The IKEA Matchspel and Järvfjallet are both popular ergonomic chairs, but they cater to very different users and environments. The Matchspel is a dedicated gaming chair with a distinct gamer aesthetic, highly adjustable armrests, and a lower price point, while the Järvfjallet is a premium office chair focused on a professional look, sophisticated materials like optional leather, and key ergonomic features like adjustable seat depth.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right IKEA chair for your desk setup.
IKEA Matchspel Gaming Chair
The Matchspel is IKEA's purpose-built chair for gamers, designed to provide ergonomic support and functional adjustments during long gaming sessions. It stands out with its distinct "gamer" style, breathable mesh back, and 3D adjustable armrests, all at a very competitive price.
- What it is: An ergonomic chair specifically designed and styled for gamers.
- Key features: Adjustable seat height, headrest, and lumbar support. Mesh back panel for air circulation. Armrests are adjustable up/down and forward/backward. Lockable tilt function to secure your recline position. Safety casters that brake when you stand up.
- Price: Around $249
- Style: Modern gamer aesthetic, with a bold silhouette and color accents (black with red or blue, or a more subtle white and grey).
- Materials/Construction: Steel frame, high-density polyurethane foam seat, and a wear-resistant coated fabric ("Bomstad" faux leather) that is easy to wipe clean. The backrest is primarily polyester mesh.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price, highly adjustable armrests are great for finding the perfect position, breathable mesh back prevents overheating, lockable tilt provides stable support when leaning back, easy-to-clean seat surface.
- Cons: The distinct "gamer" style may not fit in a professional home office setting. The seat depth is not adjustable, which can be an issue for users with longer or shorter legs. Some find the built-in lumbar support a little too firm.
This chair is perfect for anyone creating a dedicated gaming setup who prioritizes adjustable armrests and a bold style, all without breaking the bank.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/matchspel-gaming-chair-bomstad-black-40507604/
IKEA Järvfjallet Office Chair
The Järvfjallet is IKEA's premium ergonomic office chair, designed for long-term comfort and a refined, professional appearance. Its standout feature is an adjustable seat depth, which allows you to tailor the chair to your body, and it offers higher-end material choices like genuine leather.
- What it is: A highly adjustable ergonomic office chair for professional or home office use.
- Key features: Adjustable headrest, seat height, seat depth, and built-in lumbar support. Breathable mesh back. Synchronized seat and back tilt that follows your movements. Armrests are adjustable for height, but not depth or angle.
- Price: Around $329 (fabric) to $369 (leather)
- Style: Sleek, minimalist, and professional. It fits seamlessly into modern Scandinavian or corporate aesthetics. Available in sober colors like black, dark grey, and beige.
- Materials/Construction: Steel frame with options for genuine grain leather on contact surfaces or a durable "Gunnared" fabric upholstery. High-resilience polyurethane foam seat.
- Pros: Professional design that complements any office, crucial seat depth adjustment for tailored leg support, available in real leather for a premium feel and better durability, strong lumbar support for posture.
- Cons: Significantly higher price point than the Matchspel. Armrests are only height-adjustable and feel less versatile. The seat foam is quite firm, which some users may not prefer for all-day sitting.
The Järvfjallet is for those who prioritize long-term ergonomic health and a professional aesthetic, and who value key features like adjustable seat depth and premium materials.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/jaervfjaellet-office-chair-with-armrests-gunnared-dark-gray-black-s39275632/
Matchspel vs. Järvfjallet Comparison
Comfort & Ergonomics
Both chairs are designed for comfort, but they prioritize different adjustments. The biggest ergonomic difference is seat depth, the Järvfjallet's adjustable seat pan helps you support your thighs properly, a feature missing from the Matchspel and a major plus for anyone taller or shorter than average. However, the Matchspel fights back with superior armrests that move up, down, forward, and backward - offering far more versatility for different desk heights and activities than the Järvfjallet's height-only adjustment.
Both feature adjustable lumbar support and headrests, and breathable mesh backs to help you stay cool. The Järvfjallet seat is known for being quite firm, while the Matchspel's foam cushion offers a slightly more balanced feel. Ultimately, Järvfjallet offers more tailored spinal and leg support, while Matchspel provides better arm and shoulder support.
