The Herman Miller Mirra 1 and the Mirra 2 are ergonomic task chairs that appear similar, but the key differences are in their back support technology, range of adjustments, and aesthetic refinement. The original Mirra 1 uses a simpler TriFlex polymer back and is primarily found on the refurbished market, while the Mirra 2 offers an advanced "Butterfly Back" for zoned support, a smoother tilt mechanism, and a sleeker, more modern design.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which of these excellent Herman Miller chairs is the right investment for your workspace.
Herman Miller Mirra 1 Chair
The Mirra 1 was the original dynamic chair from Herman Miller, designed to respond to a user's movements. Popular for its durability and groundbreaking ergonomic support at the time, it set a benchmark for affordable, high-performance seating. Today, it remains a fantastic value option on the used and refurbished market for those wanting to own a piece of Herman Miller history without the premium price tag of a new model.
- What it is: A durable, dynamic ergonomic task chair that provides foundational support for active "sitters."
- Key features: Flexible TriFlex polymer back, Harmonic Tilt mechanism for recline, adjustable seat depth, and often fixed lumbar support.
- Price: Typically $400 - $500 (refurbished).
- Style: Functional and utilitarian with visible mechanics. Its aesthetic is more industrial compared to the polished look of its successor.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable frame made from recycled plastic composites and an unpadded, flexible backrest designed for breathability.
- Pros: Excellent value for a genuine Herman Miller chair. Highly durable and built to last. Provides solid ergonomic support that is a significant upgrade from basic office chairs. Eco-friendly construction with recycled materials.
- Cons: Has been discontinued and is only available used or refurbished. Less refined aesthetics and can feel more "plasticky." Fewer and less intuitive adjustment controls compared to the Mirra 2. Lacks the advanced back support of the newer model.
This chair is an ideal entry point for anyone wanting Herman Miller's build quality on a budget, especially if fine-tuned adjustments and modern looks are not top priorities.
Shop this product: As the Mirra 1 is discontinued, check verified refurbishers or secondhand marketplaces.
Herman Miller Mirra 2 Chair
The Mirra 2 is the evolution of the original, re-engineered from the ground up to be more responsive, more stylish, and lighter. It retains the same core philosophy of dynamic support but enhances a user's experience with superior adjustability and a sophisticated "Butterfly Back" suspension that offers zoned comfort. This makes it a top choice for individuals who spend long hours at a desk and require a highly adaptable seating solution.
- What it is: A highly adjustable, modern ergonomic task chair designed for responsive, long-term comfort.
- Key features: Signature Butterfly Suspension Back or TriFlex II polymer back, Harmonic 2 tilt with a smoother recline, fully adjustable lumbar support, and FlexFront adjustable seat depth.
- Price: Ranging from $700 (often on sale or from dealers) up to $1,500+ depending on configuration.
- Style: Sleek and athletic with a refined, lean profile. Available in a broader range of colors and finishes to match contemporary office environments.
- Materials/Construction: An intelligent mix of high-quality mesh-like suspension material and engineered polymers that create responsive zones for support. Features improved seat foam for better comfort.
- Pros: Superior ergonomic adjustability for a personalized fit. The Butterfly Back provides exceptional targeted support. Smoother and more intuitive recline and tilt mechanism. More stylish and modern design with extensive customization options. Available new with a full 12-year warranty.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than a used Mirra 1. Some user reviews note the unpadded Butterfly Back can feel firm initially.
The Mirra 2 is for the user who prioritizes cutting-edge ergonomics, refined aesthetics, and the peace of mind that comes with buying a new chair under warranty.
Shop this product: store.hermanmiller.com/collection-mirra-2-chairs/mirra-2-chair/
Herman Miller Mirra 1 vs. Mirra 2 Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
Both the Mirra 1 and Mirra 2 are designed as one-size-fits-most chairs, accommodating a wide range of body types. The Mirra 2 has a weight capacity of up to 350 pounds and is generally suitable for users up to 6'4". While the Mirra 1 has similar weight and height limits, the Mirra 2 is better at accommodating a wider variety of people due to its superior adjustment capabilities. Features like the FlexFront active seat depth and more adjustable arms give the Mirra 2 an edge in customizing its fit to your specific proportions.
Visually, the Mirra 2 has a leaner profile. Its updated "Loop Spine" design creates a cleaner silhouette compared to the Mirra 1's more robust "C-Spine" back frame. This makes the Mirra 2 appear lighter and more athletic in a room.
Comfort & Ergonomics
This is where the Mirra 2 pulls significantly ahead. The Mirra 1 offers good baseline ergonomics with its Harmonic Tilt and a supportive back, but its adjustments can be limited, especially the lumbar support which is often fixed. For its time, it was a benchmark for chairs that moved with the user.
