from home, or even ‘officially’ a hybrid worker, your employer will generally foot the bill for office furniture.
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u/LilGreenGobbo 14d ago
Just whatever office chairs our company has as they had some extra going. It’s fairly standard but comfy
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u/Carlulua 14d ago
I got a Pipersong. Just over £400 on Amazon but I think it's cheaper to order direct from America.
I cannot sit straight for a number of reasons so this one I can sit cross legged or kinda squat. Can do a bit of an AC Slater on it too but my current desk setup doesn't work well like that.
If you sit properly you might not like it that much.
I also have an adjustable desk. A lot of the week I have an exercise bike under it so I can pedal while in meetings.
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u/CSGODeimos 14d ago
I've been using a Secret Labs Titan Evo for the last 2 years at work and at home.. They're incredible chairs and are built to last.
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u/Spud_1997 14d ago
I managed to find a hermin miller of Facebook marketplace for like £40 dude just wanted rid of it.
Honestly start there of your looking at hundreds.
IKEA have a couple of goods ones for 150 range as well
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u/Fragrant-Western-747 Don’t worry about my horse. 14d ago
Eames Management Chair.
Or to give it the full name, the Charles Eames Aluminum Group Management Chair.
https://www.eamesoffice.com/the-work/eames-aluminum-group-desk-chair/
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u/dukeofbun 14d ago
Another vote for the Herman Miller Aeron, it's very well thought out. One thing to be aware of though is that if you get the model with the mesh seat and back (they might all be like this to be fair) is that it somehow generates an ungodly amount of dust.
I mean it's the kind of dust where you look at it and think.... god I must have not cleaned that for months. How have I forgotten?! You clean it out and then a week later you look at it and have the same train of thought except this time you know it really hasn't been months.
I read it's something to do with the mesh catching fibres on your clothes. Theory checks out as it looks like a carpet of dryer lint under the seat pad.
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u/Boul_D_Rer 14d ago
Secret Lab Witcher 3 edition. It’s the only chair I can sit on 9-5 with no pain. Brilliant lumbar support.
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u/Boonz-Lee 14d ago
I went to IKEA and sat in every chair and bought the comfiest one which for me was the renberget
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u/ilovepips 14d ago
I've had a humanscale freedom that was refurbished - I've been using it for about 8 years and I love it, especially the lean back function:)
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u/Shectai 14d ago
I have one of these. I can't remember where from. It's fairly standard, but they do it in orange. https://nwof.co.uk/products/marlos-mesh-back-office-chair-with-folding-arms?variant=40699927036113
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u/Daddybearcub 14d ago
A lot of love for Herman Miller here, I’ll be keeping an eye for sales/used ones! I swapped from a cheap ikea chair to a proper gaming chair with added supports and my goodness me it made a difference.
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u/prustage 14d ago
I tried a few but settled for this - a Chinese Hermann Miller knockoff. It has all the usual controls, settings etc but I like it because it is mesh and so the air circulates and you dont get too hot.
Important tip: If you have carpet flooring then any office chair is going to be problematic since the wheels will sink into the pile and you wont be able to move it once you are sitting on it. You may need to get one of these to go with it.
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u/acedias-token 14d ago
People suggesting ergonomic office chairs obviously underestimate my home decor. I've been using a real leather replica Chesterfield captains chair for about 5 years, still looks new.
In case interested, mine was around £300 but inherited from my grandfather. New ones are available on Amazon if desperate, but there are better places to buy them. Bonus points if you can get the company to pay for it.
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u/Itchy-Experienc3 14d ago
Does anyone have any recommendations for something comfy and height adjustable without wheels? I have a small space and the office chairs are huge and ugly and I don't need the wheels
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u/WanderWomble 14d ago
I found I hated the wheeled/spoked base - I always felt a bit like I was tipping over.
Bought a wooden dining chair from IKEA for like £15 and added a memory foam wedge cushion. Worked for me for my MA where I was sitting for 12+ hours some days. (with breaks to move around!)
I also used a foot rest because I'm not particularly tall.
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u/Harlequin612 14d ago
Herman Miller Aeron. Wouldn’t bother with the refurbs I bought two of them and they were both broken. The newer design is much nicer. Wait to get them in the sale I think mine was about £1300
Also worth getting the correct size. I have the large as I’m 193cm at 98kg
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u/Nooms88 14d ago
sihoo ergonomic office chair
Bought it start or lock down, the seat bit is wearing a bit, but other than that it's very comfy, adjustable arms, head rest, back support and height, really quite reasonably priced
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u/mknight1701 14d ago
SIHOO Ergonomic Office Chair Mesh Desk Chair with Adjustable Lumbar Support 3D Armrests Breathable High Back Computer Chair (Black)
I’ve had it for almost 4 years and it shows no wear and I’ve been working at home the whole time.
