If you’ve researched office ergonomics, one brand surely comes to mind: Herman Miller. The brand has been a perennial powerhouse in the office furniture industry because of its unparalleled quality. However, some may think: why are Herman Miller chairs more expensive than regular office chairs?

Why are Herman Miller chairs so expensive? Herman Miller chairs are expensive because they offer the best quality in terms of ergonomics and design. With a history dating back to 1905, Herman Miller has become a legendary brand of office chairs. Not to mention, the company provides a leading 12-year warranty.

Nonetheless, there’s more than just history and warranty that makes up for its hefty price. In this post, we’ll take a closer look to answer the question: are Herman Miller expensive office chairs worth it? Stick around until the end of this post to find out how you can save money from buying one of these beauties. 

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Are Expensive Office Chairs Worth It?

To answer the question: are expensive office chairs worth it? It’s more than just a simple yes or no. It all depends on your preference, more specifically, your budget. If you have back pain issues and are looking for an office chair to help support your body, expensive office chairs are definitely worth it.

However, if you don’t spend long hours sitting at the office, you don’t have back pain issues. We don’t see the need for you to buy an expensive office chair with 16 adjustable features (yes, the best ergonomic office chairs offer many adjustments). Several options nowadays offer reliable features at affordable price points.

Four of the most well-known designs of Herman Miller ergonomic office chairs are made by the best designers.

PRO TIP: If you need help choosing the best ergonomic office chair, we’ve done a well-researched top-five review to help you make the best buying decision. We found one office chair that’s underrated in terms of ergonomics but offers a fraction of the price. You can read it right here.

Why Are Herman Miller Chairs So Expensive?

1. Industry-leading 12-year warranty

Herman Miller believes in the quality of their products so much that they’re willing to give customers a whopping 12-year warranty on their purchase. With limited exceptions, the warranty includes parts and labor. The best thing is the cost of service is covered when warranty work is performed in the U.S. and Canada.

Think about it, once you buy a Herman Miller chair, you won’t need another chair for over a decade. The company won’t sell a chair if they aren’t built to last. If they compromise on quality, Herman Miller would be replacing chairs every other day, maybe even every day. Not many companies have such confidence.

Our own experience has led us to buy not one but two Herman Miller Aerons. One 17 years ago and the other six years ago, knowing they can last.

2. Extensive adjustable features

Adjustability is a feature that’s often overlooked when choosing to buy an office chair. Every human body is built differently; therefore, there’s no one-size-fits-all chair. Not only is Herman Miller chairs greatly customizable (including size and material), but each chair is equipped with extensive adjustable features.

Herman Miller allows you to customize your own chair including the size, material, and accessories.

The Herman Miller official website provides an amazing chair selector tool, guiding you through creating the perfect office chair for you. Whether you’re an individual work-at-home entrepreneur, or a corporate executive looking to buy chairs for a communal workspace, they’ve covered it all.

3. Unrivaled quality and craftsmanship

The term ‘you get what you pay for’ applies very well in this scenario. Often, many compromise quality for affordability, resulting in undesirable results. The attention to detail offered by Herman Miller is unheard of. All 19 office chairs are designed very well with unique traits and features. We even have an exclusive top 5 list of the best Herman Miller office chairs. To get a better idea of what goes into making the Aeron (flagship chair), take a look at this video: 

From the sourcing of materials to strict human inspections, each Herman Miller office chair goes through a rigorous process of production that ensures you’ll get the best quality and craftsmanship a chair has to offer. This is what makes a Herman Miller chair worth the price.

How Much Does a Herman Miller Chair Cost?

So, how much does a Herman Miller chair cost? Generally, a Herman Miller Chair can cost between $500 to more than $1,000, depending on the chair model. The most reputable Herman Miller chair, the Aeron, can cost more than $1200.00 at the official store. Although, you can find a better price on Amazon.

The Herman Miller Eames Executive Chair is priced between $4,795 – $5,095, a considerable investment if you want the best executive office chair. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Herman Miller Sayl Chair only costs around $545. With only a fraction of the price, the Sayl Chair is one of their most affordable offerings.

How to Get the Best Herman Miller Chairs Value for Price

1. Buy a used Herman Miller chair

If you’re looking to buy a Herman Miller chair without having to pay for the hefty price, one option you can consider is to buy a used one. Think about it exactly like buying a used car; you get a functional item without having to pay the full price. Most retailers offer used or refurbished chairs at up to half the price. 

Amazon is a good place to start if you’re looking to buy used Herman Miller chairs. They have a program called the Amazon Renewed program where you can buy quality unboxed and refurbished products that have been tested and certified to work and look like new by a qualified technician or a third-party refurbisher.

PRO TIP: With ‘looks-like-new’ quality at half the price, buying a renewed Herman Miller chair is an affordable way to maximize the value in your purchase. Check out some of the renewed Aeron chairs at almost half the price in the Amazon Renewed Program.

2. Find one on outlet stores

Another option to get the best bang for your buck is to look for shopping deals at furniture outlet stores. Not only will you get high-quality office chairs at a reduced price, but you’ll get the same level of service and dedication as you would when purchasing a new chair. Just be sure to find a reputable outlet store.

You can buy renewed or refurbished Herman Miller chairs for the best value. You can also visit outlet stores for lower prices.

If you’re not sure about the quality or the fit, your best bet is to go to the store and try the chair out yourself. Herman Miller chairs come in different shapes and sizes. By physically inspecting the chair on your own, you’ll get first-hand experience on how suitable the chair is for you.

PRO TIP: If you’re seriously considering to buy a Herman Miller office chair, you might want to check out our complete comparison of two of its most prominent designs: the Aeron and Embody. Both are highly considered the best offerings from Herman Miller and is worth the investment. Read on to find out which one is best for you.

Bottom Line

So, why is a Herman Miller Chairs so Expensive? In our opinion, Herman Miller Chairs offer the best quality, bar none. If you want the top of the line furniture for your home or office, they’re worth the investment. After all, having one of these beauties can make your Monday mornings something to look forward to. 🙂