The IKEA Markus and a comparable Staples office chair both offer significant value, but they target different needs with their design and features. The Markus is known for its tall, breathable mesh back and minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic, making it a style-conscious choice for home offices. In contrast, chairs from Staples in the same price range typically prioritize functional ergonomics and customization, offering more adjustable components for those who sit for long hours.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which of these popular office chairs from IKEA and Staples is the right fit for your workspace.
IKEA Markus
The IKEA Markus is one of the most popular and recognizable office chairs for home office setups. It has gained a loyal following for perfectly blending a clean, modern aesthetic with essential ergonomic features like a high back and breathable mesh at a highly competitive price point.
- What it is: A high-back ergonomic office chair featuring a mesh backrest designed by IKEA.
- Key features: A tall back with an integrated headrest, breathable mesh for air circulation, adjustable seat height (18 7/8" to 22 7/8"), and a lockable tilt function.
- Price: Around $229.
- Dimensions: 24 3/8" (W) x 24 3/8" (D) x 55 1/8" (H). Seat height is adjustable.
- Materials/Construction: It has a steel frame, breathable polyester mesh on the back, and a polyurethane foam seat cushion with fabric upholstery.
- Style: Minimalist, modern Scandinavian. Its clean lines and simple silhouette allow it to blend easily into home decor rather than looking like a piece of corporate equipment.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price. The high back provides full spine, neck, and head support. Breathable mesh back prevents overheating. Sleek, stylish design works well in non-traditional offices. Includes a generous 10-year limited warranty.
- Cons: Armrests are not adjustable. The built-in lumbar support is fixed and may not be comfortable for all body types. Limited color and material options are available.
The Markus is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a stylish, comfortable chair for a home office and values head support without requiring extensive ergonomic adjustments.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/markus-office-chair-vissle-dark-gray-90289172/
Staples Office Chair
Unlike a single model, Staples offers a wide array of office chairs designed with productivity and extended use in mind. Chairs in a similar price bracket to the Markus, like the Hyken or Kroy, tend to focus heavily on adjustability and traditional office comfort, making functionality their primary selling point.
- What it is: An ergonomic office chair with a strong focus on adjustability, designed for home and corporate workspaces.
- Key features: Varies by model but commonly includes adjustable seat height, adjustable armrests (in height and width), customizable lumbar support, and multiple tilt-lock positions.
- Price: Comparable models typically range from $150 to $250.
- Dimensions: Sizes vary, but seat heights often range from 16" to 21" and many models support weights up to 300 lbs.
- Materials/Construction: Typically feature reinforced frames, mesh or fabric upholstery, and higher-density foam seats designed for durability over eight-hour workdays.
- Style: Generally more utilitarian and corporate. Designs are focused on function rather than aesthetic flair, with most models available in standard black or gray.
- Pros: Wide range of ergonomic adjustments allows for a personalized fit. Built for heavy daily use and long-term durability. Frequent sales can make highly-featured chairs very affordable. A broader selection of models to fit different needs and body types.
- Cons: Aesthetics can be bland or overly corporate for a home setting. Build quality can vary significantly between different models. The sheer number of options can make choosing one difficult.
A Staples chair is ideal for professionals who spend many hours at their desk and need to fine-tune every aspect of their chair for maximum ergonomic support.
Shop this product: staples.com/office-chairs/cat_CL140301/
IKEA Markus vs. Staples Chair Comparison
Comfort & Ergonomics
This is the most significant point of difference. The IKEA Markus provides good foundational ergonomics with its high back, tilt function, and built-in lumbar support. However, its weak point is the lack of adjustability - the armrests and lumbar support are fixed in place. For many users, this is perfectly fine, but if the fixed positions don't fit your body, there's no way to change them.
Staples chairs excel at adjustability. Most models in this price range offer height-adjustable armrests, and many include customizable lumbar support that can slide up and down or increase in depth. This ability to fine-tune the fit makes Staples chairs a safer bet for anyone who works long hours, has specific back support needs, or simply wants total control over their seating posture.
