Haworth builds high-quality, professional ergonomic chairs that balance durability and comfort with a more accessible price point. In contrast, Herman Miller is a legendary brand known for its iconic, research-driven designs, premium materials, and top-tier pricing. The primary difference is that Haworth offers a practical, high-value solution for durable office seating, while Herman Miller offers an investment in iconic design and cutting-edge ergonomic innovation.
Let's compare these two office furniture giants to help you decide which brand is right for your workspace.
Haworth: The Practical Ergonomic Solution
Founded in 1948, Haworth has established itself as a global leader in office furniture, known for its functional, durable, and highly ergonomic seating solutions. The brand focuses on creating products that enhance well-being and productivity in both corporate and home office settings. Haworth is the go-to choice for companies and individuals who need reliable, long-lasting chairs without the premium price tag of more design-focused brands.
- Product mix: Primarily known for ergonomic task chairs, but also offers conference seating and adaptable workstations. Signature models include the Fern and Zody chairs.
- Style/vibe: Modern and functional. Haworth chairs have clean lines and a professional aesthetic designed to fit seamlessly into a variety of office decors rather than acting as a statement piece.
- Price point: Mid to high-end. Flagship ergonomic models typically range from $600 to $1,200, depending on the customizations and features.
- Quality & Construction: Built for commercial-grade use with reinforced frames, breathable mesh, and high-performance upholstery. Their chairs are robust and backed by solid warranties, ensuring they hold up to daily use.
- Customization: Offers extensive customization with a wide array of fabric types, colors, and finish options to match specific office interiors.
- Fit & Sizing: Haworth chairs are highly adjustable, with features like 4D arms, seat depth adjustment, and advanced lumbar support to accommodate a wide range of body types.
- Sustainability: The company emphasizes responsible sourcing and holds FSC certifications. They also focus on creating eco-friendly manufacturing processes and recycling programs.
Overall, Haworth provides business-class ergonomics and durability, making it an excellent choice for anyone prioritizing everyday comfort and quality at a competitive price.
Shop Haworth: haworth.com
Herman Miller: The Iconic Ergonomic Innovator
Herman Miller is a legendary American brand that has been a pioneer in modern furniture design and ergonomics since its inception. The company is synonymous with iconic pieces like the Aeron chair and the Eames Lounge Chair, which blend aesthetic beauty with scientific comfort. Herman Miller targets design-conscious consumers, executives, and anyone willing to invest in a chair that is both a high-performance work tool and a piece of design history.
- Product mix: Best known for world-renowned ergonomic office chairs, including the Aeron, Sayl, and Embody. Also offers a wide range of classic and contemporary home and office furniture.
- Style/vibe: Iconic, sleek, and contemporary. Herman Miller chairs are instantly recognizable and serve as design centerpieces that communicate a focus on quality and style.
- Price point: Premium. Expect to pay between $900 and $1,500+ for their flagship task chairs, with prices escalating based on configuration.
- Quality & Construction: Considered the benchmark for durability and innovative materials. The use of proprietary Pellicle mesh on the Aeron chair, high-grade aluminum frames, and decades of research result in products that often last for well over a decade, backed by an industry-leading 12-year warranty.
- Customization: Users can customize nearly every aspect online, including frame finish, caster type, arm material, and level of ergonomic support.
- Fit & Sizing: Famously offers chairs in multiple sizes (e.g., Aeron's Size A, B, and C) to provide a tailored fit for different body types, a unique feature in the industry.
- Sustainability: A leader in corporate sustainability. Many products have Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver status and use significant amounts of recycled materials, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental responsibility.
Herman Miller is the clear option for those who see their office chair as a long-term investment in health, comfort, and impeccable design.
Shop Herman Miller: hermanmiller.com
Haworth vs. Herman Miller Comparison
Price Comparison
There is a clear price difference between the two brands. Haworth occupies the mid-to-high end of the market, with popular models ranging from $600 to $1,200. This makes their chairs an affordable yet high-quality choice for corporate offices and home users seeking professional-grade features without paying a premium.
Herman Miller sits firmly in the premium category. Their iconic chairs like the Aeron often start around $1,000 and can easily exceed $1,500 with upgraded features. While more expensive, the price reflects extensive research and development, innovative materials, iconic design status, and an exceptional 12-year warranty, which many consumers see as a worthwhile long-term investment.
Style & Aesthetic
Haworth's design philosophy is rooted in functional modernity. Their chairs are clean, professional, and versatile, designed to blend into an office environment. While well-designed, they don't have the same iconic silhouette or brand recognition as a Herman Miller chair.
