The IKEA Markus and Millberget are two of the most popular office chairs from IKEA, but they are designed for very different users. The Markus is a high-back ergonomic chair with a breathable mesh back and built-in lumbar support, ideal for long work sessions. In contrast, the Millberget is a more traditional, cushioned faux-leather chair that prioritizes a budget-friendly price over all-day ergonomic features.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which IKEA office chair is a better fit for your work-from-home setup.
IKEA Millberget Office Chair
The Millberget is IKEA's answer to the classic, cushioned executive-style chair, offered at an exceptionally low price point. It features a padded seat, back, and armrests covered in a coated fabric that mimics the look of real leather. This chair is a go-to choice for students, part-time home office users, or anyone needing a simple, comfortable chair for short periods of use without a major investment.
- What it is: A budget-friendly, padded swivel chair with a traditional faux-leather finish.
- Key features: Adjustable seat height, tilt function with tension control, weight-activated brake mechanism on castors, and padded armrests for added comfort.
- Price: Around $99.99
- Style: Traditional executive office chair with a professional look that complements classic and simple office setups.
- Materials/Construction: Coated cotton/polyester fabric (bomstad faux leather), polyurethane foam padding, steel and plastic frame components.
- Pros: Highly affordable price. Comfortable for short durations due to its plush cushioning. Classic, professional appearance. Fixed, padded armrests add to the cozy feel.
- Cons: Lacks true ergonomic support for all-day use. Faux leather material doesn't breathe, which can become warm and uncomfortable over long sessions. Armrests are fixed and not adjustable. The cushioning settles and can flatten over time.
The Millberget is ideal for users with casual seating needs who prefer a plush feel for one or two hours at a time and are working with a tight budget.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/millberget-swivel-chair-bomstad-black-40331705/
IKEA Markus Office Chair
The IKEA Markus has become an icon in the home office community for providing reliable ergonomic support at a mid-range price. Its most notable feature is the high, mesh backrest that promotes airflow and provides built-in lumbar support. Designed for people who spend full workdays at their desk, the Markus is a significant upgrade in terms of long-term comfort and durability.
- What it is: A high-back ergonomic office chair featuring a mesh back and built-in lumbar support.
- Key features: High backrest for neck and head support, breathable mesh back to keep you cool, built-in lumbar curve, adjustable seat height, and a lockable tilt function.
- Price: Around $299.99
- Style: Modern and functional, with a tall, lean silhouette that fits well in contemporary home office environments.
- Materials/Construction: Steel frame, polyester mesh back, high-density foam seat upholstered in fabric or leather. Backed by a 10-year limited warranty.
- Pros: Excellent ergonomic back support for its price. Breathable mesh back is ideal for long hours. High back supports the head and is great for taller users. Extremely durable and comes with a fantastic warranty.
- Cons: Armrests and lumbar support are not adjustable. The seat depth cannot be changed. Some users find the seat cushion to be on the firmer side.
The Markus is built for full-time remote workers or anyone who needs dependable support throughout an eight-hour day and values ergonomics over plush cushioning.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/markus-office-chair-vissle-dark-gray-glose-black-30261152/
Millberget vs. Markus Comparison
Comfort & Ergonomics
This is the most significant point of difference. The Markus is an ergonomic-first chair, designed to support proper posture. Its mesh back conforms slightly to your spine, the open weave keeps you cool, and the fixed lumbar curve offers consistent lower-back support. Its high back also provides crucial head and neck support, especially when reclining.
The Millberget is a cushion-first chair. It feels plush and comfortable when you first sit down, thanks to its generous padding everywhere, including the armrests. However, this comfort is superficial and short-lived. It lacks any purpose-built ergonomic features, and the faux-leather upholstery traps heat, making it less than ideal for full workdays.
Materials & Construction
The Markus is built for longevity. Its steel frame, durable mesh, and high-density foam feel substantial and are backed by a 10-year limited warranty, which speaks volumes about its quality. The Millberget feels like a budget chair by comparison. Its coated fabric will likely peel or crack after a few years of regular use, and its foam cushioning will compress more quickly.
Dimensions & Scale
The Markus is a significantly taller chair, with a backrest cresting at around 50 inches, making it a great option for people of average to tall height. The Millberget has a more traditional mid-back height that tops out around 48 inches with a wider, bulkier profile due to the padding. While both have similar seat height ranges, the Markus generally feels more spacious and supportive for a wider range of body types.
Price & Value
The Millberget wins on upfront cost, coming in at about one-third of the price of the Markus. For students or very occasional use, it delivers good value. However, for anyone working from home regularly, the Markus presents far greater long-term value. Investing in the Markus means better support for your body, greater comfort over years of use, and a product that is built to last - without requiring a replacement in two or three years. The warranty alone makes it a more sensible investment for a permanent home office.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are solid chairs for their respective price points, but they are clearly designed for different priorities and work habits.
Choose the Millberget if:
- Your absolute top priority is a low price point (under $100).
- You'll only be sitting in the chair for one to two hours per day.
- You prefer the soft, initially plush feel of a cushioned chair.
- You need a chair for a dorm room, a child's desk, or a guest work area.
Choose the Markus if:
- You work from home full-time or sit at your desk for more than four hours daily.
- Ergonomic back and lumbar support are important to you.
- You tend to get warm while sitting and would benefit from a breathable mesh back.
- You are of average to tall height and want full back, neck, and head support.
- You see your chair as a long-term investment in your comfort and health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Ikea Millberget and Markus?
The core difference is ergonomics vs. budget. The Markus is a true ergonomic chair designed for all-day comfort and support with its high-mesh back and lumbar curve. The Millberget is a budget-friendly, cushioned chair designed for short-term comfort and light use.
Which IKEA chair is more comfortable?
Comfort is subjective. The Millberget feels more plush and "comfy" for the first 30 minutes. The Markus provides supportive comfort that lasts all day, preventing back pain and fatigue - making it far more comfortable for work.
Is the Ikea Markus good for long hours?
Yes, absolutely. The Markus is specifically designed for long hours of seated work, making it one of the best budget ergonomic chairs for full-time home office use.
Are the armrests on the Millberget or Markus adjustable?
No, the armrests on both the Millberget and Markus are fixed in place and cannot be adjusted. They can be left off during assembly if you prefer a chair without arms.
Which chair is better for a bad back?
The Markus is significantly better for anyone with back issues. Its defined lumbar support and high backrest provide the structure needed to maintain a healthy posture, while the Millberget offers only soft padding with no real support.
Is the Markus worth the extra money over the Millberget?
If you work from home more than two hours a day, yes. The upgrade in ergonomic support, durability, material quality, and the 10-year warranty make the Markus a much better investment for your daily well-being and productivity.
How difficult are they to assemble?
Both chairs follow standard IKEA assembly procedures. They are relatively straightforward, come with all the necessary tools and instructions, and can typically be assembled by one person in about 20-30 minutes.
Can tall people use the IKEA Markus?
Yes, the Markus is widely recommended as a great budget-friendly option for taller people (up to around 6'4") because of its very high backrest that provides full shoulder and head support.
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