Steelcase is known for its research-backed approach to ergonomics, building highly adjustable and durable chairs with a versatile, professional aesthetic. In contrast, Herman Miller is celebrated for its iconic, cutting-edge designs and innovative materials, often positioning its chairs as functional statement pieces with a higher entry price point.
Let's compare these two titans of office seating so you can find the perfect ergonomic chair for your workspace.
Steelcase: The Research-Backed Ergonomic Choice
Steelcase is a global leader in office furniture, recognized for its intensive research and development in workplace ergonomics and user well-being. The brand focuses on creating highly functional, durable, and adaptable seating solutions that cater to a wide range of body types and work styles. Models like the Gesture and Leap are industry benchmarks for their extensive adjustability and long-term comfort.
- Product mix: A comprehensive range of seating including task chairs, conference chairs, lounge seating, and stools designed for both commercial and home offices.
- Style/vibe: Modern and functional, but with a more utilitarian and versatile appearance compared to Herman Miller. The designs focus on ergonomic performance over striking aesthetics, allowing them to fit into various professional environments seamlessly.
- Price point: Premium, but often slightly more accessible than Herman Miller. Chairs like the Amia start around $900, while flagship models like the Leap or Gesture typically cost between $1,000 and $1,400.
- Quality & Durability: Built to last, using high-grade plastics, resilient fabrics, and sturdy steel or aluminum frames. Steelcase chairs are known workhorses, backed by a robust 12-year warranty.
- Ergonomics & Fit: This is Steelcase's main differentiator. Chairs like the Gesture offer incredibly intuitive adjustments for arms, seat depth, and lumbar support, designed to accommodate the movements associated with modern technology use.
- Sustainability: Steelcase prioritizes sustainability through LEED-certified facilities, using recycled materials, and designing products based on circular economy principles.
Steelcase offers world-class ergonomic support and durability, making it an excellent investment for those who prioritize function and highly specific adjustability over iconic design.
Shop Steelcase: steelcase.com
Herman Miller: The Iconic Design Innovator
Herman Miller is a legendary American furniture brand that has pioneered modern design for decades. It is synonymous with iconic, aesthetically driven pieces that don't compromise on ergonomic performance. Chairs like the Aeron, Embody, and Sayl are famous not just for their comfort but for their groundbreaking designs that have earned them spots in museums and high-design offices worldwide.
- Product mix: An extensive collection of task chairs, executive chairs, and lounge pieces celebrated for their design pedigree. The company collaborates with world-renowned designers to create its products.
- Style/vibe: Sleek, modern, and often minimalist or sculptural. Herman Miller chairs are status symbols, featuring innovative materials like Pellicle mesh and distinctive silhouettes that make a visual statement.
- Price point: Upper-premium. The Sayl chair starts near $1,000, while the iconic Aeron is typically $1,200+, and the technologically advanced Embody can exceed $1,500.
- Quality & Durability: Exceptional build quality using proprietary materials and advanced engineering. The brand's confidence is reflected in its industry-leading 12-year warranty covering virtually every part of the chair.
- Ergonomics & Fit: A focus on dynamic support that adapts to the user. The Aeron introduced scientific sizing (A, B, C) for a more tailored fit, while the Embody's backrest is designed to mimic the human spine and adapt to micro-movements.
- Sustainability: A long-standing leader in environmental responsibility. Herman Miller has achieved numerous certifications like GREENGUARD Gold and Cradle to Cradle for its commitment to recyclable materials and eco-friendly manufacturing.
Herman Miller is the choice for users who see their chair as an investment in health and design, wanting a product that performs flawlessly and enhances their space's aesthetic.
Shop Herman Miller: hermanmiller.com
Steelcase vs. Herman Miller Comparison
Price Comparison
Herman Miller chairs typically command a higher price. Models like the Aeron have a higher starting cost than comparable chairs from Steelcase, and the premium Embody chair is one of the more expensive options on the market. Steelcase generally offers more competitive pricing, with models like the Amia and Leap providing top-tier ergonomic features at a price point that is often slightly below Herman Miller's flagships.
While both are premium brands, Steelcase tends to offer a stronger value proposition if your primary concern is rock-solid ergonomics without the added cost of an iconic design name. If you view your chair as a long-term investment in both health and style, the higher cost of a Herman Miller may be justified for you.
Style & Aesthetic
Style is a primary differentiator between the two brands. Herman Miller is the clear winner for design-forward consumers. The sculptural form of the Sayl, the recognizable profile of the Aeron, and the futuristic look of the Embody make them statement pieces. They feel at home in creative studios, executive suites, and modern home offices where aesthetics are a priority.
Steelcase chairs are handsome and modern but take a more understated, function-first approach. Their versatile and less "designed" appearance allows them to blend into a wider variety of office settings without calling attention to themselves. If you want a chair that looks professional and feels great without making a bold style statement, Steelcase is an ideal choice.
