The IKEA Millberget and Malkolm are two popular budget-friendly office chairs, but they cater to very different preferences in style and comfort. The Millberget is a currently available model known for its sleek, modern profile and firm support, while the now-discontinued Malkolm was defined by its cushy, traditional "executive-style" padding.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right IKEA office chair for your workspace, whether you're buying new or secondhand.
IKEA Malkolm Office Chair
The Malkolm was a long-standing favorite in IKEA's office lineup, appreciated for its generous padding and classic look at an excellent price. Although discontinued in most regions, it remains highly sought-after on the secondhand market due to its reputation for "sink-in" comfort. It embodies a traditional office aesthetic, making it a familiar and cozy choice for a home setup.
- What it is: A swivel office chair with extra padding, armrests, and a traditional "executive" style.
- Key features: Height adjustable with a tilt and lock function, safety castors with a pressure-sensitive brake mechanism, and a generously cushioned seat and backrest.
- Price: Originally retailed for around $100-$150. Now found on secondhand markets like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
- Materials/Construction: Typically made with a coated fabric (faux leather) upholstery over polyurethane foam, with a powder-coated steel base and plastic armrests.
- Style: Classic, traditional executive style with a bulky, comfortable appearance.
- Pros: Excellent comfort due to thick padding on the seat, back, and armrests. The classic design feels substantial. Durable for casual use. Tilt function allows for comfortable reclining.
- Cons: Discontinued, so finding one in good condition requires searching the secondhand market. The faux leather can crack or peel with heavy use over many years. Its bulky design can overwhelm smaller rooms.
The Malkolm is ideal for someone who finds one in good condition secondhand and prioritizes plush, cushioned comfort over modern aesthetics and advanced ergonomic features.
Shop for this style: Since it's discontinued, browse IKEA's current office chairs lineup.
IKEA Millberget Office Chair
The Millberget is one of IKEA's most popular current offerings for affordable home office seating. It delivers a modern, streamlined look without sacrificing basic ergonomic functions. Its clean lines and compact footprint make it an excellent fit for contemporary home offices, dorm rooms, or multi-use spaces where style is as important as a comfortable place to sit for moderate periods.
- What it is: A height-adjustable swivel chair with a sleek, minimalist design for the modern home office.
- Key features: Adjustable tilt tension lets you control recline resistance, built-in lumbar support offers back relief, and safety castors lock when no one is sitting.
- Price: $99.99
- Dimensions: Width: 26", Max. height: 48", Seat width: 20 1/2". Tested for 243 lbs.
- Materials/Construction: The frame uses a steel base, while the seat is crafted with a coated fabric (faux leather) over polyurethane foam padding.
- Style: Sleek and modern with a much slimmer profile than traditional office chairs, available in finishes like black or white.
- Pros: A very affordable price point for a new chair. Modern, stylish design that blends well with home decor. Lightweight and easy to assemble. Compact size is great for small spaces.
- Cons: Limited ergonomic adjustments beyond height and tilt (fixed armrests and lumbar). Padding is firm and may not be sufficient for all-day, 8+ hour work sessions. The built-in lumbar support isn't adjustable.
The Millberget is an excellent choice for students, casual home office users, or anyone needing a stylish, cost-effective chair for a few hours of work at a time.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/millberget-swivel-chair-kimstad-white-00331707/
Malkolm vs. Millberget Comparison
Comfort & Ergonomics
Comfort is the biggest differentiator. The Malkolm is built like a cushioned sofa, with thick layers of foam around the back, seat, and armrests. It provides immediate, plush comfort that you sink into. By contrast, the Millberget offers firmer, more structured support. Its padding is purposefully thinner to maintain its slim profile.
Ergonomically, both chairs offer the basics: height adjustment and a tilt mechanism. The Millberget features built-in lumbar support, which is a modern touch the Malkolm lacks, but this support is not adjustable. The Malkolm’s extensive padding molds to your shape, which some users find more comfortable than targeted lumbar support. Neither chair has adjustable armrests.