Herman Miller's aesthetic is legendary. The Aeron chair, for example, is part of the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection and has become a symbol of the tech industry. Their chairs are sculptural and stylish, adding a distinct designer element to any workspace. For users who care about making a visual statement, Herman Miller is unmatched.
Quality & Construction
Both brands produce extremely durable chairs built to withstand rigorous daily use. Haworth chairs are known for their heavy-duty construction, strong frames, and high-performance textiles favored in corporate settings. They are built to last and are backed by comprehensive warranties.
Herman Miller stands out for its pioneering use of materials and deep ergonomic research. The brand's Pellicle mesh material offers unique support and breathability, and their chairs undergo extensive testing to ensure longevity. The 12-year, 24/7-use warranty is a powerful testament to their confidence in the chair's construction and durability.
Fit & Sizing
Both Haworth and Herman Miller offer a wealth of adjustments to help users achieve an ergonomic fit, including lumbar support, seat depth, arm height, and recline settings. Haworth chairs typically follow a "one-size-fits-most" approach with a wide adjustment range.
Herman Miller takes fitting a step further with select chairs. The Aeron is famously available in three distinct sizes (A, B, and C), ensuring users of different heights and weights can find a frame that is perfectly proportioned to their body. This tailored approach provides a level of customized ergonomics that is hard to match.
Sustainability & Ethics
Both companies are strong performers in sustainability. Haworth is committed to eco-friendly production, has numerous products with ecological certifications, and uses renewable materials. They operate with a "circular economy" mindset to minimize waste.
Herman Miller is widely considered an industry front-runner in sustainability. They have received many environmental awards, pursue carbon neutrality, and are well known for their Cradle to Cradle Certified materials, indicating that their products are designed to be recycled and reused with minimal environmental impact.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer exceptional ergonomic chairs, but they are designed for different priorities and budgets.
Choose Haworth if:
- You're looking for an excellent value on a durable, high-quality ergonomic chair.
- You need a dependable workhorse chair for daily long-term use in a home or corporate office.
- A professional, versatile aesthetic that blends in is more important than an iconic design.
- Your budget is firmly in the $600 to $1,200 range.
Choose Herman Miller if:
- You are making a long-term investment in your health and want the best ergonomics available.
- Design is a high priority, and you want a chair that doubles as an iconic statement piece.
- You can benefit from a specific size (like Aeron's A/B/C) for a perfect-fit experience.
- You value an industry-leading 12-year warranty and a chair with proven, decades-long durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Haworth or Herman Miller cheaper?
Haworth is significantly more affordable than Herman Miller. Haworth’s flagship chairs generally cost between $600 and $1,200, whereas Herman Miller's popular models start around $900-$1,000 and can easily exceed $1,500 fully loaded.
Which brand has better quality chairs?
Both brands produce commercial-grade, high-quality chairs designed for longevity. Herman Miller is widely considered the more premium option due to its extensive research, innovative proprietary materials like Pellicle mesh, and an unrivaled 12-year warranty that covers 24/7 use.
Is the Herman Miller Aeron worth the extra money?
For many, the answer is yes. The Aeron's higher cost is justified by its iconic design, precision ergonomics with multiple sizing options, decades of proven durability, excellent resale value, and the peace of mind that comes with a best-in-class warranty.
Which brand is better for back pain?
Both brands offer outstanding ergonomic support. Herman Miller, particularly the Aeron with its PostureFit SL feature, is often praised for exceptional lower-back and sacral support. However, Haworth chairs like the Fern offer a highly sensitive and responsive backrest that cradles the user's spine. The "better" brand depends on your individual body shape and support needs.
How long do Haworth chairs last?
Haworth chairs are built for demanding corporate environments and are designed to last for over a decade. They come with robust warranties that typically cover frames and mechanisms for 12 years.
How long do Herman Miller chairs last?
Herman Miller chairs are famous for their longevity, often lasting 15-20 years or more with proper care. This is a primary reason for their high price and is backed by a 12-year warranty that covers all parts and labor, 24/7 usage included.
Does Herman Miller ever go on sale?
Yes, but discounts are rare and predictable. Herman Miller typically holds semi-annual sales in the spring and fall where they offer around 15% off their entire collection. These are the best times of the year to purchase a chair directly.
Can you buy Haworth chairs directly from their website?
Yes, Haworth sells chairs directly to consumers through their website, which offers a full online store with customization options. They are also widely available through authorized corporate furniture dealers.
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