Quality & Construction
Both brands are at the pinnacle of quality and refuse to compromise on construction. You can expect over a decade of reliable use from a flagship chair from either company, a promise backed by comprehensive 12-year warranties that cover parts and labor.
The differences lie in materials. Herman Miller is known for its pioneering use of mesh, especially the Pellicle suspension material on the Aeron, which offers exceptional breathability and form-fitting support. Steelcase often uses high-quality, comfortable foam cushions and a wide array of durable fabrics, which some users prefer over mesh. Your choice here will come down to personal preference for sitting on a breathable mesh surface versus a cushioned one.
Ergonomics & Fit
Both brands lead the industry in ergonomics, but their philosophies differ slightly. Steelcase excels at providing users with a high degree of manual control. Chairs like the Leap feature separate controls for nearly every aspect of the seating position, allowing you to manually dial in the perfect fit for your body. The Gesture's arms are famously adjustable, designed to support any posture while using devices.
Herman Miller often focuses more on dynamic or automatic support. The Embody chair, for example, has a matrix of pixels in its backrest that moves with you, providing support without constant manual adjustments. The Aeron's PostureFit SL system supports the sacrum and lumbar region naturally. This comes down to a choice: do you want to manually perfect every adjustment (Steelcase), or have a chair that intelligently adapts to you (Herman Miller)?
Sustainability & Ethics
Both companies are leaders in corporate environmental responsibility, so you can feel good about your purchase either way. Herman Miller has a storied history of sustainability, with aggressive goals for carbon neutrality and extensive use of certified, recycled, and recyclable materials in chairs like the eco-friendly Aeron.
Steelcase is equally committed, operating LEED-certified facilities and publishing transparent sustainability reports. They focus heavily on the circular economy, designing products that can be easily disassembled and recycled at the end of their long lives. This is not a deciding factor between the two, as both set a high standard for the industry.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands produce some of the best office chairs in the world, but they serve slightly different priorities.
Choose Steelcase if:
- You want maximum manual adjustability to fine-tune your seating posture.
- You prioritize function-first durability and ergonomic performance over visual design.
- A slightly lower price point for top-tier features is important to you.
- You are looking for a versatile chair that easily fits into a traditional corporate or home office environment.
Choose Herman Miller if:
- Iconic, modern design is a top priority, and you want your chair to be a statement piece.
- You prefer innovative materials like breathable mesh or dynamic, adaptive back support.
- You are willing to invest at a premium price point for a celebrated piece of furniture design.
- You appreciate the customized fit provided by specific sizing options, like the Aeron's A/B/C system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Steelcase or Herman Miller cheaper?
Generally, Steelcase chairs have a slightly lower starting price. While top-of-the-line models from both brands operate in a similar premium price bracket, Steelcase's entry-level task chairs often cost less than Herman Miller's.
Which has better quality furniture?
The quality for both is exceptional and considered top-tier in the industry. Neither brand is "better" in terms of build quality or durability, and both offer 12-year warranties. The primary differences are in the materials and ergonomic philosophies, not in the overall construction quality.
What is the most popular Steelcase chair?
The Steelcase Leap is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed ergonomic chairs ever made, celebrated for its comfort and adjustability. The Steelcase Gesture is also extremely popular for its advanced armrest technology.
What is the most popular Herman Miller chair?
The Herman Miller Aeron is arguably the most famous and recognizable ergonomic office chair in the world. It set new standards for design and ergonomics when it was released and remains an industry best-seller.
Which chair is better for back pain, Steelcase Leap or Herman Miller Aeron?
Both are consistently recommended for users with back pain. The Leap offers a more direct and manually adjustable lumbar support system. The Aeron’s Pellicle mesh and PostureFit SL system provide zoned, adaptive support. The "better" option is highly subjective and depends on whether you prefer targeted, firm support (Leap) or distributed, breathable support (Aeron).
Do Steelcase chairs and Herman Miller chairs come assembled?
A major benefit of buying directly from either brand or their authorized dealers is that the chairs typically ship fully assembled. This means no tools or time-consuming instructions are required upon delivery.
How long is the warranty on these chairs?
Both Steelcase and Herman Miller offer comprehensive 12-year warranties on their flagship task chairs sold in North America. The warranties cover everything from the pneumatic cylinders to the casters, reflecting their confidence in the products' durability.
Are high-end ergonomic chairs from these brands worth the investment?
For anyone who spends multiple hours a day sitting, they are considered a crucial investment in long-term health, comfort, and productivity. The superior ergonomics prevent pain, the high-quality construction ensures they last over a decade, and the strong warranties protect your investment, making them more cost-effective over time than replacing cheaper chairs every few years.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
