The ultimate guide to ergonomic office chairs in 2025

Are you prioritising health and productivity this year? A great way to achieve both is by improving your office space – starting with the chair you sit on for hours each day. That’s where an ergonomic chair can make all the difference.

We’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know about ergonomic office chairs. What they are, why they’re worth buying and how to choose one.

What does ergonomic mean?

‘Ergonomic’ has become something of a buzzword in recent times, and it sounds a lot more complicated than it is. In simple terms, ergonomics is the science of designing things to fit the human body. This can include tools, furniture, and even whole environments like workplaces.

What is an ergonomic chair?

An ergonomic chair is a type of chair designed to support your body in a way that promotes comfort, good posture, and overall health. Standard chairs often have a one-size-fits-all design. On the other hand, ergonomic office chairs adapt to the shape, size, and needs of the person using them.

Why buy an ergonomic office chair?

Here in the UK, we’re experiencing a workplace health crisis. Reports suggest 3 in 10 workers suffer from back pain.

What’s more, in 2023, 8 million sick days were taken for back pain. It’s fair to say that the need for comfort and support in the office has never been greater.

While ergonomic chairs aren’t a magic cure, they can help solve the workplace health crisis. The research backs this up.

They can reduce pain from sitting

A systematic review found that ergonomic chairs can reduce musculoskeletal pain.

On top of that, a 2018 report determined that a large proportion of workplace injuries are rooted in outdated or unsafe office furniture.

It’s clear that switching to supportive chairs can reduce strain on workers’ backs, necks and shoulders.

They can improve productivity

A touted benefit of ergonomic chairs is productivity, and research backs this up too.

This study found that ergonomic workplaces boost employee productivity and well-being. In turn, this benefits businesses by increasing employee health and reducing absenteeism.

So, if you’re an employer, ergonomic office chairs can potentially make your business more profitable. Of course, you may baulk at the price of decking out your office with new chairs. But consider the long-term return on investment it’ll have for your business.

How to identify an ergonomic chair

Not all chairs marketed as ‘ergonomic’ truly are. Of course, most office chairs have a gas stem and can swivel, but a true ergonomic chair can do much more than that.

And price isn’t the sole indicator of quality. Instead, look for these key features when shopping for one.

1. Seat depth: Comfort isn’t just about cushioning. Seat position is arguably more important. With an ergonomic chair, you can adjust the depth of the seat to suit your body. Ideally, you should sit comfortably with about 2-3 inches between the back of your knees and the seat.

2. Lumbar support backrest: Lower back support is an essential feature of ergonomic chairs. They will support the natural ‘S’ shape of the spine. Some chairs, such as the Herman Miller Aeron, feature an adjustable lumbar support pad. Others, like the RH Logic, feature a lumbar pump for extra support.

3. Adjustable seat height: It sounds obvious, but height adjustment is crucial for comfort and good posture. Ergonomic chairs offer precise height adjustment. This allows your feet to rest flat on the floor, with thighs parallel to the ground, and your arms are desk-level.

4. Reclining backrests: They will feature a weight-sensitive recline mechanism in the backrest. This feature allows you to move freely while sitting, which promotes blood flow.

5. Armrests: Often overlooked, adjustable armrests can help keep your arms, shoulders and neck relaxed.

6. Material and padding: Top executive office chairs usually have customisable materials. Like mesh, for example. Mesh office chairs are ideal for warmer climates because they maximise breathability.

7. Build quality: Ergonomic chairs typically have a high-quality construction. It’s common for top products to last for 10-15 years.

Best ergonomic desk chairs in 2025

At Millar West, we’re privileged to partner with so many excellent manufacturers. Many of them make high-quality ergonomic chairs at different price points. Here are some of the best ergonomic chairs we recommend.

Top-of-the-line ergonomic computer chairs

You can’t go wrong with these premium ergonomic task chairs by world-class designers. If price isn’t an issue, consider these options.

Humanscale Freedom

Legendary designer Niels Diffrient’s Humanscale Freedom is still as innovative today as it was when it came to market in 1999. It has garnered countless awards and has excellent user reviews.

