The IKEA Renberget and Millberget are two of the most popular budget office chairs from IKEA, but they differ primarily in style and ergonomic shape. The Renberget features a more traditional, executive style with blockier padding, while the Millberget offers a sleeker, modern design with a more contoured B-shape back for lumbar support.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which affordable IKEA office chair is the right choice for your home office setup.
IKEA Renberget Swivel Chair
The Renberget is IKEA’s take on the classic executive office chair, designed for those who want a professional look without a high price tag. It features generous padding on the seat and backrest and is upholstered in black coated fabric for a leather-like appearance. Its straightforward features and a universally familiar design make it a popular entry-level option for home offices.
- What it is: A budget-friendly, traditional executive-style office chair.
- Key features: Adjustable tilt tension, fixed armrests, height-adjustable seat, safety casters that lock when you stand up.
- Price: Around $79.99
- Style: Traditional and professional, with a slightly bulky profile that fits well in classic office settings.
- Materials/Construction: The frame is made of steel, the base is steel and plastic, and the upholstery is a polyurethane-coated polyester fabric (faux leather). Foam padding provides cushioning.
- Pros: Very affordable for an executive-style chair. Padded armrests provide decent comfort. Looks more expensive than it is. Simple and quick to assemble.
- Cons: Lacks any advanced ergonomic adjustments like adjustable lumbar or armrests. The coated fabric can crack or peel over time with heavy use. The padding tends to compress and flatten over time.
The Renberget is a solid choice for anyone needing a chair for occasional use who prioritizes a classic, professional aesthetic on an absolute minimum budget.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/renberget-swivel-chair-bomstad-black-20339420/
IKEA Millberget Swivel Chair
The Millberget is a more modern alternative that blends function with a slim, contemporary design. While similar in price and basic features to the Renberget, its standout quality is the contoured, B-shaped backrest designed to offer better built-in lumbar support. Available in several colors, it fits more seamlessly into modern home decor than its traditional counterpart.
- What it is: A modern, budget-friendly swivel office chair with built-in lumbar support.
- Key features: Adjustable tilt tension, built-in lumbar support, height-adjustable seat, and pressure-sensitive safety casters.
- Price: Around $99.99
- Style: Modern and minimalist, with a thinner profile and sleek lines that work well in contemporary and Scandinavian-style spaces.
- Materials/Construction: Steel frame and a plastic/steel star base. Upholstery is available in coated fabric (black, white) or polyester fabric. Padded with polyurethane foam.
- Pros: The contoured back provides better lumbar support than the Renberget. Sleek, minimalist design fits in a home environment better. Multiple color choices are available. Easy to clean.
- Cons: Armrests are not padded or adjustable. The seat has less overall cushioning than the Renberget. The white coated fabric can be prone to color transfer from clothing.
The Millberget excels for users who want a stylish, modern chair for daily use and can benefit from the improved lower back support integrated into its design.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/millberget-swivel-chair-bomstad-black-40331705/
Renberget vs. Millberget Comparison
Comfort & Ergonomics
Comfort is where these chairs really diverge. The Renberget follows a traditional design philosophy with thicker, softer foam padding in the seat and back, making it feel more plush initially. However, it lacks any real ergonomic shaping. Its back is relatively flat, and the armrests, while padded, offer very basic support.
The Millberget takes a more modern, ergonomic approach. While its padding is thinner, the backrest is contoured to mimic the curve of the spine, providing noticeable built-in lumbar support. This makes it a better option for longer periods of sitting, as it encourages better posture. Neither chair offers adjustable armrests, which is a common trade-off at this low price point.
Dimensions & Scale
The two chairs are very similar in size, both designed for standard home office desks. The Renberget has a slightly wider and taller backrest (Width: 20 1/2", Height: 18 1/8"), giving it a more substantial presence. The Millberget is designed with a more narrow and streamlined profile, which can make it a better fit for smaller rooms or tight corners where visual weight is a concern.