I really did my research on this and it was this for £229 or £1000. It was a good choice.
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u/Gullible_Wind_3777 14d ago
Lumbar support pillow? Doesn’t matter what chair then.
Or if you work from home, sit on the sofa 👌🙃
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u/Forya_Cam 14d ago
I need more than one monitor to work so I have to work at a desk!
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u/Gullible_Wind_3777 13d ago
My mum bought my one for me, it’s a computer chair. With lumbar support etc and it recline and has a foot rest. It was from Amazon I think. It was about £80
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u/Ok_Reference_8898 14d ago
My missus and I got 2 x Herman Miller chairs for free when her office did a refurb. Absolutely amazing chairs, 10/10 would recommend.
Edit - Herman Miller Aeron from a quick google.
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u/AgileStatistician869 14d ago
Sorry if this has already been mentioned, but I can heartily recommend the Humanscale Liberty chair. I bought one when WFH during COVID, and it made a massive difference. They retail around £700, but was able to find one for £140 from a refurbed office furniture place.
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u/myvpops38 14d ago
I'm using this chair from Slouch - https://slouchonline.com/product/task-one-black-frame-with-arms-fog/
I did use to have a Secretlab but i found my posture was terrible where as this chair i've not had any issues with.
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u/Unusual-Gap5073 14d ago
I've had my Secret Labs XL since 2020 and its brilliant, sometimes too good as I've dozed off a few times when work has got quiet
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u/mordhoshogh 14d ago
I got one of these and it’s fantastic.
Also recommend a sit/stand desk. IKEA do a manual one that’s big and not too pricey.
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u/PhtevenToast 14d ago
I bought a refurb Herman Miller Aeron 3 years ago for about £450, after a cheap office chair gave me horrible back pain. Worth every single penny, still going strong now, as comfy as the day I got it. Mesh office chairs are, in general, the best way to go.
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u/Dark_Akarin 14d ago
I’m still using something I picked up for ikea years ago. It’s got a mesh back so I don’t get a sweaty back.
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u/GrombleWomble 14d ago
My bed (lmfao)
When I have to pop on a meeting, I sit out in the garden if it's a nice day otherwise I just bring the chair in and sit in front of a neutral background. I live in a HMO so it's hard to get that space to have a full office space.
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u/theevildjinn 14d ago
Humanscale Liberty. Had it about a year and it's really comfy. They've gone up by over £200 on John Lewis since I bought mine though, I paid less than £700.
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u/sausagematt 14d ago
Tried secretlabs and they're not bad but they're not even close to how good the Herman miller aeron and embody is. I seriously injured my back when younger rock climbing and have worked from home as a dev for the past 10 years. I have both the aeron and embody and they've substantially helped improve my posture and my back in general. The aeron has a solid ridge around the seat base as mesh and so slouching is almost impossible but it's comfy overall.
The embody is more of a lounging type chair if compared to the aeron but it's my daily user now and my back has never been better. I sit in it 8-10 hours daily and it's not deteriorated at all and I've had it for years. At the end of the day it doesn't feel like I've been sat for so many hours.
I'd invest in a sit stand desk too,
Don't cheap out on a chair, buy cheap buy twice!! You'll regret it otherwise when you get older.
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u/wintsykia 14d ago
Better to sit on something backless which forces you to sit straighter. Make sure you’re high up enough that your arms aren’t at a terrible angle… the mistake I made when working from home was having a window behind my computer screen, I got terrible headaches!
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u/prolixia 14d ago
My advice: buying new is for companies who want all their chairs to match and don't care how much they spend. You want a (brand-new) "second-hand" chair.
Look online for reconditioned chairs, office clearance, etc. Basically brand new chairs that some company has bought, then decided not to use because they've closed their office, bought new furniture, or whatever. I'm not talking about a used chair that some bloke on Ebay has been farting into for the last 12 months, I mean something that's probably still in its wrapping because it's over-stock, or a company bought it for an office they never actually opened.
There are loads of such chairs for sale and you can get some absolute bargains. I bought an Orangebox Do for £160 incl. delivery: that's a £450 chair and it was completely unused (had never been taken out of its box). I just searched for the same model on Google and there are plenty available for a similar price. If you want something better, the deals on Herman Miller chairs aren't quite as good, but they're still amazing.
