Herman Miller vs Haworth: Aeron and Embody against Fern and Zody

The backrest is the big difference

The Aeron uses a stretched mesh back held in a frame, and the Embody uses a flexible pixelated support layer that moves with your spine. Both are designed to spread pressure across the back while you recline.

Haworth's Fern uses a central flexible spine with ribs, sometimes described as stems, that bend independently, covered by a knitted suspension back. The back has no hard outer frame, so it flexes with you as you twist and lean. The Zody is an older Haworth design with a mesh back and an adjustable lumbar system that can be set differently on each side.

Back feel is personal. If you can, try both in a showroom or a second-hand office furniture dealer before buying.

Lumbar support options

The Aeron is sold with either a simple adjustable lumbar pad or PostureFit SL, which supports the base of the spine and the lower back with two pads adjusted by knobs. The Embody has no separate lumbar control; its back shape is adjusted with a single backfit lever.

On the Fern, adjustable lumbar is an option chosen when the chair is ordered. A frequent question is whether you can add lumbar support to a Haworth Fern later. Haworth has sold the lumbar part separately in some markets, but availability varies, so ask a Haworth dealer before relying on it. If you know you want lumbar adjustment, choose a chair that already has it.

Our lumbar support guide explains how to set any adjustable lumbar so it sits in the curve of your lower back.

Side by side

The table summarises widely published design points for each model. Options vary by order and year.

Seats, arms and adjustment

The Aeron has a mesh seat and fixed seat depth, which is why it is sized. The Embody, Fern and Zody have padded seats with seat depth adjustment on most configurations, so one frame fits a wider range of leg lengths.

All four offer height adjustable arms, and most configurations add width or pivot. Check that the arms go low enough to sit under your desk when your forearms are level with the keyboard. Our armrests explainer covers what each extra adjustment adds.

Warranty and second-hand buying

Both makers offer long warranties for chairs bought new through authorised channels, typically around 12 years on major parts, with shorter terms on some fabrics and components. Terms vary by product and region, so read the maker's current warranty page. Many warranties apply to the original purchaser only, which matters if you buy used.

Second-hand Fern and Zody chairs are less common in the UK than used Aerons, so parts can take longer to find. Our used Herman Miller buying guide lists what to inspect on any premium chair before you pay.

Which to choose

Choose an Aeron if you like mesh, know your size and want precise lumbar control. Choose an Embody if you want a padded seat and a back that moves with you. Choose a Fern if you want a flexible back with no hard edges and plan to order it with lumbar. Choose a Zody if you want lumbar that adjusts differently on each side.

If none of these fit your budget, our Herman Miller alternatives guide compares mid-range chairs with the same core adjustments.

Compare mid-range alternatives →

Frequently asked questions

Is Haworth as good as Herman Miller? Both are long-established makers of premium office chairs with long warranties. The choice comes down to back design, seat feel and the options you want.

Can you add lumbar support to a Haworth Fern? Lumbar is normally chosen at order. Haworth has sold it as a separate part in some markets, so ask a dealer about availability before buying a Fern without it.

Does the Fern come in sizes like the Aeron? No. The Fern uses one frame with seat depth adjustment, so fit is set by adjusting rather than choosing a size.

Which is better for tall people? Check seat height, seat depth and back height against your measurements. Our tall people guide lists chairs with longer ranges.