It features a brilliant tilt mechanism, mesh backrest and optional headrest, among other things. The Humanscale Freedom is a tried and tested chair for long hours at work.

Herman Miller Aeron

Chances are, you would have seen one of these classics in the movies.

One of a kind when it came out in 1994, the market has since caught up with Herman Miller’s hit chair. But it’s still a shining light in this category of office furniture.

Expensive, yes. Overhyped, maybe. But it ticks every box you’d expect from an ergonomic chair while adding style and prestige to your workspace. It’s also commonly used as a gaming chair.

RH Logic 400

A powerhouse of an office chair, the RH Logic 400 is one of the best on the market. Its distinctive high back offers great support and movement. It’s one of the most adjustable chairs you can buy and it’s a favourite of many of us here at Millar West. We can’t recommend it enough.

Affordable ergonomic chairs

There are many fantastic ergonomic chairs under £500. They’re more affordable, but by no means are these cheap or poorly made. We supply a number of them here at Millar West. Here are just a few of our favourites.

Boss Design Vite Task Chair

Clocking in at £400, the Boss Design Vite Task Chair is an elegant and comfortable office chair. You can’t go wrong with it if you want a durable and reliable chair for your ergonomic home office.

Ocee & Four Era Task

A mesh task chair manufactured in the UK, the Era Task Chair offers 24 different adjustments.

Its combination of UK origin and 95% recycled materials makes it the perfect environmental choice. We offer it in a wide range of fabrics and colours.

Vepa Remi Mesh

Vepa is another brand big on sustainability. Their Remi Mesh office chair allows you to experience the benefits of ergonomics without breaking the bank. It’s a great option for working from home if you want a breathable mesh back chair.

What are the origins of ergonomics?

The concept of ergonomics was around for a long time before it had a name, even since the days of Ancient Greece. However, it became a serious field of study during WWII.

At this time, ergonomic principles were notably applied to aircraft cockpits. Ergonomists designed them to be simple to pilot in life-and-death situations.

In the following decades, organisations were formed to study ergonomics across the world. The goal was to find ways of improving productivity, health and safety for people at work.

When it came to ergonomic furniture, the likes of Florence Knoll, George Nelson and Henry Dreyfuss emerged as pioneers. Today, these names are synonymous with the most revered ergonomic office furniture brands.

When were ergonomic task chairs invented?

By the 1970s, work life was changing fast. Office jobs had become the new norm, and most workers sat in uncomfortable chairs that didn’t support their bodies.

Recognizing this, ergonomists set out to revolutionise office seating.

The first major breakthrough came in 1976 when Herman Miller introduced the Ergon chair. At first glance, it might look like a standard office chair to modern eyes. But back then, it was nothing short of groundbreaking.

At the time, the prevailing mindset was that ‘a chair is just a chair.’ But Bill Stumpf, the designer of the Ergon chair, thought differently. After years of studying office workers at the University of Wisconsin, he made several key discoveries:

1. Chairs need to support the natural curvature of the spine to prevent back pain.
2. Seat heights should be adjustable, as people have different leg lengths, and knees should ideally be at a 90-degree angle when sitting.
3. Most importantly, chairs shouldn’t force the body to remain static. Instead, they should encourage small, natural movements to keep the sitter comfortable and healthy.

By challenging conventional wisdom, Stumpf and Herman Miller set the stage for the modern ergonomic chair.

1976 Herman Miller Ergon magazine ad

Should you invest in ergonomic office furniture?

At Millar West, we believe ergonomic office chairs are a must for anyone who works at a desk every day.

Sadly, cheap and mass-produced computer chairs and desks are common in UK offices. But if you’re serious about creating an excellent home office or work environment, chairs with proper support are worth the price.

And the team at Millar West can help you find the right chair for you. We supply ergonomic chairs below retail prices, customise the specs, and assemble and deliver them. We can also design and install your whole workspace if you’re interested in a full refurb. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.