The Herman Miller Sayl and the Embody chairs both offer exceptional ergonomic support, but they are designed for different users, priorities, and budgets. The Sayl is an accessible, design-forward chair featuring a unique elastomer back for flexible support at a mid-range price, while the Embody is a premium, high-tech chair engineered with a "pixelated support" system for maximum, health-positive comfort during long hours of sitting.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Herman Miller chair for your workspace.
Herman Miller Sayl
Designed by Yves Behar and inspired by the principles of suspension bridges, the Herman Miller Sayl is known for its striking, unframed backrest and smart engineering at a more accessible price point. It provides a unique balance of style, performance, and sustainability, making it a popular choice for modern home offices and creative corporate environments where aesthetics are as important as ergonomics.
- What it is: An innovative ergonomic office chair with a flexible, unframed elastomer back that provides support by stretching and conforming to your movements.
- Key features: Unframed 3D Intelligent suspension back, Y-Tower support structure, multiple adjustment options (height, tilt, armrests), lightweight design.
- Price: Ranges from $495 to $595, depending on configuration.
- Style: Modern, architectural, and minimalist. Its unique design makes it a statement piece that doesn't feel corporate or bulky.
- Materials/Construction: The backrest is made of a flexible elastomer, supported by a sturdy aluminum base. The chair is designed with sustainability in mind, using recycled materials and a minimal carbon footprint.
- Pros: Unique and stylish aesthetic, very breathable backrest, excellent value for a Herman Miller product, solid ergonomic support for daily use, eco-friendly construction.
- Cons: Fewer fine-tuning adjustments compared to premium models like the Embody, the flexible back may not feel supportive enough for all users, and the aesthetics might be too unconventional for traditional office spaces.
The Sayl is a great chair for anyone who wants high-end design and solid ergonomics without paying a premium price, particularly suiting those who work from home or sit for moderate periods.
Shop this product: hermanmiller.com/products/seating/office-chairs/sayl/
Herman Miller Embody
The Herman Miller Embody sits at the top end of the ergonomic chair market, designed by Bill Stumpf and Jeff Weber to be a chair that actively benefits your health while you sit. It features a dynamic surface of pixels that conform to your body's movements, encouraging circulation and proper posture. The Embody is an investment piece for people who spend long hours at their desk and view their chair as a tool for well-being.
- What it is: A high-end, "health-positive" ergonomic chair engineered for long-term comfort, spinal alignment, and focus.
- Key features: Dynamic pixelated support that conforms to micromovements, a backrest that mimics a human spine, full adjustability including BackFit adjustment, seat depth, and tilt tension.
- Price: Ranges from $1,495 to $1,695.
- Style: Futuristic, sleek, and high-tech. Its spine-like back and organic form give it a professional and sophisticated presence.
- Materials/Construction: The chair is built with a high-strength aluminum frame, a flexible polymer pixelated support system, and is available in premium fabric or recycled upholstery options designed for durability.
- Pros: Unmatched ergonomic support perfect for long workdays, extensive adjustability for a personalized fit, actively promotes healthy posture and circulation, extremely durable, and backed by a 12-year warranty.
- Cons: Significant investment due to its very high price point, the numerous adjustments can have a slight learning curve, and it fits modern or tech-focused aesthetics best.
This chair is built for dedicated professionals, gamers, and anyone who sits for more than eight hours a day and wants the best ergonomic support technology available.
Shop this product: hermanmiller.com/products/seating/office-chairs/embody/
Herman Miller Sayl vs. Herman Miller Embody Comparison
Comfort & Ergonomics
Comfort is where the fundamental differences between the Embody and Sayl become clear. The Sayl offers a good level of ergonomic support through its 3D Intelligent back, which flexes and moves with you. It feels supportive and airy but lacks the precision adjustment found in more expensive chairs like the Embody. The Herman Miller Embody is in another league. The pixelated support adjusts to every nuance of your body's positioning, while the BackFit adjustment lets you fine-tune the backrest to match your spine's curve. For long-term sitting, the Embody is unquestionably superior.
Materials & Construction
Both chairs are built to Herman Miller's high-quality standards and offer a full 12-year warranty. The Sayl's elastomer back and lightweight frame emphasize sustainability and innovation in design, making it durable for everyday use. The Embody, on the other hand, is built like a tank. Its high-strength aluminum frame and advanced polymer materials are designed to withstand intense daily use for years while maintaining its ergonomic performance.
Price & Value
This is the biggest differentiator between the two. The Sayl offers exceptional value as an entry into premium ergonomics at a fraction of the price of the Embody. While the Embody is much more expensive, its price is justified by its long-term investment in health and comfort for those who sit all day at their desk. Choosing depends largely on your priorities.
Style & Aesthetics
The Sayl's suspension bridge-inspired design is visually striking and light, perfect for creative or minimalist spaces. The Embody has a sleek, futuristic aesthetic that gives it a professional presence. Its spine-like structure means it suits high-end offices or tech-focused settings.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both chairs are excellent Herman Miller options, but they cater to very different uses and priorities.
- You have a budget under $600.
- You love unique, modern designs that make a statement.
- You work from home or need a chair for moderate daily use.
- You need a quality ergonomic chair but don't require hyper-specific adjustments.
- Sustainability and an eco-friendly design reduce guilt to some extent.
Herman Miller Embody
- You sit for 8+ hours a day and prioritize long-term health.
- You are looking for a long-term investment for your workspace.
- You need precisely adjustable support for seat and arm positioning.
- You prefer a high-tech, professional aesthetic.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
