The Steelcase Think and the Herman Miller Sayl are both top-tier ergonomic chairs, but they cater to different users through their design philosophy and features. The Think chair from Steelcase focuses on intuitive, highly specific ergonomic adjustments and a classic professional aesthetic, while the Sayl from Herman Miller offers an iconic, design-forward look with a uniquely breathable suspension back at a more accessible price point.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which of these excellent office chairs is right for your workspace.
Steelcase Think Chair
The Steelcase Think is a smart, simple, and sustainable ergonomic chair designed to adjust intuitively to your movements. It’s known for its "LiveBack" system that conforms to your spine and provides responsive support as you shift and change postures throughout the day, all within a sleek, minimalist frame that fits into any professional setting.
- What it is: A highly adjustable and intelligent ergonomic office chair designed for long-term comfort and support.
- Key features: LiveBack™ system with interconnected flexors, weight-activated tilt mechanism, four-way adjustable armrests, and adjustable seat depth and lumbar support.
- Price: Around $1,000 to $1,200.
- Sizing/Fit: Designed for a wide range of users from 5'0" to 6’4”, with a weight capacity of up to 300 lbs.
- Materials/Construction: Features a high-strength polymer frame, a flexible mesh back for breathability, a supportive high-density foam seat cushion, and a durable aluminum base.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and professional. Its understated design and neutral color options allow it to blend seamlessly into corporate offices and sophisticated home workspaces.
- Pros: A vast range of granular ergonomic adjustments for a personalized fit. Intuitive controls that respond automatically to your weight. Extremely durable build quality designed for daily use. Focus on sustainable materials and manufacturing.
- Cons: Higher price point compared to the Sayl. The aesthetic is more conservative and may not appeal to those seeking a statement piece. The sheer number of adjustments can be overwhelming for some users.
The Think chair is ideal for professionals who prioritize maximum ergonomic customization and robust, responsive support for long work sessions over a bold aesthetic.
Shop this product: steelcase.com/products/office-chairs/think/
Herman Miller Sayl Chair
The Herman Miller Sayl chair, designed by Yves Béhar, is an eye-catching piece inspired by the principles of suspension bridges. It swaps a traditional frame for a flexible elastomer back that provides tensioned support where you need it most, creating a chair that is both visually stunning and ergonomically sound, all while using fewer materials.
- What it is: A design-forward ergonomic chair featuring an unframed, intelligent suspension back for flexible support.
- Key features: Unframed 3D Intelligent suspension back, optional adjustable lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and multiple tilt limiter settings.
- Price: Typically ranges from $700 to $1,000, depending on the chosen configuration.
- Sizing/Fit: Accommodates a broad range of body types with a robust weight capacity of up to 350 pounds.
- Materials/Construction: The signature back is made from a flexible elastomer material, while the frame uses reinforced plastic and aluminum. It's built with a strong focus on sustainability, with many components made from recycled content.
- Style: Sculptural, artistic, and modern. Its unique silhouette makes it a statement piece ideal for creative agencies, tech startups, and design-focused home offices.
- Pros: A unique and striking aesthetic that stands out. The suspension back offers fantastic breathability. More affordable than many other premium ergonomic chairs, including the Think. Made with eco-friendly principles and materials. Higher weight capacity.
- Cons: Has fewer standard micro-adjustments compared to the Steelcase Think. The design, while iconic, may be too bold for very traditional office environments. Some may prefer the feel of a traditional mesh or padded back over the flexible elastomer.
This chair is perfect for design-conscious individuals who want an innovative, highly breathable seating solution that doubles as a piece of modern art.
Shop this product: hermanmiller.com/products/seating/office-chairs/sayl-chairs/
Steelcase Think vs. Herman Miller Sayl Comparison
Comfort & Ergonomics
Both chairs excel in providing ergonomic support, but they achieve it differently. The Steelcase Think offers a more structured support system with its LiveBack™ technology and weight-activated tilt, supplemented by numerous manual adjustments (seat depth, lumbar height, armrest position) that let users dial in a perfect fit. It's built for those who want precise, customized control over their seating posture.
The Herman Miller Sayl provides a more flexible, adaptive support with its 3D Intelligent suspension back. This elastomer web flexes and moves with you, offering greater tension in key areas like the sacrum and less in others to encourage a full range of seated movement. While it has fewer micro-adjustments, its dynamic back provides an active seating experience that feels less rigid.