Both chairs have similar seat height adjustment ranges, typically from around 17 ¾" to 22 ½", making them suitable for most average-height users and desks. Ultimately, the Renberget looks bigger, while the Millberget feels more compact.
Materials & Construction
Both chairs are constructed with a steel frame and a coated fabric (faux leather) upholstery over polyurethane foam. They sit on a star-shaped base with safety casters that prevent the chair from rolling away when you stand up. The primary differences lie in the overall design and perceived quality.
The Millberget often feels slightly more refined in its construction, with cleaner stitching and a design that hides its budget origins better. The Renberget can show its price in the finish and the quality of the padding, which can feel less dense. Both are built for light to moderate home use and not intended to compete with commercial-grade office furniture.
Style & Versatility
Aesthetically, the chairs serve completely different spaces. The Renberget is purely traditional. Its bulky, all-black, faux-leather look is meant to mimic the classic executive chair you'd find in a corporate office from the early 2000s. It works if you want to create a formal-looking office space on a budget.
The Millberget offers far more versatility. Its clean lines and minimalist profile align with modern, Scandinavian, and minimalist decor trends. Since it comes in colors like white and sometimes fabric options, it's easier to integrate into a living room or bedroom corner. If aesthetics that blend with home decor are your priority, the Millberget is the clear winner.
Price & Value
Both of these chairs are positioned firmly in the entry-level category. The Renberget is typically one of the cheapest desk chairs IKEA sells, coming in at around $80. The Millberget is a small step up, usually priced around $100. For the extra $20, the Millberget offers a more modern design and, more importantly, better-integrated back support.
In terms of value, the Millberget offers more for its price. The addition of lumbar support makes it a more functional piece of furniture for anyone who sits for more than an hour or two a day. The Renberget's value is primarily in its extremely low price for a chair of its size and style.
Which One Should You Choose?
While both chairs serve the basic need for a place to sit at a desk, they clearly target different needs and aesthetic preferences.
Choose the Renberget if:
- You want a traditional, professional, or "executive" look for your office space.
- You prioritize initial plushness and thicker padding for short-term comfort.
- You are on the tightest possible budget and need the lowest-cost option in this style.
- Aesthetics are secondary to having a chair with a substantial presence.
Choose the Millberget if:
- You need better lumbar support for longer work or study sessions.
- You prefer a modern, minimalist look that blends with your home decor.
- You want color options beyond basic black.
- You're willing to pay a little extra for a more ergonomic and stylish design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Renberget and Millberget?
The main differences are style and ergonomics. The Renberget has a traditional, bulky executive look with flat padding. The Millberget has a sleek, modern design with a contoured back aimed at providing better lumbar support.
Are the armrests adjustable on either chair?
No, the armrests are fixed on both the Renberget and the Millberget. This is a common feature limitation on office chairs at this budget-friendly price point.
Which IKEA chair is more comfortable for long hours?
The Millberget is generally considered more comfortable for longer periods of sitting. Its built-in lumbar support helps maintain better posture, which reduces fatigue and back strain over time, even though it has less padding than the Renberget.
How difficult is the assembly?
Both chairs are designed for easy self-assembly and follow IKEA's standard picture-based instructions. Most people can assemble either chair in under 20-30 minutes with the included tools.
What is the weight capacity for these chairs?
Both the Renberget and the Millberget are tested and approved for a maximum weight of 242 lbs (110 kg), which is standard for IKEA office seating.
Will the faux leather peel?
The coated fabric ("Bomstad" finish) on both chairs can be prone to cracking or peeling after a few years of regular use, especially in areas with high friction or sun exposure. This is a common durability issue with most budget-friendly faux leather furniture.
Can they be used on hardwood floors?
The included casters are designed for soft floors and carpets. If you have hardwood, vinyl, or other hard flooring, IKEA recommends using a KOLON floor protector to prevent scratches.
Which chair is a better value?
For most users, the Millberget represents better value for the money. The small price increase gets you a significant upgrade in ergonomic support and modern style, making it a more practical choice for a home office.
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