The IKEA Jarvfjallet and Markus are two of the brand's most popular office chairs, but they cater to very different preferences. The Jarvfjallet is a modern, minimalist chair with a breathable mesh back and adjustable armrests, while the Markus is a classic executive-style chair with a high, plush back, built-in lumbar support, and a more substantial build.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which IKEA office chair is right for your workspace.
IKEA Jarvfjallet Chair
The Jarvfjallet is IKEA's modern, ergonomic seating solution designed for functionality and a clean aesthetic. Its sleek design, breathable mesh back, and adjustable features make it a popular choice for contemporary home offices, especially where airflow and a minimalist look are priorities.
- What it is: A versatile ergonomic office chair with a focus on adjustability and minimalist style.
- Key features: Breathable mesh backrest, adjustable seat height and depth, adjustable lumbar support, and adjustable armrests.
- Price: Approximately $149
- Dimensions: Adjustable seat height of 17-21 inches and a weight capacity of up to 250 lbs.
- Materials/Construction: Features a steel frame, a firm fabric seat, and a durable mesh back.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist, blending well with contemporary work-from-home setups.
- Pros: Excellent adjustability for the price, breathable mesh back keeps you cool, modern aesthetic fits many decor styles, lightweight but sturdy.
- Cons: The seat is firmer and has less padding than the Markus, materials don't feel as premium, may be less comfortable for very long work sessions (8+ hours).
The Jarvfjallet is perfect for budget-conscious buyers who appreciate a modern aesthetic and want adjustable features like customizable armrests and a breathable back.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/jarvfjallet-office-chair-with-armrests-gunnared-dark-gray-black-s39275632/
IKEA Markus Chair
The Markus is an IKEA icon, legendary for its durability, comfort, and outstanding support during long work sessions. It is an executive-style chair with a high back and integrated headrest, providing robust support for your entire spine, making it a favorite for remote workers and professionals who spend most of their day at a desk.
- What it is: A popular and highly-rated executive-style office chair known for support and longevity.
- Key features: High, contoured backrest with integrated headrest, built-in lumbar support, adjustable height, and a tilt-lock function.
- Price: Around $229
- Dimensions: Adjustable seat height of 17-21 inches and a higher weight capacity of up to 275 lbs. Its tall back makes it great for users over 6 feet.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a strong steel frame, high-density foam padding, and durable polyester fabric or leather upholstery.
- Style: Traditional and professional, with a more substantial and classic "office chair" appearance.
- Pros: Excellent back and head support for tall users, built to last with a 10-year warranty, generously padded seat is comfortable for all-day use, considered a workhorse chair by long-time owners.
- Cons: Armrests are not adjustable, the high back can feel imposing in smaller rooms, less breathable than a mesh chair.
The Markus is the go-to for anyone who prioritizes all-day comfort and robust back support over adjustable parts and needs a reliable chair for a serious home office.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/markus-office-chair-vissle-dark-gray-90289172/
IKEA Jarvfjallet vs. Markus Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The biggest difference in scale is the back height. The Markus has a prominent high back with an integrated headrest, making it a much better fit for taller individuals who need neck and head support. The Jarvfjallet has a more standard back height.
While both chairs have a similar footprint and seat height adjustment range, the Markus looks and feels more substantial due to its plush upholstery and commanding presence. The Jarvfjallet's sleek lines and mesh back give it a lighter, more airy profile that can fit into smaller spaces without overwhelming them visually. The Markus also supports a slightly higher weight capacity at 275 lbs compared to the Jarvfjallet's 250 lbs.
Comfort & Ergonomics
These chairs take two different approaches to ergonomics. The Jarvfjallet focuses on customization, offering adjustable lumbar support, seat depth, and armrests. Its mesh back conforms to your body and allows for excellent airflow, preventing you from getting hot.
