Herman Miller vs Steelcase: which chair maker suits you?

Two different ideas of fit

Herman Miller's best-known chair, the Aeron, comes in three sizes: A, B and C. Rather than adding lots of sliding parts, you pick the size that fits your body and then fine-tune height, tilt, arms and lumbar. The Embody takes another route, with a back made of many small flexing supports that follow your spine. Both are designed so the chair adapts through its materials as much as through levers.

Steelcase usually sells one size and builds in more adjustment. The Series 1 and Think both have adjustable seat depth and fully adjustable arms, and the Leap is known for its LiveBack system, where the backrest changes shape as you move, plus a seat that glides forward as you recline. The Gesture adds armrests designed for phones and tablets as well as keyboards. If you share a chair or are not sure of your size, Steelcase's approach is more forgiving.

Listing facts side by side

The table below uses only what the amazon.co.uk listings state for three chairs: a renewed Herman Miller Aeron in size B, the Steelcase Series 1 and the Steelcase Think. New Aeron, Embody, Leap and Gesture chairs were not in the listings we reviewed, so they are discussed in general terms only.

Adjustment and the HSE checklist

The HSE display screen equipment guidance asks for a chair that is stable, with an adjustable seat height and a back that supports you, and suggests that your forearms are roughly horizontal and your feet rest flat on the floor or a footrest. Both makers meet that easily. The difference shows up in seat depth. On a sized Aeron, seat depth is set by the size you choose. On Steelcase's task chairs it slides, which helps people with long or short thighs get the seat edge a few fingers behind the knee.

Arms are the other split. Steelcase's 4D arms on the Think move up and down, forward and back, pivot and slide sideways, which helps you bring them close to the desk edge. Aeron arms adjust in height and the pads pivot, with more movement on some specifications. If you type all day with your elbows close to your sides, check the arm range before you buy.

See our ergonomic office chair picks →

Materials, wear and warranty

The Aeron's suspended mesh does not compress like foam, which is part of why second-hand Aerons stay popular. Worn mesh seats can be replaced, and replacement seats for the classic Aeron are sold separately. Steelcase's Series 1 and Think use a wool-blend Fame fabric on the seat, stated in the listings at 120,000 Martindale cycles, a common measure of how well upholstery resists rubbing.

Both brands are known for long warranties on new chairs, commonly 12 years, but the terms depend on where you buy. A renewed or second-hand chair may carry only the seller's warranty. The Think listing on Amazon shows both 12 and 5 years in different places, so check with the seller. Keep proof of purchase whichever you choose.

Which maker suits which person

Choose Herman Miller if you know your size, like a mesh seat that stays cool, and value a chair that holds its resale value. The Aeron is the obvious pick, and the Embody suits people who move around a lot and dislike a defined lumbar pad.

Choose Steelcase if you want seat depth adjustment, 4D arms and a back that flexes with you in a single size. The Series 1 is the compact home-office option, the Think adds a synchronised tilt, and the Leap is the fuller-featured choice when you can find it. If neither fits your budget, many mid-range chairs borrow the same ideas.

• Sized fit and mesh: Herman Miller Aeron
• Flexing back without a lumbar pad: Herman Miller Embody
• Compact, highly adjustable: Steelcase Series 1
• Synchronised tilt and 4D arms: Steelcase Think
• Lower budget with similar ideas: see our Herman Miller alternatives guide

Compare Herman Miller alternatives →

Frequently asked questions

Is Herman Miller better than Steelcase? Neither is better across the board. Herman Miller relies more on sizing and suspension materials, Steelcase more on adjustment. The better chair is the one whose seat depth, arms and tilt fit you.

What about Haworth? Haworth is the third big contract maker, with chairs such as the Zody and Fern. The same checks apply: seat depth, lumbar adjustment, arm range and load rating. We have not compared Haworth listings here.

Is a renewed Aeron worth it? It can be, as long as you check the size, the condition of the mesh and what warranty the seller gives. Herman Miller's own warranty may not transfer to renewed chairs.

Which is better for tall people? A size C Aeron or a Steelcase chair with a long seat depth slide both work. See our office chairs for tall people guide for seat heights in centimetres.