Work from Home (WFH) Chair Suggestion

Need help from ozbargain brains trust in deciding what chair to buy

Have researched and found
1. Herman Miller Embody (approx 2.2k)
2. Herman Miller Aeron (approx 2.2 -2.4k)
3. Stylecraft Fern Task Chair with Arms (approx 1.43k)
4. Temple and Webster Ergohuman Plus Elite V2 Mesh Office Chair ( approx 700)

If possible, don't want to spend too much.
My wallet is hurting already paying the high rent.

Are second hand HM worth it? How to get one in Sydney?
Also potentially looking for adjustable table too, with good space utilisation.
Thanks to all in advance.

Comments

  • +1

    +1 Ergohuman
    the one that makes you feel like you're about to go into space

    • Thanks for weighing in.
      And is also the cheapest by far.

  • Do you actually want an ergonomic chair? I don't care for any of the ones in the office personally and don't find them that comfortable.

    Have been using this for a year at home and very happy with it: https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/matchspel-gaming-chair-bomstad-…

    Just needs an additional seat cushion added.

    • Have a sore lower back from long hours WFH.
      Hopefully, a good chair will help.

  • https://www.badbacks.com.au/brands/ergoselect/

    I have the Swift Heavy Duty with high back.

    • Thanks for sharing. How do you find it?

      • +1

        Excellent - it ticks all the boxes for me:

        • No arm rests (avoids shoulder/neck problems from trying to keep your elbows on them, easier to get under desks)
        • Seat tilt adjustment (physio recommends the seat tilt forward slightly so you have your feet flat on the floor, pushing your back into the back rest)
        • Seat depth adjustment (opted for the smallest seat size

        Would be nice if it had more lumbar support (the mesh back has a curve to fit your spine, with the entire back rest being ratchet height adjustable), but the option is there with the full fabric back.

        I did try out a bunch of super fancy/expensive chairs (including Herman Millers) when I went to their Perth showroom (my favourite one being this one), but none of them met all my requirements the way the Ergo Select does.

  • One that fits you and your body shape would be the cheapest option.

    • Yes, but IMHO cheap should not be at the cost of your health.
      My previous generic chair lasted a good 10 yrs and I bought a memory foam cushion/ pad, but with the WFH, it actually makes sense to buy a decent chair.

      • +1

        Im not saying getting a $10 ikea stool. Can get decent chair fraction of the cost of Herman Miller. HM usually good in office environment as its fits on people with different shape. But its your money 🙂

  • I've worked from home for about 6 years and I've had the Ergohuman Plus Elite V2 Mesh for about 3 (also after noticing lower back pain). I did go and check it out in person (store in Brisbane stocked it) and it fit me well. First few weeks I noticed I was a bit more uncomfortable especially my lower back but I think this was purely due to shit posture for years prior. I now definitely don't have as much back pain, I did also buy a standing desk though to use at random intervals throughout the day.

    It's a good quality chair for the price and the mesh is like new. Only things that I'd fix if possible:
    - I lean back at times and the chair has gotten squeaky (not a big deal and I can fix it but it comes back, which you don't really want in meetings)
    - Arms sometimes have a mind of their own when it comes to locking height, you can end up getting them to align to the same height but can be a bit fiddly

    These are very minor things and I certainly don't think after using Aeron and similar in the office that they're worth the extra price tag. But each to their own!

  • +1

    regardless of the chair , check out some of the second hand options.

    I got my chair (haworth zody) for 20 dollars because it was from a company that closed down.

    It was barely used with plastic parts still wrapped up. I even took i off the cushions to dry clean.

    • but yeah you are better off going to a showroom , sitting down on the chair for a bit, seeing if its comfortable then looking for it second hand.

      There is a few places on parra road that selling discount office furniture.

      https://www.jasonl.com.au/

      this place is a gamble
      Friend Choice Furniture & Bedding.

      but also check your local vinnies .

    • Sure. I am open to 2nd hand as long as it is not over five years for HM.

  • -1

    I like my gaming chair (check secretlab and noblechairs if you havent) so whatever you want to buy its best to try in person.

    • Thanks, but I have heard did things about ergonomic chairs instead of gaming chairs.

  • If you have lower back problems you really should be checking out a standing desk. Has solved most of my problems

    • Thanks. I want to buy a standing desk plus ergonomic chair for best results.

  • I highly suggest you go to a showroom like Living Edge https://livingedge.com.au/contact-us.html and try out the chairs. Living Edge have the Herman Miller ones on display.

    I used to get back pains with office chairs, but at my last job I sat at an Aeron all day and didn't feel any pain at all. Of course, your results may vary, so I recommend going to showrooms and trying out all the chairs you researched yourself. I got a second hand one from FB marketplace for a fraction of the price of a new one.

  • +1

    You can't expect to buy a chair, regardless of the cost, based on random strangers' opinions. We're all built differently, so if you're really buying it for the ergonomics, you should physically go and try it yourself.

    • Will do.
      It always helps to know what chairs are reliable.
      The fit, definately I want to try out.

  • Steelcase Gesture

    • lol

    • Thanks. Will research. Reviews seem to be good.

      • The price tag is somewhat insane.
        I would rather spend that money on the HM Embody (when they are on sale).

        • Some reviews I watched on youtube says Embody is more for gamers, so more for a slightly reclined posture.

  • Buro Metro used to be an OzB favourite
    https://www.eliteofficefurniture.com.au/products/buro-metro?…

    I’ve had mine for 7 years and still great

    • I have one of these at home and a HM Aeron at work (work replaced Buro w/ HM and we got to take the Buro's home).

      This is definitely not a comparison! The HM is wayyy more comfortable for long periods of time. That said, the price difference is pretty huge so it's not really comparing apples with apples.

      I can't believe how much chair prices have changed in last few years. We got our HM Aeron for ~$1.2k and the Buro for $250 ea (granted was like 20+).

  • You really should sit in one of the $1k+ chairs for at least 10-15 minutes and get the sales person to help you correctly size the chair and adjust it.

    I've been sitting in Herman Miller Aerons since the mid 1990's and having one that's too large for your body can get uncomfortable after a few hours. I have not found anything more comfortable than an Aeron yet. Even though the Aeron is expensive, the price is justified when you sit in the chair more than 12 hours a day for decades.

    I've had the opportunity to sit in Embody and Mirra chairs for weeks at a time and they are not as comfy as the Aeron. On the Aeron, my preference is actually for the old style double sided sliding cushion lumbar support, rather than the new Posturefit mechanisms. Again, this is one of those things that you really need to try for yourself, which means visiting a showroom that has all the options available to try. Forget the "return it if you don't like it" offers, you want to explore the fit before you make a decision.

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