The Markus, on the other hand, provides comfort through robust, built-in support. Its back is fixed but ergonomically curved to support the lumbar region, and the integrated headrest is a major benefit for anyone tall. Its armrests are stationary, which can be a drawback for some. Ultimately, if you value airflow and fiddling with settings to find a perfect fit, the Jarvfjallet wins. If you want a chair that feels solid, supportive, and comfortable for 8+ hours right out of the box, the Markus excels.
Materials & Construction
Both chairs are built on sturdy steel frames and backed by IKEA's 10-year limited warranty, but their materials differ. The Jarvfjallet uses a practical mesh back and a fabric-covered seat designed for function and breathability. It's durable but feels more utilitarian.
The Markus employs higher-density foam and a tightly woven polyester fabric (or genuine leather, for a premium) that gives it a more substantial and longer-lasting feel. The Markus has a long-standing reputation for holding up after years of heavy daily use, which is a major reason for its popularity.
Price & Value
The Jarvfjallet is the more affordable option, priced around $149. It offers excellent value by packing key ergonomic adjustments into a budget-friendly package. For casual users, students, or those with shorter workdays, it's an exceptional deal.
The Markus comes in at approximately $229, an $80 price increase. However, many users consider it a better long-term investment. Its superior durability and all-day comfort mean it functions more like chairs that cost twice as much. If you work from home full-time, the extra cost is easily justified by the improvement in supportive comfort.
Style & Versatility
Your choice here depends entirely on your office aesthetic. The Jarvfjallet's sleek, modern profile is perfect for contemporary, minimalist, or tech-focused workspaces. Its simple lines and less bulky frame help it blend in rather than stand out. It fits easily with desks from IKEA's Malm or Bekant series.
The Markus has a distinct traditional, executive style. It's professional and substantial, making it a good fit for more formal home offices or anyone who wants their workspace to have a classic, commanding feel. Its high back makes a statement and pairs well with larger, more traditional desks.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are excellent chairs, but they are designed for different users and work styles.
Choose the Jarvfjallet if:
- You're working with a tighter budget.
- You want adjustable armrests and seat depth to fine-tune your fit.
- You value a breathable mesh back that keeps you cool.
- You prefer a modern, minimalist aesthetic for your home office.
Choose the Markus if:
- You work long hours (6-8+ hours a day) and prioritize all-day comfort.
- You are tall and need excellent back, neck, and head support.
- Durability and a long lifespan are your highest priorities.
- You prefer a classic, professional-looking executive chair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Jarvfjallet and Markus?
The main difference is their design philosophy. The Jarvfjallet prioritizes modern looks and fine-tuned adjustability (armrests, seat depth), while the Markus prioritizes robust, built-in support and all-day comfort, particularly for taller users.
Which IKEA chair is better for long hours?
The Markus is widely considered better for long hours. Its high back, built-in lumbar support, and generous padding provide consistent comfort and reduce fatigue during 8+ hour workdays.
Do the armrests on the Markus adjust?
No, the armrests on the Markus are fixed and cannot be adjusted in height or position. This is one of the most common complaints about the chair, whereas the Jarvfjallet does offer adjustable armrests.
Is the Jarvfjallet's mesh back comfortable?
Yes, most users find the mesh back comfortable and supportive. Its main advantage is breathability, which prevents your back from getting warm. However, it offers less cushioning than the plush back of the Markus.
Which chair is better for tall people?
The Markus is significantly better for tall people. Its high back and integrated headrest provide crucial support for the entire spine, neck, and head for users over 6 feet tall, something the Jarvfjallet cannot offer.
How difficult are these chairs to assemble?
Both chairs follow IKEA's typical assembly process and are considered relatively easy to build. Most people should be able to assemble either chair in 20-30 minutes using the included tool.
What is the warranty on the Jarvfjallet and Markus?
Both chairs come with IKEA's generous 10-year limited warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. This ensures both are a secure and long-term purchase.
Can I lean back or recline in these chairs?
Yes, both chairs have a tilt mechanism that lets you lean back. You can lock the tilt in an upright position or unlock it to allow for rocking back and forth. The tension of the tilt can also be adjusted on both models.
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.
