Okamura is celebrated for its Japanese craftsmanship and high-performance ergonomic furniture at a relatively accessible price, while Herman Miller is an iconic American brand known for its revolutionary designs, premium pricing, and leadership in sustainability. The key difference lies in approach: Okamura delivers understated ergonomic excellence, whereas Herman Miller offers statement pieces that merge cutting-edge design with historical significance.
Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right office furniture brand for your workspace.
Okamura: The Japanese Ergonomic Specialist
Okamura is a renowned Japanese manufacturer that has blended innovative ergonomic technology with meticulous craftsmanship since 1945. Primarily serving corporate and premium office environments, the brand is known for producing durable, functional, and comfortable seating that enhances productivity and well-being without calling excessive attention to itself. Their designs prioritize substance and subtle sophistication over flashy aesthetics.
- Product mix: Specializes in ergonomic office seating, desks, and collaborative workspace furniture. Signature L-series chairs are globally recognized for comfort and support.
- Style/vibe: Embodies Japanese minimalism and understated elegance. Designs feature smooth contours and a focus on function, allowing them to blend seamlessly into professional office environments rather than dominate them.
- Price point: Premium, but generally more accessible than Herman Miller. High-end ergonomic chairs typically range from $600 to $1,200, offering excellent value for the quality.
- Quality & Construction: Known for precision Japanese manufacturing. Uses high-quality metal frames, durable plastics, and ergonomic textiles designed for long-term use in demanding environments. Warranties typically cover 5-7 years.
- Fit & Sizing: Okamura chairs are highly adjustable, with features like multi-directional lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and seat depth controls to accommodate a wide range of body types.
- Shopping Experience: Primarily B2B-focused, with products sold through a global network of authorized dealers and direct corporate channels. Consumer test runs can be arranged through dealers specializing in office fit design.
Okamura provides durable, high-performance ergonomic solutions that prioritize comfort and function, making it an excellent choice for a wide variety of customers, as well as shoppers looking for a more accessible alternative to premium US or European seating products.
Shop Okamura: okamura.co.jp/en
Herman Miller: The Iconic American Innovator
An icon in the furniture world, Herman Miller has been a leader in modern design and workplace innovation for over a century. The brand fundamentally changed the office with the Aeron chair in 1994, cementing its reputation as a pioneer in ergonomics. Collaborations with legendary designers like Charles and Ray Eames mean its catalog includes some of the most recognizable furniture pieces of the 20th century.
- Product mix: A wide range of office chairs, desks, lounge seating, and home furniture. Iconic products include the Aeron, Embody, Sayl Task, and the Eames Lounge models and many others.
- Style/vibe: Modern, sleek, and minimalist. Herman Miller's designs are often considered statement pieces, characterized by clean lines, visual lightness, and innovative materials like their signature mesh.
- Price point: Premium to luxury. The iconic Aeron chair typically starts around $1,200, and fully customized models can exceed $1,600. Their furniture is positioned as a long-term investment in design and comfort.
- Quality & Construction: Exceptional build quality using high-grade, often recycled materials like aluminum and sustainable fabrics. Products are built for longevity and backed by an industry-leading 12-year warranty.
- Fit & Sizing: A key strength. Chairs like the Aeron come in three distinct sizes (A, B, C) to ensure a precise ergonomic fit for different body types. Other models offer extensive, fine-tuned adjustments for personalized comfort.
- Sustainability: A global leader in environmental stewardship. Many products are made with recycled content, are GREENGUARD certified, and designed for easy disassembly and recycling at the end of their life.
Herman Miller offers iconic, design-forward furniture that represents a fusion of art, science, and sustainability, ideal for those who see their furniture as a functional investment.
Shop Herman Miller: hermanmiller.com
Okamura vs. Herman Miller Comparison
Price Comparison
There is a clear price difference between the two brands. Okamura positions its ergonomic chairs in the $600 to $1,200 range, offering a premium experience at a price point that is accessible for businesses and quality-conscious remote workers. This makes them a strong value proposition, delivering top-tier Japanese craftsmanship without the luxury price tag.
Herman Miller occupies the premium end of the market. Its flagship chairs, like the Aeron and Embody, start around $1,200 and often reach $1,600 or more with customizations. The higher cost reflects not just the ergonomic technology and materials, but also the brand's iconic design heritage, extensive warranty, and prestige. For many buyers, a Herman Miller chair is a long-term investment in both wellness and style.
Style & Aesthetic
The brands' design philosophies are distinctly different. Herman Miller's aesthetic is modern, sleek, and often iconic. Chairs like the Aeron are instantly recognizable and act as a statement piece in any office or home. The look is defined by innovative materials, clean lines, and a visually light presence that suits contemporary and minimalist interiors.
