There is an old saying that goes – “invest in good shoes and a good bed, because if you’re not in one, you’re in the other”.
Someone forget to mention that the average office worker spends up to 9 hours a day in a task chair!
We’re declaring an updated version for the modern world – “Invest in standing with good shoes, sitting with a comfortable chair and sleeping with a quality mattress.” As you are already well acquainted with the standing and sleeping part of this adage, let’s get into the sitting.
For over 100 years, the office furniture industry has kept innovation at the forefront, utilising the latest technologies and manufacturing processes. This continuous desire to innovate has led to countless task chairs being available on the market today, ranging from the classic operator chair to totally over-engineered executive thrones.
Every once in a while a design comes along that becomes an instant classic. A chair so perfectly crafted, it carves its own story into the history books. These marvels of design are as relevant today as they were on their release date.
This article will explore the best office chairs you can buy in 2023. These task chairs prioritise comfort, functionality, and style. We will delve into the history of each chair and its manufacturers. We’ll also look at the key features of the chairs along with costs and sustainability practices.
The five chairs on our list are the Cosm Chair by Herman Miller, Håg Capisco Chair by Flokk, ID Mesh Chair by Vitra, Liberty Chair by Humanscale, and Eva Chair by Orangebox. Creating a comfortable and productive workspace is essential for maximising productivity and well-being. One key aspect of achieving this is investing in a high-quality office chair that provides optimal support and promotes good posture.
Cosm Chair by Herman Miller
Herman Miller, a leading global provider of furnishings and related technologies, has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1905. Originally known as the Star Furniture Co., the company underwent several name changes before becoming the Herman Miller Furniture Company in 1923. Over the years, Herman Miller has become synonymous with modern design and exceptional quality.
The History of the Cosm Chair
Introduced in 2018, the Cosm Chair represents a significant milestone in Herman Miller’s chair design history. Designed by the Berlin-based Studio 7.5, the Cosm Chair was crafted with the aim of providing an experience of weightlessness and natural balance.
The Chair’s Auto-Harmonic Tilt system, developed over eight years of meticulous research and development, offers self-adjusting support and maximum comfort.
Key Features of the Cosm Chair
The Cosm Chair is packed with features that enhance comfort and support. Its Auto-Harmonic Tilt system automatically adjusts to the user’s body and posture, providing balanced support and movement.
The Intercept Suspension, a breathable and temperature-neutral elastomeric suspension, conforms seamlessly to the body for dynamic spinal support. The flexible frame of the chair allows for comfortable upper-body movement, enhancing ergonomics. The Cosm Chair also introduces the innovative Leaf Arms, providing a cosy resting place for the elbows.
Colour and Style Availability
The Cosm Chair is available in a range of monochrome hues, including Canyon, Glacier, Nightfall, Studio White, Carbon, and Graphite.
The chair is also available in three back options: Low-Back, Mid-Back, and High-Back.
Arm options include Leaf Arm, Height-Adjustable Arm, and Fixed Arm. Or the chair is available without arms.
Cost of the Cosm Chair
The cost of the Cosm Chair varies depending on the chosen configuration and options. Starting at around £1,200, the Cosm Chair is an investment in comfort, style, and long-term durability. With its exceptional design and quality, the Cosm Chair offers superior value for its price.
Sustainability
Herman Miller has a strong commitment to sustainability, and the Cosm Chair is no exception. The chair incorporates responsibly sourced materials and is designed for recyclability. Herman Miller aims to eliminate single-use plastics, incorporate recycled materials, and become climate positive. The company’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond its products, with initiatives such as the rePurpose program, which diverts used furniture from landfills. By choosing the Cosm Chair, you are investing in your comfort and contributing to a greener future.
Håg Capisco Chair by Flokk
Håg, a Norwegian furniture design company, was founded in 1957 with a focus on creating designs that invigorate and improve the world around us. In 1975, Håg faced bankruptcy but was successfully revived under new leadership. In 2007, Håg merged with other European furniture companies to form Flokk, a group dedicated to providing exceptional design and sustainability in office furniture.