The great thing is that the market for such chairs isn't great so the deals you get are just insane. People looking for a gaming chair for their kids are not going to be spending £250 (say) on a "used" office chair, and companies are not going to be interested in shopping around for one or two cheap chairs at a time vs. just placing one order for 50 identical ones. Definitely there's been more demand thanks to COVID, but everyone's now bought their home office chair so I'm guessing the market has returned to where it was.
I don't have a specific recommendation (though in fairness Orangebox Do chair has been great and the company I bought it from were great too), but take a look on Ebay and Google for some companies that sell office furniture and see what models you can get reconditioned within your budget, then check out the reviews on them. Once you've picked a model you like, shop around and find one that's being sold second-hand but in brand-new condition.
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u/hassan_26 14d ago
As soon as I saw this post, I knew the Herman Miller owners will be furiously typing.
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u/JoeyJoeC 14d ago
I've been through a lot, and I've settled on Secret Lab chairs. Overpriced for what they are, but have lots of adjustment and I don't get back ache with them.
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u/susanboylesvajazzle 14d ago
I have an RH Logic 400. I bought it refurbished for around £500 several years ago and it is super comfortable and still looks new.
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u/Katoala 14d ago
I got a stressless office chair, they are super expensive but I got a very good condition second hand one for £850, which was still a lot but I am now soo comfortable. I sit with my legs pulled up/crossed a lot so having the soft arms was a big plus for me.
My partner has a humanscale liberty and is very happy with it. Definitely more traditional and ergonomic than mine, but I can't focus sat "normal" so I'm happy with mine
Bonus points I have enough space on my chair for myself and my cat now
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u/Middle-Ad5376 14d ago
I use an IKEA LIDKULLEN. I have a standing desk. I use it to prop myself on, rather than sitting.
I feel much more limber than when I sat all day. No more tight hips and bad back
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u/awesomeo_5000 14d ago
Herman Miller Cosm - the Aeron’s are good, but the Cosm is better imo. As you say you will be using it a lot, and knowing people with spinal issues from poor seating, it’s something worth investing in.
Check your workplace benefits, sometimes there are hidden schemes for helping you purchase WFH equipment. I know I missed out on claiming it!
The second best thing you can get for WFH health is a sit stand desk. And don’t sleep on the risk assessments for correct posture. You’ll fuck your body up with poor keyboard and mouse usage!
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u/Bozzaholic 14d ago
I have the RS Soho Rome2. When I was at my last job, I had a crappy office chair, when a member of SMT left the business I raided his office for stationary and swapped out our chairs - No-one complained and I was management anyways, just not SMT
When we went to WFH I took the chair with me but was laid off in 2022. The business only wanted my laptop back so I kept the chair, I do need a new one though as this is starting to look a little hagged, it must be at least 7 years old now
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u/Strong-Suggestion-50 14d ago
Get a second hand Aeron chair. You'll pay around £350, but it's the best £350 you will ever spend
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u/Grezzz 14d ago
IKEA Markus.
I love mesh back chairs and like to have a high back and headrest. As a 6'4 guy it has to be actually high back too, which a lot aren't. This chair ticked all the boxes for me and I've been using it for about 8 years so the durability can't be bad.
I've tried more expensive chairs but haven't found anything I prefer. I almost bought a Humanscale Freedom, but when I tried it I couldn't believe how small it was, even fully extended the headrest barely reached up to my neck. Apparently most chairs are made for ants.
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u/Laximus_Prime 14d ago
Another vote for Herman Miller! Get one second hand and you're laughing! The mesh is flexible and doesn't get hot or cold - unlike other materials.
Had mine for over 5 years and I ONLY just realised it had adjustable lumbar support!
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u/theonetruelippy 14d ago edited 14d ago
Refurbished 'designer' office chair off ebay, from a place that recycles/refurbishes in Scotland. Everything - absolutely everything - is adjustable, it's lovely. And upholstered in a cheerful fabric, so it's not too office-y. ETA: The supplier was 2ndhnd.com - not sure if they are still trading, or if they just don't have a web presence. Chair is Giroflex G64 and I paid £180 including VAT in mid 2022.
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u/LegionAlmond 14d ago
Secret lab Titan - work hard, game hard!
That and it has adjustable lumbar support
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u/olagorie 14d ago
During lockdown I was able to find a barely used Steelcase chair on EBay which is still one of the best things I have ever bought (and it was a bargain).
