The Herman Miller Aeron is easily one of the most well-known office chairs ever made. There’s science and style to support the $700+ price tag new, but it’s hard to justify that price when someone else isn’t footing the bill. Instead of picking up a used Aeron, check out some of our favorite office chair alternatives that will, stylishly, fit just about any budget.
ITALMODERN Bungie Office Chair
At first, the idea of sitting on a chair made of the same things you use to secure things to the roof of your truck might seem ridiculous. It can’t possibly be comfortable. The bungees are definitely going to stretch. The ergonomics are terrible. Nope. The only problem with this ridiculously comfortable chair is that everyone that visits HAS to sit in the chair made of bungee cords.
$315
IKEA Markus Office Chair
Don’t let the fact that this is made by IKEA immediately dissuade you from purchasing it because the construction is nothing like their fiberboard furniture. Markus is a high back chair with a padded seat, headrest and armrests that also has a mesh back for breathability. It won’t win any Red Dot Design Awards, but it’s a great professional looking chair that also comes with a 10-year Limited Warranty.
$199
AIS Element 9600 Executive Office Chair
Affordable Interior Systems (AIS) has been in the office furniture game for almost three decades, so it’s safe to say they know what it takes to make a great chair. The Element Executive Chair has a mesh back and a mesh over foam cushioned seat for maximum comfort and support. It also comes in multiple sizes and styles in case you’re looking for something a little different.
$349
WorkPro Commercial Mesh Back Executive Office Chair
With a three-part, split-back design, this WorkPro office chair is probably the most alien looking of the lot, but those aspects give it a huge amount of adjustability. Adjust the back sections to perfectly fit you. Slide the seat forwards or backwards based on your mood. There’s even a large handle on the back in case you need to move it over carpet… or with someone in it.
$320
Modern in Designs Reproduction Eames Office Chair
When it comes to Mid-Century Modern chairs Eames is the name of the game, and their cost reflects that. This reproduction from Modern In Designs replicates the iconic ribbed styling of the chair originally designed in the 50’s, but does it at a fraction of the cost. Since each chair is hand crafted with a stainless steel frame and premium Italian leather, you’re not sacrificing much in terms of quality.
$345
RFM Seating Rainier High Back Chair
The Rainier Office Chair from RFM Seating puts more than 35 years of experience in seating manufacturing to very good use. You get the standards like multiple back options, multi-function control, extra lumbar support and a ratchet back, but the Rainier also gives you 35 fabric options, multiple control options and close to ten different arm options. In other words, you can customize it to fit an of office of one to an office of one thousand.
$379+
Alera Elusion Series Mesh High-Back Chair
We’re convinced the Alera Elusion chair was designed by someone who studied Henry Ford. The chair does its job as a chair, but nothing more. The aesthetics are great, but they’re not revolutionary. The cost is something everyone can afford. Oh yeah, and you can have it in whatever color you want… as long as it’s black.
$175+
Merax Ergonomic Racing Style Napping Office Chair
If we’re being completely honest, this Merax chair looks like a Recaro racing seat with armrests and casters, which we’re totally in to. In addition to the unconventional styling you also get: easy to clean and maintain PU leather and mesh fabric construction, adjustable armrests, 360 degree swivel rotation, a full headrest and a recline function. The recline function is where the “napping” part comes in because the chair gets almost fully horizontal for that afternoon “meeting” post business lunch.
$179