The History of the Håg Capisco Chair
Designed by Norwegian industrial designer Peter Opsvik, the Håg Capisco Chair was launched in 1984. Inspired by the dynamic posture of a horseback rider, the Capisco Chair introduced a new way of sitting. With its sculptural saddle-shaped seat and emphasis on movement and variation, the Capisco Chair quickly gained popularity across Europe.
Key Features of the Håg Capisco Chair
The Håg Capisco Chair stands out for its unique design and emphasis on movement. Its saddle seat and backrest provide support and promote dynamic sitting positions. The chair’s height, seat depth, and back height can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. The HÅG inBalance® technology offers a balanced, flowing tilt function, encouraging subtle body movements. The chair’s design promotes a more active way of sitting, leading to improved posture and reduced tension and fatigue.
Colour and Style Availability
The Håg Capisco Chair is available in a wide range of colours and fabrics, allowing you to personalise your chair to suit your office décor. The chair is available in two product families: HÅG Capisco and HÅG Capisco Puls, each offering different features and finishes. With its versatility and style options, the Håg Capisco Chair can be tailored to your unique preferences.
Cost of the Håg Capisco Chair
The cost of the Håg Capisco Chair varies depending on the model and options chosen. Starting at around £600, the Håg Capisco Chair offers excellent value for its ergonomic design and versatility. Investing in a Håg Capisco Chair means investing in your comfort and well-being.
Sustainability
Flokk, the parent company of Håg, is committed to sustainability at every stage of its operations. The Håg Capisco Chair is designed for durability and longevity, with a focus on recyclability. The chair incorporates recycled materials and is 90% recyclable. It has received certifications such as the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and the EPRO award for “Best Recycled Plastic Product.” By choosing the Håg Capisco Chair, you are making a sustainable choice for your office environment.
ID Mesh Chair by Vitra
Vitra, a Swiss family-owned company, has been a prominent name in the furniture design industry since its establishment in 1957. With a focus on exceptional design and craftsmanship, Vitra collaborates with renowned designers to create innovative and timeless furniture pieces. Vitra’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its product design and manufacturing processes.
The History of the ID Mesh Chair
The ID Mesh Chair, a masterpiece of design from Vitra, was conceptualised by Antonio Citterio, an esteemed Italian architect and designer. The chair was designed to merge comfort, aesthetics, and functionality seamlessly. The ID Mesh Chair was meticulously developed with a vision to create a chair that caters to the needs of contemporary office workers, promoting good posture and ergonomics.
Key Features of the ID Mesh Chair
The ID Mesh Chair stands out for its combination of comfort and style. The chair features a form-sensing mesh backrest that provides personalised lumbar support. Its intelligent counter-balance recline mechanism intuitively adjusts to the user’s size and weight, promoting subtle body movements. The chair’s height, seat depth, and back height are easily adjustable for optimal comfort and support.
Colour and Style Availability
The ID Mesh Chair offers a wide range of colours and fabrics to suit various office aesthetics. With options such as Diamond Mesh, Silk Mesh, Plano, Laser RE, Reflect, and Volo, you can customise your chair to complement your workspace perfectly. The frame and base options enhance the chair’s style and versatility.
Cost of the ID Mesh Chair
The cost of the ID Mesh Chair depends on the chosen options and customisations. With prices starting at £706.00, the ID Mesh Chair offers excellent value for its design, comfort, and customisation options. Investing in an ID Mesh Chair means investing in a high-quality, aesthetically pleasing chair that enhances your work experience.
Sustainability
Vitra’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of its business. The ID Mesh Chair is designed for durability and longevity, with a 10-year guarantee. The chair contains recycled content and is 96% recyclable. It has obtained certifications such as the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, the GS seal for tested safety, and the BIFMA standard compliance. By choosing the ID Mesh Chair, you are making a sustainable choice for your workspace.
Liberty Chair by Humanscale
Humanscale, a New York-based company, was founded in 1983 with a vision to create healthful workspaces that combine ergonomics and design. The company quickly gained recognition for its self-adjusting seating, sit/stand desks, monitor arms, and task lighting. Humanscale’s commitment to sustainability is woven into its corporate identity, with a focus on creating a more equitable and sustainable future.
