The IKEA Markus and Flintan are both popular office chairs from IKEA, but they are built for entirely different users and budgets. The Markus is a robust, ergonomic chair with a high back and built-in lumbar support designed for full-time work, while the Flintan is a compact, budget-friendly option best suited for short-term or occasional use.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which IKEA office chair is right for your workspace.
IKEA Markus Office Chair
The Markus is IKEA's staple ergonomic office chair, known for providing solid support and comfort for long workdays without a premium price tag. Its high, breathable mesh back and integrated lumbar support have made it a favorite for home offices, remote workers, and anyone spending hours at a desk.
- What it is: A full-size ergonomic office chair designed for daily, prolonged use.
- Key features: High mesh back for ventilation, built-in lumbar support, adjustable height, lockable tilt function, and a sturdy steel frame.
- Price: Around $229
- Dimensions: 24 3/8" W x 24" D x 55 1/8" H. Adjustable seat height from 18 1/8" to 22 1/2".
- Materials/Construction: Features a steel frame, high-density foam seat upholstered in durable polyester fabric, and a mesh backrest.
- Style: Modern and professional with a sleek profile that fits well in dedicated office spaces.
- Pros: Excellent back and neck support from the high backrest. Breathable mesh prevents overheating during long sessions. Durable build quality designed for daily use. Great ergonomic value for the price. Includes a 10-year limited warranty.
- Cons: Armrests are not adjustable. The fixed lumbar support doesn't fit every body type perfectly. Its large size may be too bulky for smaller rooms.
The Markus is ideal for anyone who needs a reliable, supportive task chair for a 9-to-5 workday and prioritizes long-term comfort over a rock-bottom price.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/markus-office-chair-70261166/
IKEA Flintan Office Chair
The Flintan is IKEA's lightweight, budget-friendly seating solution. It provides basic chair functions in a compact package, making it a practical choice for temporary workstations, student desks, or for users who only sit for an hour or two at a time.
- What it is: A simple, compact office chair designed for casual or occasional use.
- Key features: Basic height adjustment, tilt function, and foam-padded seat and back. Armrests can be purchased separately.
- Price: Around $69
- Dimensions: 26 3/8" W x 29 1/2" D x 42 1/2" H. Adjustable seat height from 17 3/4" to 22 1/2".
- Materials/Construction: A lighter frame with foam padding covered in polyester fabric. Built for light to moderate use.
- Style: Minimalist and casual with a simple profile that suits small spaces, dorms, or secondary workstations.
- Pros: Extremely affordable. Lightweight and easy to move around. Compact design is excellent for tight spaces. Simple and quick to assemble.
- Cons: Lacks any significant ergonomic support for the back. Not comfortable or supportive enough for long hours. Materials are less durable than the Markus. Lower backrest offers no shoulder or neck support.
The Flintan is a great pick if your priority is price and you need a simple chair for short-term tasks like paying bills or light studying.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/flintan-office-chair-80412443/
Markus vs. Flintan Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The size difference is immediately noticeable. The Markus has a much larger footprint and a significantly taller backrest, providing full support up to the neck and head for average-to-tall users. This professional-style scale makes it feel substantial and anchored in a home office.
The Flintan is much more compact. Its lower back and smaller overall size make it ideal for tucking under a desk in a small apartment, dorm room, or a multi-purpose guest room. However, this smaller scale means it offers less physical support, especially for taller individuals.
Comfort & Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the biggest differentiator. The Markus is built for comfort during prolonged use. Its built-in lumbar support keeps your lower back in a proper posture, and the high mesh back allows for airflow and shoulder support. The seat is padded with high-density foam that holds up well over time. It's a true task chair.
The Flintan’s comfort is limited to short sessions. It has basic foam padding and lacks any dedicated lumbar support. It doesn't promote good posture and can lead to discomfort during a long workday. It serves its purpose as a simple place to sit, but it is not an ergonomic solution.
Materials & Construction
Reflecting its higher price, the Markus uses more robust materials. The steel frame provides a sturdy foundation, the caster wheels are designed for frequent use, and the mesh back is both flexible and durable. The chair feels solid and is designed to handle the daily grind.
The Flintan is constructed with lighter materials appropriate for its price and intended use. The frame and padding are sufficient for someone who uses it occasionally, but they wouldn't stand up to the same level of wear and tear as the Markus. It feels noticeably less substantial in person.
Price & Value
At around $229, the Markus delivers exceptional value for a new ergonomic chair. It competes with chairs that cost twice as much, offering key support features needed for a comfortable workday. It's an investment in your daily comfort and posture.
At just $69, the Flintan is all about hitting the lowest price point possible for a functional office chair. Its value lies in its affordability. If you only need a chair for 30 minutes a day, the Flintan offers unbeatable value by fulfilling that basic need without any frills.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Markus is best for people with dedicated home offices, remote workers, students who study for long hours, and anyone who spends more than two hours a day at their desk. If your work depends on being seated, the ergonomic support it offers is a necessity.
The Flintan is best for casual users who need a seat for a secondary workstation, a dorm room desk, or a children's homework area. It’s also a good temporary solution if you’re saving up for a more ergonomic chair but need something functional now.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both chairs serve their respective markets well, but your choice depends entirely on your daily use and budget.
Choose the Markus if:
- You work from home full-time or spend more than 3-4 hours at your desk daily.
- You need proper lumbar support and want to maintain good posture.
- You value durability and want a chair that will last for years.
- You're an average or taller height and need full back and neck support.
Choose the Flintan if:
- You are on a very strict budget.
- You only need a chair for an hour or two a day for tasks like checking email.
- You have a very small space and need a compact chair.
- You need a temporary chair or a secondary seat for an occasional-use desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the IKEA Markus and Flintan?
The main difference is ergonomics and intended use. The Markus is an ergonomic chair designed for all-day comfort with features like lumbar support and a high back. The Flintan is a basic, budget chair for occasional, short-term use with no significant ergonomic features.
Is the IKEA Markus good for long hours?
Yes, the Markus is specifically designed for long hours of sitting. Its high back, built-in lumbar support, and breathable mesh back provide the necessary comfort and posture support for a full workday.
Is the IKEA Flintan comfortable?
The Flintan is comfortable for short periods (under an hour). However, it lacks proper ergonomic support, so it can cause back pain and fatigue if used for multiple hours in a row.
Can you adjust the armrests on the Markus or Flintan?
No, the armrests on the Markus are fixed and cannot be adjusted. The base Flintan model does not come with armrests, but they can be purchased as a separate, fixed add-on.
Which chair is better for small spaces?
The Flintan is much better for small spaces. Its compact design and lower profile allow it to fit easily into tight corners or under small desks where the larger Markus would be overpowering.
How long do these chairs last?
The Markus is known for its durability and often lasts many years with daily use, backed by IKEA's 10-year limited warranty. The Flintan is built with lighter materials and will show wear sooner, lasting a few years with light to moderate use.
Do both chairs have a tilt function?
Yes, both chairs have a tilt function that allows you to lean back. The Markus has a lockable tilt function, which lets you fix the chair in an upright or reclined position, while the Flintan has a more basic, free-floating tilt.
Is the mesh back on the Markus better than a padded back?
A mesh back is generally better for breathability, preventing heat and sweat buildup during long sitting sessions. A padded back can feel plusher initially, but it offers less ventilation. The choice often comes down to personal preference and climate.
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.
