Kinnarps is a Swedish office furniture manufacturer that emphasizes affordable, sustainable Scandinavian design, making it a practical choice for functional workspaces. By contrast, Herman Miller is a premium American brand renowned for its iconic, design-forward pieces and pioneering ergonomic engineering, positioning it as an investment in high-end comfort and style.
Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right office furniture brand for your space.
Kinnarps: The Sustainable Scandinavian Solution
Founded in 1942, Kinnarps has established itself as a leading European producer of workplace furniture, guided by functional Scandinavian design and a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. The brand appeals to mid-to-large organizations and eco-conscious consumers looking for durable, adaptable, and cost-effective solutions for modern offices.
- Product mix: A comprehensive range of workplace furniture including desks, ergonomic chairs, storage systems, and collaborative furniture for meeting and breakout areas.
- Style/vibe: Minimalist and functional Scandinavian aesthetic. Their pieces feature clean lines, neutral color palettes, and a focus on simplicity that integrates seamlessly into various professional environments.
- Price point: Accessible mid-range pricing. Desks and chairs typically start around $300–$800, offering good value for organizations outfitting entire offices, often with volume discounts available.
- Quality: Built for durability and heavy daily use with robust construction. Materials include recycled steel, sustainable wood, and eco-friendly fabrics. Warranties generally last between 5 and 10 years.
- Customization: Strong focus on customizable options, allowing clients to select specific dimensions, fabrics, and finishes to meet their unique workspace requirements and aesthetic preferences.
- Sustainability: Kinnarps adheres to strict environmental standards like ISO 14001, utilizing recycled materials, and designing furniture for easy disassembly and reuse to minimize waste.
- Delivery & Assembly: Partners with local dealers to provide personalized consultations, delivery, and professional installation services.
Kinnarps is the ideal choice for businesses and individuals seeking functional, customizable, and eco-friendly office furniture without a premium price tag.
Shop Kinnarps: kinnarps.com
Herman Miller: The Premium Ergonomic Icon
With a legacy dating back to 1905, Herman Miller is a global icon in the furniture industry, famous for its collaborations with legendary designers and its commitment to human-centered, ergonomic design. Home to classics like the Eames Lounge Chair and the revolutionary Aeron chair, the brand targets corporate clients and design-savvy individuals who prioritize exceptional quality, lasting comfort, and timeless style.
- Product mix: Extensive portfolio of office solutions, including world-famous ergonomic chairs, height-adjustable desks, lounge seating, and collaborative systems. Also offers a wide range of accessories and iconic residential pieces.
- Style/vibe: Iconic modernist aesthetic with sculptural lines and innovative forms. Their pieces are often seen as design statements that merge artistic elegance with functional engineering.
- Price point: Premium to luxury. The iconic Aeron chair starts around $1,200, and desks can easily range from $1,000 to over $3,000.
- Quality: Considered an industry benchmark for craftsmanship. They use premium materials like high-grade aluminum and advanced textiles, backed by rigorous testing. Most chairs come with a comprehensive 12-year warranty.
- Sizing & Fit: Many flagship products, like the Aeron chair, are available in multiple sizes (A, B, C) to ensure a precise ergonomic fit for different body types, supplemented by extensive adjustability.
- Sustainability: A leader in sustainable manufacturing for decades, with many products holding Cradle to Cradle and GREENGUARD certifications. Herman Miller is committed to using recycled content and ensuring product recyclability.
- Delivery & Assembly: Offers a premium shopping experience with fast shipping, white-glove delivery, and professional installation services available.
Herman Miller is the definitive choice for those willing to invest in superior ergonomics, iconic design, and heirloom-quality furniture that stands the test of time.
Shop Herman Miller: hermanmiller.com
Kinnarps vs. Herman Miller Comparison
Price Comparison
There is a significant price difference between the two brands. Kinnarps is positioned to offer value and affordability, especially for large-scale projects. With chairs and desks in the $300 to $800 range, it's an accessible option for mid-sized companies and cost-conscious buyers needing functional, durable furniture.
Herman Miller occupies the premium market segment. Their legendary ergonomic chairs begin north of $1,200, and desks can cost several thousand dollars. While the initial investment is much higher, the price reflects advanced ergonomic research, famous design collaborations, superior materials, and a best-in-class 12-year warranty, which ensures long-term return on investment.
Style & Aesthetic
Kinnarps follows a classic Scandinavian design philosophy. Its furniture is characterized by clean lines, understated forms, and a focus on function and versatility. The minimalist aesthetic is designed to fit into a wide variety of office environments without overpowering the space, making it a practical and safe choice.