Materials & Construction
Both the Markus and comparable Staples chairs use similar core materials: a steel base, a mesh back, and a fabric seat. The IKEA Markus is well-regarded for its durability relative to its cost and comes with an impressive 10-year warranty, speaking to its solid construction. The mesh back is taut and supportive, and the frame is sturdy.
Staples chairs are designed for the rigors of a standard office environment, and their construction often reflects this. While quality varies by model, many feature reinforced bases and components built for frequent, extended use. Warranties are also strong, often ranging from 7 years to limited lifetime, ensuring they stand up to daily work.
Style & Versatility
The IKEA Markus is the clear winner on style. Its simple, Scandinavian design looks intentional and modern, making it a popular choice for blending into a home environment. It looks less like a piece of corporate equipment and more like a considered piece of furniture. This aesthetic appeal is a major reason for its popularity among remote workers and content creators.
Staples chairs, on the other hand, rarely prioritize looks. Their design language is functional and utilitarian. They look like office chairs, plain and simple. While this is perfectly fine for a dedicated office space, they can stick out in a living room, bedroom, or a multi-use area.
Price & Value
Both options offer outstanding value. The IKEA Markus has a consistent, affordable price of around $229 that delivers style, comfort, and a great warranty. Its value comes from getting a well-designed, reliable chair that meets about 80% of most people's ergonomic needs without breaking the bank.
Staples offers a different kind of value. While their chairs have similar list prices, Staples frequently runs sales and promotions that can bring the cost of a highly adjustable chair down significantly. The value here is in features-per-dollar - you can often get a chair with more ergonomic controls for the same price as or less than a Markus if you shop at the right time.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are strong contenders in the budget-friendly office chair market, but they are designed for different users.
Choose the IKEA Markus if:
- You prioritize style and want an office chair that complements your home decor.
- You value a high back that provides essential neck and head support.
- You don't need highly customizable armrests or lumbar positioning.
- You want a proven product with a passionate user base and a great warranty.
Choose a Staples Chair if:
- Ergonomic customization is your top priority for preventing soreness or fatigue.
- You spend over six hours a day at your desk and need to fine-tune your seating position.
- You need adjustable armrests to fit your desk height and typing posture.
- Function is more important to you than style, and you have a dedicated workspace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the IKEA Markus and a Staples chair?
The primary difference is design philosophy. The IKEA Markus emphasizes a minimalist aesthetic and essential ergonomic comfort (like a high back), while a typical Staples chair in the same price range prioritizes functional, highly adjustable ergonomic features over style.
Is the IKEA Markus good for sitting all day?
For many people, yes. Its high back and supportive seat make it comfortable for a full workday. However, for those with specific back issues or who are sensitive to posture, the lack of adjustable lumbar and arm support might become an issue during very long sessions.
Do the armrests on the IKEA Markus adjust?
No, the armrests on the Markus are fixed in place. They can be removed entirely if you prefer an armless chair, but their height and width cannot be changed.
Which chair is better for tall people?
The IKEA Markus is often recommended for tall individuals due to its exceptionally high back and integrated headrest, which provides support that many standard office chairs lack. Many Staples chairs also accommodate taller users, but the Markus is particularly well-known for this feature.
How difficult is assembly for these chairs?
Both are designed for customer assembly. IKEA is famous for its visual, diagram-based instructions, and the Markus is generally considered very easy to put together. Staples chairs also come with clear instructions and are typically straightforward to assemble in under 30 minutes.
What is the warranty like for each chair?
The IKEA Markus comes with a 10-year limited warranty, which is excellent for a chair at its price point. Staples chair warranties vary by model but are often very competitive, with many including a 7-year or limited lifetime warranty on parts.
Which chair is more durable?
Both are built to last for years of regular use. The Markus has a reputation for being a workhorse, and many Staples models are designed specifically for the high-demand environment of a corporate office. Durability is a strong suit for both.
Can I test these chairs before buying?
Yes. You can try out the IKEA Markus at any IKEA showroom. Likewise, Staples stores typically have floor models of their most popular chairs available for customers to sit in and test.
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