Materials & Construction
Both chairs are built to last using high-quality components. Steelcase focuses on proven, premium materials like thick mesh, high-density foam, and a heavy-duty aluminum base to create a chair that feels substantial and durable. It’s a workhorse designed for decades of use in demanding office environments.
Herman Miller pioneered a different approach with the Sayl, using innovative and sustainable materials like its signature elastomer back. This design choice not only defines its look but also reduces material usage, weight, and environmental impact. While lighter, it's still incredibly strong, holding up to 350 lbs.
Price & Value
The Herman Miller Sayl generally has a lower price point, starting around $700 and going up to $1,000 with added features. For this price, you get an iconic Herman Miller design, excellent ergonomic support, and a commitment to sustainability. The Steelcase Think is positioned higher, typically between $1,000 and $1,200. This premium covers its extensive range of adjustments, intuitive mechanisms, and ultra-durable build, making it a sound long-term investment for those who spend the majority of their day seated.
Style & Aesthetics
This is the most significant difference between the two. The Steelcase Think embodies a professional, modern minimalism. It's sleek, clean, and designed to complement a space without overpowering it. It’s perfect for corporate settings or home offices where you want a chair that looks smart and high-end but doesn't shout for attention.
The Herman Miller Sayl, in contrast, is designed to be a focal point. Its sculptural, suspension-bridge-inspired back is a conversation starter. Available in a wide range of expressive colors, it's for those who see their office chair as part of their personal style and decor.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Steelcase Think is best for professionals in corporate settings or dedicated home offices who require maximum adjustability and robust support for all-day tasking. It's the choice for the pragmatist who values function and long-term durability above all.
The Herman Miller Sayl is perfect for creatives, designers, and anyone working in a modern home office who values aesthetics just as much as ergonomics. It’s for someone who wants a chair that not only feels good but also looks like a piece of art.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both chairs are exceptional choices from industry-leading brands, but they serve different needs and priorities.
Choose the Steelcase Think if:
- You demand granular, highly specific ergonomic adjustments for a perfectly tailored fit.
- You sit for more than eight hours a day and prioritize long-term, structured back support.
- You prefer an understated, professional aesthetic that blends into a corporate or minimalist setting.
- Your budget allows for a higher-priced chair that you see as a long-term investment in durability.
Choose the Herman Miller Sayl if:
- Aesthetic appeal is a top priority, and you want your office chair to be a design statement.
- You value superior breathability and a chair that encourages active, flexible movement.
- You're looking for an entry into the premium ergonomic chair market from a top brand like Herman Miller without the price of an Aeron.
- You need a chair with a higher weight capacity (up to 350 lbs).
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Think and Sayl chairs?
The primary difference is their design philosophy. The Think focuses on intuitive mechanical adjustments for personalized support with a classic look. The Sayl focuses on innovative material science, using a flexible suspension back for adaptive support within a striking, artistic design.
Which chair has better back support?
Both offer excellent support, but in different ways. The Steelcase Think offers more customizable back support with its adjustable lumbar and weight-activated tension. The Herman Miller Sayl offers more dynamic back support that moves and flexes with your body naturally.
Is the Herman Miller Sayl's plastic back comfortable?
Yes. The back is not rigid plastic but a specially engineered flexible elastomer. It's designed to provide suspension support, offering firmer tension in areas like your lower back and more give around your shoulders, making it comfortable for long periods.
Which chair is better for a home office?
This depends entirely on your home office style. If you want a chair that looks modern and professional without being distracting, the Think is a great choice. If your home office aesthetic is more artistic, creative, or bold, the Herman Miller Sayl will be a perfect fit.
Do these chairs come with a warranty?
Yes, both brands are known for their exceptional warranties. Herman Miller and Steelcase typically offer 12-year warranties that cover almost all parts of the chair, ensuring peace of mind for your investment.
Can I try these chairs before I buy?
Absolutely. Both Steelcase and Herman Miller have authorized dealers and showrooms where you can test their chairs in person. Trying a chair is highly recommended to ensure it fits your body and comfort preferences.
Which chair is hotter to sit in?
Both chairs are designed for breathability. The Think uses a high-quality mesh back, but the Sayl's completely open, unframed suspension back provides slightly better air circulation, making it one of the most breathable chairs on the market.
Is the Steelcase Think worth the extra investment over the Sayl?
If you have specific ergonomic needs or a history of back pain that benefits from precise adjustments like adjustable lumbar depth and seat sliders, the extra investment for the Think is often worth it. If you have no specific issues and appreciate a flexible, adaptive feel, the Sayl provides incredible value.
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