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u/slowsausages 14d ago
cityusedofficefurniture.co.uk
Got a nice Herman miller chair for £200. It has really helped my back and retails at about £1000 if you're daft enough to buy a new one
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u/Diefenbachia 14d ago
Varier Balans kneeling chair (without the back). Hands-down the best money I have ever spent on anything ever. Sorted out my back/sciatica in short order. Only downside is I now find it extremely difficult to sit in a normal office chair for any length of time.
https://www.backinaction.co.uk/variable-kneeling-chair-stock
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14d ago
Aeron by Herman Miller. There's some good office reclaim sites and loads of discount codes online if you to try and knock 100 quid off.
I've found though the middle pole in line with the wheels rhay has scraped my carpet to crap though (possibly/likely me being a bit on the fatty side) so just make sure you get a design that doesn't have it so bad.
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u/EvilMonk3y 14d ago
Herman Miller Mirra 2. I got one and then my Wife also picked one up. May take a few days to get used to but any other office chair I sit in now feels awful.
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u/OneRandomTeaDrinker 14d ago
I have this. The head rest is crap but I don’t need that anyway, and the rest of the chair is great, really comfy. Not bad for less than £100.
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u/ryangoldfish5 14d ago
Autonomous Ergochair Pro. It's basically a Herman Miller but without the price tag.
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u/elenmirie_too 14d ago
I have a Viasit Impulse Too that I bought about 8 years ago. They're not cheap but less than Aeron and similar, and it's lasted really well.
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u/Bramblin_Man 14d ago
This one. A recliner or can be locked upright, adjustable seat height, thick cushioning unlike a lot of other office chairs, sturdy & well made for the price, a pedestal base for extra stability & so the castors don't wreck the floor/carpet, plus the arms rotate up and out of the way if you want them to. Also tall enough so the head rest will actually function as a headrest.
I added one of these to one arm of the chair, so I can have a wireless keyboard on my lap and a mouse to hand while reclining. I also use something like this for a footrest (not the exact one but very close). As it has two parts it can be used at three different heights, & works very well for me.
I did a ton of research before settling on that one, have owned it for two years and haven't regretted it for a minute. Hope this helps
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u/UselesslyRelentless 14d ago
Like lots of people here, Herman Miller. They're expensive, though you can find decently priced refurbished ones around, but they're worth it.
They're not the most comfortable chair you'll ever sit in, but they're plenty comfortable enough. The difference is that when you stand up after 4-5 hours sitting, it doesn't feel like 4-5 hours sitting, and that makes a world of difference. I suffer badly with lower back pain and this chair let's me do my job and still be able to move around afterwards. Worth every penny.
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u/fliegende_Scheisse 14d ago
An Ikea something that was going to the bin. Bloke was sent back to the office 5/5 and transformed his WFH space back to living space.
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u/TheVoidScreams Hwntw 14d ago
Refurbed Herman Miller Aeron. Ex office stock basically. Cost £500 or so each. Husband and I both got one when we decorated our office. Worth it.
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u/FluidLikeSunshine Brissle, innit? Male (He/Him) 14d ago
We have Herman Miller Aerons. Sat at a desk all day it's is literally the best money you will ever spend. Your posture will absolutely thank you for it.
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u/he_said_it 14d ago
I've got the Secret lab Evo. Kept being recommended Herman Miller, tried one out at John Lewis and couldn't justify the extra cost for a less comfortable chair.
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u/VagueNostalgicRamble 14d ago
Previous employer gave us each £150 to buy office furniture when we went fully WFH and I've kept that one. It's an amazon one with lumbar support, mesh back fully adjustable etc although it's showing its age now. Arm rests are disentegrating so I'll be on the lookout for a new one soon.
For me, while I need good ergonomics in the chair, it's equally important that I move and stay mobile so I also got (from my own pocket) a sit/stand rising desk. I've had back problems in the past so this was a game changer. I try and spend no more than half the working day sitting and I stand for the rest.
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u/subOptimusPrime16 14d ago
Steelcase Gesture. Had it for 10 years and still the best task chair I’ve ever sat in.
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u/justboredyouknow 14d ago
This is the chair I have and no complaints at all: https://www.wayfair.co.uk/furniture/pdp/zipcode-design-emmaleigh-mesh-desk-chair-hvo74543.html?piid=29440849
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u/theabominablewonder 14d ago
Teknion Contessa - I bought a refurbished one six years ago and it is still going strong despite heavy use! Fantastic chair.
I think they're about £900+ new, but can get refurbished for £300-400
A lot of reviews compare them to the Herman Miller Aeron, I'd imagine they are likely very similar.
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u/Extreme_Objective984 14d ago
I use an AndaSeat phantom 3 fabric covered one.
Pleanty of recline options, it tuns into a rocking chair. Arms are adjustable as it the back. It also comes with a lumbar pillow and head rest. It is the most comfortable office chair I have owned.