Okamura's style is rooted in Japanese minimalism and functionality. Their chairs tend to have an understated elegance with smooth, refined contours that blend into an environment rather than dominating it. The focus is on quiet quality and ergonomic performance, appealing to those who prefer timeless, functional design over an avant-garde statement.
Quality & Construction
Both brands are synonymous with high quality, but they emphasize different aspects of it. Okamura’s strength is in its precise Japanese manufacturing and engineering. Their chairs are known to be workhorses, built with durable frames and high-quality components designed for years of consistent daily use in corporate settings. In addition, Okamura’s standard 5-7 year warranty signals deep product confidence.
Herman Miller demonstrates its quality through advanced materials and an industry-leading 12-year warranty. The brand pioneered the use of high-performance mesh for its seating and prioritizes recycled and sustainable components. The construction is exceptional, engineered to handle constant use while maintaining its ergonomic integrity and appearance for over a decade, making it a true long-term investment.
Shopping Experience
The shopping experience reflects each brand's primary market. Herman Miller caters directly to consumers and businesses with an excellent online experience, flagship stores, and a global network of authorized dealers. Their website features detailed product information and online configurators for easy customization.
Okamura’s model is heavily focused on B2B sales through authorized dealers and direct corporate channels. A single consumer would struggle to buy a seat from their online portal, rather, they would be directed to a partner, dealer, or corporate sales representative instead. This can make the purchasing process less direct for an individual but allows for specialized service and consultation on large office projects.
Sustainability & Ethics
Herman Miller has long been a global leader in sustainable manufacturing. The company is committed to carbon neutrality, using recycled materials, and designing for circularity (easy disassembly and recycling). Widespread certifications like GREENGUARD and FSC are standard across many products, making them a top choice for environmentally-conscious buyers.
Okamura also maintains strong sustainability practices, adhering to international standards like ISO 14001 and focusing on responsible sourcing and eco-friendly production. While their initiatives are robust and a core part of their manufacturing philosophy, their scale is more regionally focused when compared to Herman Miller's globally leading environmental projects.
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your priorities and budget. Both brands offer exceptional ergonomic furniture, but they cater to different tastes and needs.
Choose Okamura if:
- You prioritize high-quality ergonomic function and durability over brand prestige.
- You appreciate subtle, minimalist Japanese design that complements a professional space.
- You are looking for the best performance-to-price ratio in the premium seating category.
- You want a reliable, comfortable workhorse chair built with Japanese precision.
Choose Herman Miller if:
- You want an iconic piece of design history that is also a top-tier ergonomic tool.
- Brand prestige, cutting-edge style, and a statement piece are important to you.
- You are willing to invest more for an industry-leading 12-year warranty and high resale value.
- Global leadership in sustainability is a key factor in your purchasing decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Okamura or Herman Miller cheaper?
Generally, Okamura is more affordable. Okamura's high-end ergonomic chairs typically cost between $600 and $1,200, whereas Herman Miller's flagship models, like the Aeron, start at around $1,200 and can easily cost more with added features.
Which brand has better quality furniture?
Both brands offer exceptional quality, but in different ways. Herman Miller is known for its advanced, often recycled materials and is backed by a superior 12-year warranty. Okamura's quality stems from its precise Japanese manufacturing and durable engineering, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.
What is the main design difference between Okamura and Herman Miller?
Herman Miller offers iconic, modern American designs that often serve as visual centerpieces. Okamura’s aesthetic is based on Japanese minimalism, featuring understated and elegant designs that prioritize function and seamlessly integrate into office decor.
Do both brands have good warranties?
Yes, but Herman Miller's is longer and is viewed as the industry-leading warranty. Most of its iconic chairs come with a comprehensive 12-year warranty that covers almost every component, underscoring its reputation for longevity.
Which is better, the Okamura Contessa or the Herman Miller Aeron?
The Herman Miller Aeron Chair excels with its choice of three distinct sizes (A, B, C) for an optimal tailored individual fit, something the well-priced L Series from Okamura markets as well. Their product features intuitive, elegant fingertip control ergonomics in what we find to be a more subtle designer aesthetic, at a slightly more accessible price.
Which brand is better for sustainability?
Herman Miller is considered a global leader in sustainability, with extensive programs for using recycled content, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring their products can be recycled. While Okamura has strong eco-friendly policies, Herman Miller's commitment is more central to its brand identity.
Which is a better investment?
Both are good investments. A Herman Miller chair, due to its iconic status and long warranty, tends to have a very high resale value and is a lifetime piece of furniture. An Okamura chair is an excellent investment in ergonomic comfort and durability at a lower initial cost, delivering fantastic performance for the money spent, particularly in a corporate environment.
How do I choose the correct seat or desk configuration for what will be a major long-term decision?
We recommend visiting a dealer store to test the product for a day or more, ensuring it works correctly in your situation. Many seating dealers offer trials for these kinds of major purchases, allowing you to test its function and make a wise ergonomic choice from leading candidate products.
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