Herman Miller's aesthetic is iconic and modernist. Its pieces are intended to be conversation starters, a blend of sculptural art and high-performance engineering. From the timeless look of the Eames Lounge Chair to the recognizable silhouette of the Aeron, Herman Miller furniture adds a distinct touch of sophisticated, design-forward style to any interior.
Quality & Construction
Both brands produce high-quality furniture, but their approach and materials differ. Kinnarps builds robust, reliable products designed for heavy daily use in busy office settings. They use dependable materials like recycled steel and sustainable woods, backing their products with solid warranties ranging from 5 to 10 years.
Herman Miller is synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship and innovative materials. Their furniture undergoes extensive testing for durability and performance. With premium-grade metals, woods, and pioneering materials like the Pellicle mesh on the Aeron chair, their build quality is considered the gold standard. The 12-year warranty is a clear indicator of the company’s confidence in its long-lasting construction.
Fit & Sizing
Both brands prioritize ergonomics, but Herman Miller offers a more clinical level of precision. Kinnarps chairs offer essential adjustability features like seat height, lumbar support, and tilt, making them suitable for the majority of users in a shared office environment.
Herman Miller takes fit a step further. Flagship chairs like the Aeron are available in three distinct sizes (A, B, C) to correspond with specific height and weight ranges, ensuring a quasi-custom fit right out of the box. Combined with micro-adjustments for posture and support, their chairs provide a superior level of personalized comfort.
Sustainability & Ethics
Both Kinnarps and Herman Miller are leaders in sustainable manufacturing. Kinnarps showcases its commitment through ISO 14001 standards and a focus on recycled materials and circular design, where products can be disassembled for reuse.
Similarly, Herman Miller has a long history of environmental stewardship, pioneering many of the practices now common in the industry. With numerous certifications like Cradle to Cradle and goals for carbon neutrality, they are often seen as setting industry standards for ethical and eco-conscious production.
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice comes down to your budget, design priorities, and how you value ergonomics vs. overall functionality.
Choose Kinnarps if:
- You are furnishing a large or mid-sized office and need a cost-effective solution.
- You appreciate a clean, minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic that is functional and versatile.
- Sustainability is a major priority, and you want furniture from an eco-conscious brand.
- You need customizable options to tailor furniture to your exact workspace layout and needs.
Choose Herman Miller if:
- You are looking for a long-term investment in ergonomic health and comfort.
- You want an iconic, statement piece of furniture that is recognized for its design excellence.
- Superior build quality, premium materials, and a 12-year warranty are important to you.
- You need a precise ergonomic fit tailored to your specific body size and type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kinnarps or Herman Miller cheaper?
Kinnarps is significantly more affordable. Their chairs and desks generally cost between $300 and $800, while premium chairs from Herman Miller, like the Aeron, start at over $1,200. Kinnarps provides better value for budget-conscious shoppers and large offices.
Which brand has better quality furniture?
Both brands offer high-quality products, but Herman Miller is widely regarded as the benchmark for premium quality and craftsmanship in the office furniture industry. Their use of advanced materials, rigorous testing, and an industry-leading 12-year warranty on most chairs places them in a higher tier of durability and performance.
What is the main style difference between Kinnarps and Herman Miller?
Kinnarps embodies a functional, minimalist Scandinavian style with clean lines and neutral tones, designed for versatility. Herman Miller champions an iconic, modernist aesthetic, offering sculptural, statement pieces that are often considered works of design art.
Which brand is better for ergonomics?
While Kinnarps offers solid ergonomic features suitable for most users, Herman Miller is a pioneer in ergonomic research and engineering. With features like size-specific chairs (A, B, C for the Aeron) and advanced mechanisms like PostureFit SL, Herman Miller provides a more precise and scientific level of ergonomic support.
Are both brands sustainable?
Yes, both companies are leaders in sustainability. Kinnarps is certified with ISO 14001 and focuses on recycled materials, and their factories in Sweden have been fossil-fuel free for a long time. Herman Miller has a decades-long commitment to environmental stewardship, holding certifications like Cradle to Cradle and designing products for longevity and recyclability.
Can I customize furniture from both brands?
Yes. Kinnarps is well-known for offering a high degree of customization, allowing clients to tailor dimensions, finishes, and fabrics for large projects. Herman Miller also offers a wide range of fabric, material, and finish options for most of their products, though typically on an individual basis via their online store or dealers.
Which brand offers a better warranty?
Herman Miller offers one of the best warranties in the business - a comprehensive 12-year warranty covering parts and labor on most seating products. Kinnarps offers a solid warranty as well, but it typically ranges from 5 to 10 years, depending on the product line.
Which is better for a home office?
If you prioritize aesthetic statement and best-in-class ergonomics and are prepared for a significant investment, Herman Miller is an excellent choice. If you want a functional, stylish, and more affordable setup that is still durable and comfortable, Kinnarps offers great value.
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