The History of the Liberty Chair
The Liberty Chair, designed by Niels Diffrient, a renowned designer, revolutionised the office seating industry when it was introduced. The chair’s effortless, self-adjusting comfort and sleek design quickly gained popularity. The Liberty Chair embodies Humanscale’s commitment to simplicity, comfort, and performance.
Key Features of the Liberty Chair
The Liberty Chair is known for its form-sensing mesh technology and weight-sensitive recline. Its tri-panel mesh backrest molds to the user’s body, providing customised support. The chair’s intelligent counter-balance recline mechanism adjusts to the user’s weight, promoting natural movement and posture. Adjustable armrests and a contoured seat cushion further enhance comfort and support.
Colour and Style Availability
The Liberty Chair offers a variety of colour options, allowing you to personalise your chair to match your office décor. You can create a chair that suits your style and preferences with neutral shades like black, grey, and white and vibrant options like blue, red, and green. The Liberty Chair is designed to blend into any office environment seamlessly.
Cost of the Liberty Chair
The cost of the Liberty Chair varies depending on the chosen options and customisations. While the chair represents a significant investment, its exceptional design, comfort, and durability make it a worthwhile choice. With the Liberty Chair, you invest in a long-lasting, supportive seating solution that enhances your work experience.
Sustainability
Humanscale’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the Liberty Chair’s design and manufacturing processes. The chair is made from recyclable materials and is designed for easy disassembly. Humanscale prioritises reducing waste, optimising transport routes, and minimising environmental impact. By choosing the Liberty Chair, you are making an environmentally responsible choice for your office.
Eva Chair by Orangebox
Orangebox, a Welsh enterprise established in 2002, quickly gained recognition for its focus on innovation and sustainability in office furniture design. The company’s Smartworking philosophy aims to create furniture that connects people, promotes collaboration, and enhances well-being. Orangebox’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its product design, manufacturing processes, and community initiatives.
The History of the Eva Chair
The Eva Chair was born from Orangebox’s ambition to integrate efficiency, forward-thinking design, and sustainable practices into a task chair. The chair was designed to provide intuitive adjustments, adapt to the user’s body, and promote movement for a healthier and more productive work experience. The Eva Chair quickly became a symbol of Orangebox’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Key Features of the Eva Chair
The Eva Chair stands out for its self-adjusting mechanism, which responds to the user’s weight and provides automatically adjusted resistance. The chair’s simplified controls make it easy to use, while its contoured seat and backrest ensure immediate comfort. The Eva Chair is also compatible with height-adjustable desks, allowing for personalised ergonomics.
Colour and Style Availability
The Eva Chair offers a wide range of colour and style options to suit individual preferences and office aesthetics. With a variety of colours for the seat and backrest, as well as different frame and base styles, you can customise your chair to create a cohesive and personalised workspace.
Cost of the Eva Chair
The cost of the Eva Chair varies depending on the chosen customisations and options. While it represents an investment, the Eva Chair offers exceptional value for its innovative design, comfort, and sustainability features. Investing in an Eva Chair means investing in a chair that prioritises your well-being and supports a sustainable future.
Sustainability
Sustainability is at the core of Orangebox’s ethos, and the Eva Chair reflects this commitment. The chair is made from durable and recyclable materials, with a focus on minimising waste and maximising recycling potential. Orangebox’s local sourcing and simplified assembly processes further reduce environmental impact. By choosing the Eva Chair, you are making a sustainable choice for your office environment.
Conclusion of the 5 Best Office Chairs of 2023
Investing in a high-quality office chair is essential for creating a comfortable and productive workspace. The Cosm Chair by Herman Miller, Håg Capisco Chair by Flokk, ID Mesh Chair by Vitra, Liberty Chair by Humanscale, and Eva Chair by Orangebox are among the best office chairs available to buy in 2023. Each chair offers unique features, customisation options, and a commitment to sustainability. By choosing one of these chairs, you are investing in your comfort, well-being, and a more sustainable future.