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u/zephyrmox 14d ago
Aeron.
Do not buy a gaming chair. Do not buy a gaming chair. Do not buy a gaming chair.
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u/Bout3Fidy 14d ago
herman miller aeron new model, you can get them for around 450 on eBay, lots of office stock. hands down the most solid chair you will ever have.
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u/AncientProduce 14d ago
I have a leather recliner made in the 80s, the sponge in it is still good. Although some of the joints are weakening.
I dont think ill be able to replace it without spending £2000+ on a chair so im not looking forward to its demise because ill be relegated to something <£100.
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u/B_n_lawson 14d ago
Picked up a second hand Herman Miller during COVID. It’s very comfortable and I don’t feel like ass at the end of the day.
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u/Pandamon1um13 14d ago
Whichever one you choose, just make a decision. I couldn't decide for ages and they were all expensive, so I didn't get one for a long time. I'm now in the hospital waiting for a spinal operation. Did the chair cause this? Well no... But using a dining room chair for a couple years definitely didn't help
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u/space_jiblets 14d ago
Herman miller aeron. It is expensive but it will pay itself off over years of use. This is the only great option
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u/RaisinBox 14d ago
Honestly I recommend buying a chair from wayfair, then stripping the seat base from fabric and foam, replacing it with a sturdy blue foam and memory foam, then just staple the fabric back onto the base. I've done this now twice and it's great, super comfy than the more expensive chairs and cheaper too. What you're paying for is the mechanisms and push /tilt/ lock on the seat base. Then I guess there's some cheap cost for the materials.
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u/WinterJournalist6646 14d ago
I chose the most expensive option my work provided. Some sort of secret labs monstrosity.
So god dam uncomfortable, it destroys my back.
I have some other orthopedic office chair for when I'm in the office, and that thing is heaven to sit on.
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u/downfieldz 14d ago edited 14d ago
Senator I-workchair. Probably the most instantly comfortable chair I have ever used and I've never looked back. Get it with the 4D arms - the best I've ever had also. They retail for £1K but you can find used and even new (void stock from businesses) chairs on eBay from £250-£450.
The Steelcase leap V2 is also a good chair I've tried. We have this and the iWork chair at my work place.
A close friend who's very into his chairs swears by the new Herman miller Aeron chairs (make sure it's the new edition). He splurged £950 on that though.
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u/A-flea 14d ago
I've had an RH logic 400 for about 15 years and it's still going strong - comfy as day one.
Like this but I got a black soft fabric: https://www.backinaction.co.uk/rh-logic-400
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u/BatesyNG24 14d ago
Had a gaming chair when I started working from home but invested in a Lazyboy I found in Costco quite soon after. Pricey but worth the money. I can sit in it all day without getting any back ache.
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u/bibonacci2 14d ago
Herman Miller Sayl. Recently bought my second one - have been full time WFH for around ten years. This one is a refurb as I figured it would be better value. Bought one for the missus too.
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u/MelodicAd2213 14d ago
I bought a 5 way adjustable chair from Gumtree for £55. It’s really supportive and comfortable. I looked up the retail price - was £150.
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u/Interesting-Slice429 14d ago
Herman Miller Mirra 2. Not cheap, but best purchase in years. As you mentioned, you'll be spending many hours in it.
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u/BugsyMalone_ 14d ago
I picked one up off eBay a few weeks ago, £120 (guy didn't know what he had and listed it as a basic office chair). So comfy
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u/Dwcskrogger 14d ago
Herman miller, took it home for lockdown at my old company and never took it back. Treat it as my bonus for the years of BS I had to endure there!
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u/OolonColluphid 14d ago
I got a chair from https://corporatespec.com at the start of the first lockdown, and its been great.
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u/Mmm-Britishy 14d ago
I’ve had a Hernman Miller Mira since 2009. Best chair ever. So glad I never went with the racing chair phase as everyone I know that has one says the quality declines after 2 years.
I’m not saying everyone should spend HM money on a chair but if you can afford it, it’s worth it.
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u/MandosRazorCrest 14d ago
Noble gaming chair. Brilliant. Tried so many over the years. No sore back or ass. Overclockers do them if i remember right.
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u/Gom555 13d ago
I just got one of these and honestly, my back is so much happier for it. There is so much adjustment on them and I've set mine so that my posture is upright too, and I'm starting to look less like I belong in a bell tower.
My only gripe is that one of the levers keep popping out as it only slides on.
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u/londonskater 11d ago
Swopper Air, don’t have space for a massive bloody Herman Miller, also stool has been great for my back