The IKEA Markus is a well-known, high-back ergonomic chair designed for all-day use, while the now-discontinued Volmar was its smaller, budget-friendly counterpart intended for occasional seating. The primary differences lie in their size, materials, and ergonomic support, the Markus features a robust steel frame and superior adjustability for long-term comfort, whereas the Volmar offered basic features in a compact, lightweight plastic frame.
Here's everything you need to know to see how these two popular IKEA office chairs stack up and which style of chair is right for you.
IKEA Volmar Office Chair
The Volmar was one of IKEA's popular entry-level office chairs, designed for budget-conscious buyers and light-use scenarios. Its minimalist aesthetic and compact size made it a good fit for smaller home offices, student dorms, or as a secondary office chair. While it has been discontinued in most regions, its design principles live on in other simple IKEA chairs, and it's often available on the secondhand market.
- What it is: A simple, utilitarian office chair with basic ergonomic features.
- Key features: Breathable mesh back, simple height adjustment, and a standard swivel base with casters.
- Price: Originally priced around $70–$100.
- Style: Minimalist and functional with a simple silhouette that doesn't dominate a room.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a plastic frame, a mesh backrest, and a basic fabric seat.
- Pros: Highly affordable compared to other ergonomic chairs. Its lightweight and compact design is ideal for small spaces. The minimalist look blends easily with most decor.
- Cons: Discontinued, making it hard to find new. Offers very limited ergonomic adjustments beyond seat height. The plastic construction is less durable and not suited for extended, daily use. Lower back support is minimal.
The Volmar (or a similar basic model) is a practical choice for those who need a simple chair for short-term tasks or who have very limited space and budget.
Shop IKEA office chairs: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/cat/office-chairs-20652/
IKEA Markus Office Chair
The Markus is one of IKEA's best-selling ergonomic office chairs, with a reputation for exceptional comfort, support, and durability at a mid-range price. Its high backrest, built-in lumbar support, and headrest make it a favorite among remote workers, creatives, and gamers who spend a significant portion of their day seated. It's designed to provide proper support through long work sessions.
- What it is: A high-back ergonomic office chair designed for full-time work and prolonged use.
- Key features: Tall, breathable mesh back, integrated lumbar support and headrest, adjustable seat height, and a lockable tilt function.
- Price: Approximately $229–$250, depending on the material.
- Dimensions: Taller and wider than typical budget chairs, with a seat height adjustable from about 18 to 21 inches.
- Materials/Construction: Features a sturdy steel frame, reinforced base, and comes with either a fabric or bonded leather seat.
- Style: Modern and professional with a sleek, executive look that works well in a dedicated home office.
- Pros: Excellent ergonomic support, especially for taller individuals. Very durable build quality backed by a 10-year warranty. The high mesh back promotes airflow and comfort. Great value compared to high-end ergonomic brands.
- Cons: A larger footprint that might not fit in small spaces. The armrests are fixed and not adjustable. At over $200, it's a bigger investment than entry-level chairs.
This chair is an excellent long-term investment for anyone who works from home and wants to prioritize comfort and posture without a high-end designer price tag.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/markus-office-chair-vissle-dark-gray-90289172/
Volmar vs. Markus Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
There is a significant difference in scale between the two chairs. The Volmar is compact and lightweight, designed to tuck under a small desk and fit easily into tight corners or multi-purpose rooms. It’s ideal for apartment living or a dorm room where space is at a premium.
The Markus is a much more substantial piece of furniture. Its high headrest and wider seat give it a significant presence and a larger physical footprint. While this size provides superior support for larger or taller users, it can be overpowering in smaller rooms. You'll want to ensure you have adequate space around your desk for it to swivel and roll freely.
Comfort & Ergonomics
The ergonomic capabilities are the biggest differentiator. The Volmar provides only the most basic comfort feature: adjustable seat height. Its backrest is static and offers minimal lumbar support, making it unsuitable for more than a few hours of use at a time.