Design & Style
This is the most obvious point of difference. The Matchspel unabashedly screams "gamer." Its sculpted back, integrated headrest design, and color-accented details are built to look at home next to an RGB-lit PC tower. It makes a statement.
The Järvfjallet is the complete opposite. It's designed to be discreet, professional, and sophisticated. Its clean lines, simple form, and neutral color palette allow it to blend into a home office or corporate setting without drawing attention. The availability of genuine leather further pushes it into a premium, professional category.
Materials & Construction
Both chairs are built on sturdy steel frames and should last for years. The key difference lies in the upholstery. The Matchspel uses a coated fabric (faux leather) on its seat, which is durable and easy to clean spills from but can feel sticky or hot during long sessions. The Järvfjallet offers a choice between a durable woven fabric (Gunnared) or real grain leather on the seat and headrest. The leather option provides a more luxurious feel, ages better, and offers more natural breathability than the Matchspel's faux leather - a definite upgrade in quality.
Price & Value
The Matchspel comes in around $250, while the Järvfjallet starts around $330, meaning you're looking at a difference of nearly $100 or more. The Matchspel offers astounding value, the number of ergonomic adjustments it provides (especially the armrests) at its price is hard to beat. The Järvfjallet justifies its higher cost with two key upgrades: the crucial seat depth adjustment and the option for premium materials like leather. If those features are important for your comfort and aesthetic, the Järvfjallet delivers good value for a top-tier ergonomic chair from IKEA.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these IKEA chairs are excellent choices, but they are built for entirely different purposes and priorities.
Choose the Matchspel if:
- You are a gamer and want a chair that matches your setup's aesthetic.
- Highly adjustable armrests (forward, back, up, down) are your top priority.
- Your budget is firmly under $300.
- You want a bold design with statement color accents.
Choose the Järvfjallet if:
- You need a dedicated chair for a home office with a professional look.
- Adjustable seat depth is essential for your body type and ergonomic comfort.
- You prefer a minimalist, understated style that blends in.
- You are willing to invest more for premium materials like genuine leather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Matchspel and Järvfjallet?
The main differences are in their intended user, features, and style. The Matchspel is a gaming chair with a "gamer" aesthetic and highly adjustable armrests. The Järvfjallet is an office chair with a professional look, adjustable seat depth, and premium material options.
Which IKEA chair is better for long hours?
Both are good, but the Järvfjallet is arguably better for long-term ergonomics, primarily due to its adjustable seat depth. This feature allows you to customize the chair to fit your legs perfectly, reducing pressure and improving posture over 8+ hour workdays.
Is the Järvfjallet worth the extra money?
Yes, if you need its specific features. If you are taller or shorter than average, the adjustable seat depth is well worth the extra money for a proper ergonomic fit. The upgrade to genuine leather is another reason many find the higher price justified for its premium feel and durability.
Can you use the Matchspel for office work?
Absolutely. If the bold aesthetic fits your home office and you don't require seat depth adjustment, the Matchspel is a comfortable and highly adjustable chair for general work. Its armrests are more versatile than the Järvfjallet's.
Which chair is better for tall people?
The Järvfjallet is generally better for tall people. Its ability to extend the seat depth provides better thigh support, and the backrest and headrest also adjust quite high to accommodate taller frames.
How manageable is the assembly?
Both chairs require self-assembly, typical of all IKEA products. They come with picture-based instructions and all necessary tools. Assembly usually takes around 30-45 minutes and is straightforward for one person to complete.
Do the mesh backs really make a difference?
Yes. The mesh construction on both the Matchspel and Järvfjallet allows for significantly better airflow than a solid-back chair. This helps prevent your back from getting hot and sweaty during long sitting sessions, improving overall comfort.
Which one is more durable long-term?
Both have strong steel frames and are built to last. The long-term durability may come down to the seat material. The Järvfjallet’s genuine leather option will likely outlast the Matchspel's coated fabric/faux leather, which can sometimes peel or crack after several years of heavy use.
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