Design & Dimensions
The two chairs represent completely different design eras. The Malkolm's design is traditional and substantial, with a wide backrest and seat that broadcast comfort. It has a larger physical footprint and carries more visual weight, making it feel right at home in a dedicated office but potentially bulky in a living room corner.
The Millberget is sleek, minimalist, and contemporary. Its streamlined silhouette, slim armrests, and smaller scale allow it to fit seamlessly into multi-purpose spaces without dominating the room. It's the clear winner for small apartments, dorms, or minimalist office setups.
Price & Availability
This is a major practical difference. The Millberget is widely available brand new from IKEA in-store and online for a fixed price, complete with a warranty. This makes it a reliable and immediate purchase.
The Malkolm, being discontinued, sends you into the secondhand market. While you might find one for a great bargain (sometimes under $50), its availability, condition, and price are unpredictable. Buying used means no warranty and potential pre-existing wear and tear on the faux leather or chair mechanism.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Malkolm is perfect for individuals who put a premium on "couch-like" seating comfort and don't mind the traditional, slightly bulky look. If you see one in great shape on your local online marketplace and want maximum padding for your money, it's a fantastic buy. It's a great choice for leisurely computer use or gaming sessions where ergonomic precision is less critical than overall coziness.
The Millberget is built for the modern student, remote worker, or anyone furnishing a home office on a budget. Its value comes from its modern style, accessibility, and ability to blend into home decor. It's the go-to option for someone who needs a functional, decent-looking chair for several hours of work per day without breaking the bank.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA chairs provide excellent value, but they appeal to different priorities for home office seating.
Choose the Malkolm if:
- You prioritize soft, plush, sink-in comfort above all else.
- You prefer the classic, substantial look of a traditional executive chair.
- You are happy to look for a deal on the secondhand market.
- You have a dedicated office space that can accommodate a bulkier chair.
Choose the Millberget if:
- You prefer a sleek, modern aesthetic that fits well in small spaces.
- You are on a strict budget and want a brand-new chair with a warranty.
- You need a chair for moderate daily use (2-4 hours) rather than all-day work.
- Convenience is key. You want to buy a chair online or in-store right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IKEA Malkolm chair still sold?
No, the Malkolm office chair has been discontinued by IKEA in most countries. It has been replaced by chairs like the Millberget, Markus, or Järvfjället, but you can still frequently find it on secondhand sites.
What's the main difference between the Malkolm and Millberget?
The main difference is comfort style and visual design. The Malkolm is a generously padded, plush chair with a traditional "executive" look. The Millberget is a firm, sleek chair with a minimalist design for modern spaces.
How comfortable is the IKEA Millberget for working from home all day?
The Millberget is comfortable for several hours of use, but its firm padding and lack of advanced ergonomic adjustments may not be ideal for a full 8-hour workday, especially for those sensitive to back strain. Many users find it best for part-time work or study sessions.
Can you adjust the armrests on the Millberget or Malkolm?
No, the armrests on both the Malkolm and the Millberget are fixed and cannot be adjusted for height or width.
How do you clean the faux leather on these chairs?
The coated fabric ("Bomstad") on these chairs can be easily cleaned by wiping it down with a damp cloth with a mild cleaner. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, as they can cause the material to dry out and crack over time.
What is the weight capacity for the IKEA Millberget?
The IKEA Millberget chair is tested and approved for a maximum weight capacity of 243 lbs (110 kg).
Which chair is a better fit for a small apartment or dorm room?
The Millberget is a much better choice for small spaces. Its slim profile, smaller footprint, and lighter visual appearance make it far less overpowering than the bulkier Malkolm.
How does the tilt function work on IKEA chairs?
Most IKEA chairs like these feature a tilt function controlled by a large knob underneath the seat. You can tighten it for less recline or loosen it to tilt back more easily. Pulling a lever on the side can lock the chair in the upright position.
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