The Markus is designed specifically for ergonomic comfort during long workdays. Its tall backrest supports the entire spine, and the built-in lumbar curve encourages good posture. The headrest helps reduce neck strain, and the lockable tilt function allows you to recline safely for breaks. For anyone spending more than 2-3 hours a day at their desk, the difference in comfort and support is immediately noticeable.
Materials & Construction
Corresponding to their price points, the Volmar and Markus are built to different standards. The Volmar uses a basic plastic frame and standard-issue mesh and fabric - functional, but not intended for heavy daily stress over many years. It fulfills the need for simple, affordable seating.
In contrast, the Markus features a robust steel frame and higher-quality components designed for longevity, reflected in its generous 10-year warranty. This makes it a workhorse chair built to withstand daily use, offering greater stability and durability that you can feel.
Price & Value
At under $100, the Volmar was an excellent value for what it offered: a functional, stylish-looking chair for a very low price. For a student or as a temporary solution, it was hard to beat. Its value lies in pure affordability.
The Markus, while more than double the price, offers significantly greater value for full-time users. Investing in a chair with proper ergonomic support can prevent back and neck pain, making it a valuable tool for your health and productivity. Considering its durability and 10-year warranty, the cost-per-year of the Markus is very low, making it a smarter long-term investment.
Who Each One Works Best For
Though both are office chairs from IKEA, they serve entirely different users. The Volmar (or chairs in its category) are perfect for people who work at a desk infrequently. Think students pulling a few study sessions per week, those who need an extra chair for housemates, or anyone who primarily needs to check emails for an hour a day.
The Markus is purpose-built for the modern WFH professional, dedicated student, gamer, or anyone who sits for more than four hours a day. Its ergonomic features are essential for maintaining comfort and health during prolonged desk work, justifying the higher upfront cost as an investment in your primary workspace.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both chair styles fulfill different needs effectively, focusing on either ultimate budget-friendliness or long-term ergonomic support.
Choose the Volmar (or a similar basic chair) if:
- You're on a very strict budget and need the lowest-cost option.
- You'll use the chair for less than two hours a day.
- You have a very small apartment, dorm, or workspace.
- You primarily need a seat, and advanced ergonomic features are not a priority.
Choose the Markus if:
- You work from home full-time or spend many hours gaming.
- Ergonomic back, shoulder, and neck support are top priorities for you.
- You are taller and find standard office chairs too short in the back.
- You value durability and want a product that will last for years, backed by a strong warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the IKEA Volmar and Markus?
The main difference is their intended use and level of support. The Markus is a full-time, high-back ergonomic chair with excellent lumbar support built for 8+ hours of use a day. The Volmar was a part-time, compact budget chair with minimal adjustments designed for occasional use.
Which IKEA chair is better for long hours?
The Markus is significantly better for long hours. Its high back, headrest, and built-in lumbar curve provide crucial support that helps prevent fatigue and pain during prolonged sitting.
Is the IKEA Volmar discontinued?
Yes, in most markets, the Volmar has been discontinued. However, IKEA often introduces new models with similar features and at similar price points, so you can likely find a comparable budget-friendly option.
Does the IKEA Markus have adjustable armrests?
No, the armrests on the Markus are fixed, which is one of its most common criticisms. You cannot adjust their height or width. However, they can be removed entirely if you prefer an armless chair.
What is the weight limit for the Markus chair?
The IKEA Markus chair is tested and approved for a maximum weight of 242.5 lbs (110 kg).
How does the IKEA Markus compare to high-end ergonomic chairs?
The Markus offers incredible value and provides many of the core ergonomic benefits of high-end chairs like Herman Miller or Steelcase at a fraction of the cost. However, it lacks the fine-tuned adjustments (like seat depth, armrest position, and adaptable lumbar support) that define those premium brands.
Is the IKEA Markus a good gaming chair?
Yes, the Markus is a very popular choice for gamers. Its supportive high back and headrest provide comfort for long gaming sessions, and its more professional aesthetic is preferred by many over aggressive "gamer" designs.
Can you test the Markus chair in an IKEA store?
Absolutely. IKEA displays most of its popular office chairs in showrooms so you can sit in them and test out the comfort and features before you decide to buy.
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