When considering buying a new office chair, IKEA understandably often comes to mind as one of the options. The company is known for its affordable prices and stylish designs. IKEA offers a wide range of office chairs, and with a selection of around 190 models, it is certainly not a small one. However, when it comes to ergonomics and long-term seating comfort, many IKEA office chairs have some significant shortcomings. In this article, we look at the pros and cons of IKEA office chairs and present high-quality yet affordable alternatives from hjh OFFICE.
Advantages of IKEA office chairs
Price
One of the biggest advantages of IKEA office chairs is the price. IKEA is known for its budget-friendly products, so you can buy a new office chair for a relatively low price.
Design and construction
IKEA aims to create designs that are both modern and functional. Many of the chairs feature a minimalist, clean design, allowing them to fit seamlessly into a wide variety of interior styles. The construction of the chairs is often simple, making them easy to assemble at home.
Try before you buy
If possible, try out your chosen chair before buying it – something we definitely recommend due to the limited adjustment options of most chairs. However, it can often take some time to find the right office chair.
Warranty
For a whole range of office chairs, IKEA offers a 10-year warranty under certain conditions. That is particularly long, especially for office chairs. In IKEA’s somewhat lower price ranges, the warranty is up to around 3 years.
Disadvantages of IKEA office chairs
Limited ergonomic options
Despite its wide range, according to the filters on its website IKEA offers only two ergonomic office chairs in a collection of around 190 models. In addition, there are a few chairs that, according to the description, have been tested for office use and meet the requirements for durability and stability in accordance with EN 1335 and ANSI/BIFMA x5.1 standards. For anyone who spends many hours at a desk, a lack of proper ergonomic support can lead to back and neck pain or other physical complaints. If you use the chair for about two hours a day, these are certainly good office chairs, but if you sit for longer, the choice here is very limited. Be sure to also read our article on ergonomics.
Durability and comfort
Although the purchase price is low, IKEA office chairs may prove less durable in the long run. Many of the basic materials used to assemble the seat and base are made of steel or aluminium, so they can certainly be described as solid. However, the materials used in the seat and on the backrest are more vulnerable under intensive use. As the designs are regularly updated, it may therefore happen that you can no longer replace worn parts and, in that case, have to buy a completely new chair.
Alternatives from hjh OFFICE
At hjh OFFICE, we know how important comfort and ergonomics are in an office chair. That is why we offer an extensive range of chairs – larger than IKEA’s – specifically designed for long-lasting seating comfort and body support. Here is a brief overview of our alternatives to the various IKEA office chairs:
| IKEA model | Suitable alternative hjh OFFICE |
| MARKUS | PURE NET |
| FLINTAN | EXPLORER |
| MILLBERGET | AIR PORT 2 |
Why should you still choose hjh OFFICE?
Ergonomic office chairs
Our ergonomic chairs – and there are already almost 200 of them – come equipped with key features such as adjustable seat depth, lumbar support and reclining backrests. They are designed to support and promote the body’s natural posture, significantly reducing the risk of back pain. So you can be sure you are buying a good chair that suits your build. Also read our buying guide to find the right chair for you.
Durability and quality
We select only the highest-quality materials for our chairs. This makes them not only comfortable, but also durable for intensive everyday use. That makes investing in an hjh OFFICE a smart long-term decision.
Price and value
Even if our prices may be slightly higher than IKEA’s, hjh OFFICE offers excellent value for money. Any additional cost is well justified by the improved build quality, comprehensive warranties and the health benefits of a truly ergonomic chair.
Conclusion
IKEA can be a good choice for anyone looking for a simple, stylish and affordable office chair. In our view, however, only for short-term daily use. For long-term seating comfort and support, office chairs from hjh OFFICE are a much better investment. Discover our full range of ergonomic office chairs and experience the difference in quality and comfort.