However, the Mirra 2's ergonomics are far more advanced. The showcase feature is the optional Butterfly Suspension Back, an elastomeric fabric merged with a polymer frame to create specific zones of support - firmer for the back and more pliable for motion. This conforms precisely to your spine's shape and movements. The Harmonic 2 tilt is also a noticeable upgrade, offering a smoother, more controlled recline. Fully adjustable lumbar support in the Mirra 2 lets you dial in the exact preference for a healthy posture, a feature many Mirra 1 users found lacking.
Materials & Construction
Herman Miller is known for build quality, and both chairs live up to that reputation. They are built from durable, high-quality polymers, a significant portion of which is from recycled sources. The Mirra 1 feels solid and tough, built to be a workhorse chair - this is why so many still exist in good shape on the refurbished market.
The Mirra 2, while lighter in look and actual weight, feels more refined. The finishes are more polished, the adjustment controls feel smoother, and the overall construction exhibits a higher level of fit and finish. Opting for a new Mirra 2 also gives you the benefit of Herman Miller's 12-year warranty, which covers all parts of the chair.
Price & Value
Your budget will be a major deciding factor here. A refurbished Mirra 1 for $400-$500 represents outstanding value. You get a chair with core ergonomic principles from a world-class brand that is built to last decades. It's an accessible entry point to a product tier far beyond what big box stores offer at a similar price.
The Mirra 2 costs substantially more, sometimes double or triple the price. The value proposition for the Mirra 2 is tied to its superior comfort, better ergonomics for long work sessions, modern aesthetics, customization options, and the security of a new purchase with a full warranty. If you spend 8+ hours a day in your chair, that investment in personalized support and comfort can pay dividends in well-being and productivity.
Style & Versatility
The Mirra 1's design is purely functional. With its visible spine and sturdy frame, it fits well in traditional offices or settings where a utilitarian tool is valued over aesthetics. Its color schemes are usually limited to black or grey.
The Mirra 2 is undeniably the more stylish chair. Its athletic silhouette, sophisticated color palette, and polished finishes allow it to integrate seamlessly into modern home offices and design-forward corporate spaces. The customization allows you to match its frame, back, and seat colors to your decor, making it a piece of functional furniture rather than just an office apparatus.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are excellent ergonomic choices, but they are built for different users with different priorities.
Choose the Mirra 1 if:
- You are shopping on a firm budget and prioritizing value for money.
- You need a dependable, workhorse task chair and don't require micro-adjustments for perfect posture.
- You trust the long-term durability of Herman Miller and are comfortable buying refurbished.
- You appreciate a more functional, industrial design aesthetic.
Choose the Mirra 2 if:
- You will be sitting for long, continuous hours and need elite ergonomic support to prevent fatigue.
- You need highly specific lumbar and recline adjustments for a personalized fit.
- Modern aesthetics and the ability to customize colors and finishes are important to your workspace.
- You want the peace of mind that comes with buying a new chair backed by a 12-year warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Mirra 1 and Mirra 2?
The biggest differences are the back support, adjustability, and aesthetics. The Mirra 2 offers a more advanced Butterfly Back for zoned support, a smoother tilt mechanism, and more refined controls, particularly for lumbar support. Aesthetically, the Mirra 2 is sleeker and more modern.
Is the Mirra 2 more comfortable than the Mirra 1?
For the majority of users, yes. The ability to fine-tune the lumbar support, seat depth, and tilt tension on the Mirra 2 allows for a much more personalized and comfortable sitting experience, especially over long periods.
Can I still buy a new Herman Miller Mirra 1?
No, the Mirra 1 has been discontinued. It is widely available and very popular on the secondhand and professional refurbished market, which is a testament to its durability.
What is the "Butterfly Back" on the Mirra 2?
The Butterfly Back is Mirra 2's signature feature. It's a hybrid structure of a polymer frame merged with a flexible, mesh-like suspension material. This creates intelligent support that’s firm where you need it (like your lower back) and flexible where you need to move.
How much weight can the Mirra chairs hold?
The Herman Miller Mirra 2 is officially rated for a weight capacity of up to 350 pounds. The Mirra 1 has a similar robust build and is generally considered to handle a similar range.
Is the Herman Miller Mirra 2 worth the extra money?
If you value top-tier adjustability, spend most of your workday seated, or prioritize aesthetics and a new-product warranty, then the investment is absolutely worth it. If you need a solid ergonomic upgrade on a tight budget, a refurbished Mirra 1 offers better value.
How do you adjust the Mirra 2 chair?
The Mirra 2 uses several intuitive controls. Typically, you'll find a lever for seat height, a knob for recline tension, a paddle for the tilt lock, and separate controls to adjust seat depth (FlexFront), lumbar height and depth, and armrest height/width/pivot.
How long is the Herman Miller warranty?
When you purchase a new Mirra 2 from Herman Miller or an authorized retailer, it comes with a comprehensive 12-year warranty that covers virtually everything, including parts and labor. Warranties on refurbished Mirra 1 chairs vary by seller, usually ranging from 1 to 5 years.
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