The best office chairs at IKEA are both surprisingly affordable and very good quality. Don't be fooled by their low prices: these chairs offer a good level of comfort, and you can choose from a range of different styles from formal, high-back chairs to more casual options.
Of course, we don't want to overstate things. These chairs are affordable for a reason, and you will get better ergonomics with more expensive brands. So if you do suffer from pain and discomfort, then check out our guide to the best office chairs for back pain, because the price of protecting your health and safeguarding your productivity can't be overstated.
Otherwise, keep reading as we detail the best office chairs at IKEA you can buy right now, for a range of budgets. Note that the company recently announced a new line of office furniture, titled the Mittzon Collection, but we haven't had a chance to test those out yet, and they won't be available until at least July.
The Markus is a solid if utilitarian all-rounder that does its job well, the Markus has casters and swivel to help you avoid straining to reach things, in-built lumbar support for your back and adjustable height and back tilt. Read more below
The Järvfjället offers an adjustable seat pan and adjustable lumbar support for improved ergonomics. For lumbar support, there's a movable pad to support your lumbar back, and the headrest is also adjustable. Read more below
Featuring a softer, rounded shape, the Hattefjall boasts a solid build, with a stylishly upholstered high-density foam seat and back. Just check your measurements to be sure it'll go high enough for your desk. Read more below
Available in two colour options, the Millberget lets you adjust both its height and the level of back resistance. And it's pretty comfortable, thanks to the extra lumbar support in the backrest and the padded armrests. Read more below
The Flintan is even cheaper than the Millberget, yet still offers back support for comfortable sessions at your desk. The height and tilt are adjustable: the tilt can be locked and unlocked, and overall this is a quality solid build. Read more below
The Matchspel is billed as a gaming chair, but works well as an office chair too. In fact, the design is very reminiscent of the Markus and the Järvfjället, although admittedly those more expensive chairs are somewhat sturdier. Read more below
The best office chairs at IKEA
Why you can trust Creative Bloq
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best office chair at IKEA overall
01. IKEA Markus swivel chair
The best office chair at IKEA for most people
Specifications
Seat height: 48-57cm
Seat width: 53cm
Max load: Tested at 110kg
Lumbar support: Yes
Height adjustable: Yes
Colour: Dark gray
Reasons to buy
+
Lumbar support
+
Automatic brake
Reasons to avoid
-
Armrests can't be adjusted
IKEA's popular Markus swivel chair is the brand's most classic office chair. It's hardly the most thrilling chair design-wise, but it's a solid if utilitarian office chair that does its job well. It has features that make it a fairly ergonomic option for the price, with casters and swivel to help you avoid straining to reach things, in-built lumbar support for your back and adjustable height and back tilt. The breathable mesh back keeps you cool and is easy to clean.
Unfortunately, the armrests aren't adjustable, although they can be removed completely. The automatic brakes on the wheels are a neat addition and like all IKEA products, it's been tested for durability. For a more adjustable, slightly more modern update on the classic Markus, take a look at the Järvfjället below, but the Markus offers very good value for money.
Best office chair at IKEA for adjustability
(Image credit: IKEA)
02. IKEA Järvfjället
The best office chair at IKEA for adjustability
Specifications
Seat height: 45 - 56cm
Seat width: 52cm
Max load: Tested for 110kg
Lumbar support: Yes
Height adjustable: Yes
Colours: Black or white
Reasons to buy
+
More adjustable than the Markus
+
Available in white as well as black
Reasons to avoid
-
More expensive
Like to be able to fiddle with your office chair until it feels just right? Ikea's Järvfjället offers excellent adjustability features, including an adjustable seat pan and adjustable lumbar support for improved ergonomics.
The former can be easily adjusted using the bottom lever, then you just slide the seat pan back to create the right amount of space behind your legs (the edge of your seat should never push into the backs of your knees). For lumbar support, there's a movable pad to support your lumbar back. The headrest is also adjustable, and you can order it with or without armrests.
It costs a bit more than the Markus, but the additions make it more adjustable to your own comfort and shape. The chair's design is also a little more exciting than the Markus with a more modern look. The mesh back is high, with a slim frame and slightly rounded shape. The chair also features adjustable recline.
Best premium office chair at IKEA
(Image credit: IKEA)
03. IKEA Hattefjall
The best premium office chair at IKEA
Specifications
Seat height: 41 - 52cm
Seat width: 50cm
Max load: Tested for 110kg
Lumbar support: Yes
Height adjustable: Yes
Colours: Gray, light pink and beige
Reasons to buy
+
Ergonomic design
+
Good build
Reasons to avoid
-
Seat may not be high enough for some desks
Not all IKEA chairs are budget buys, and the Hattefjall is the most expensive on our list. But you do get very good quality to match.
Compared with numbers one and two on our list, it has a much softer, rounded shape. It has a solid build, with a stylishly upholstered high-density foam seat and back. Just check your measurements to be sure the chair will go high enough for your desk.
There's built-in lumbar support, adjustable back height and seat depth, an automatic tilt mechanism, and the armrests can be adjusted upwards/downwards and forwards/backwards.
Another nice touch is that the casters have a pressure-sensitive brake mechanism that keeps the chair in place when you stand up and automatically releases when you sit down. The seat lips make for a nice looking design, but people who like to move about a lot in their seat may find they get in the way.
Best budget office chair at IKEA
(Image credit: IKEA)
04. IKEA Millberget
The best budget office chair at IKEA
Specifications
Seat height: 45-58cm
Seat width: 52cm
Max load: Tested for 110kg
Lumbar support: Yes
Height adjustable: Yes
Colour: Murum black, murum beige
Reasons to buy
+
Simple, minimal design
+
Four colour options
Reasons to avoid
-
Back is not adjustable
If you're watching the pennies, the Millberget is a budget model that's well worth checking out. Available in two colour options, its key features are the ability to adjust both its height and the level of back resistance.
This chair is pretty comfortable, thanks to the extra lumbar support in the backrest and the padded armrests, which help prevent soreness when leaning on them for extended periods. That said, there have been some reports that the foam may not hold up well over time, leading to a loss of comfort and support after prolonged use.
Another issue is a relatively shallow seat, which could make it less suitable for taller users. Overall, though, this is decent budget-friendly desk chair, which is a particularly good choice for casual use.
Best cheap office chair at IKEA
(Image credit: IKEA)
05. IKEA Flintan
The best cheap office chair at IKEA
Specifications
Seat height: 45 – 58cm
Seat width: 46cm
Max load: Tested for 110kg
Lumbar support: No
Height adjustable: Yes
Colour: Black or beige
Reasons to buy
+
Very affordable
+
Solid build for the price
+
Tilt lock
Reasons to avoid
-
Not the best back support
Very tight on budget? The IKEA Flintan is even cheaper than the Millberget above, yet still offers back support for comfortable sessions at your desk.
The height and tilt are adjustable – the tilt can be locked and unlocked – and overall the chair feels like a quality solid build, especially for this price. It has the downside of fixed armrests (an optional extra), but as long as you don't mind that, it's hard to pick a better IKEA office chair at this price point.
Best gaming office chair at IKEA
(Image credit: IKEA)
06. IKEA Matchspel
The best gaming chair at IKEA
Specifications
Seat height: 47 – 59cm
Seat width: 54cm
Max load: Tested for 110kg
Lumbar support: Yes
Height adjustable: Yes
Colour: Black or white
Reasons to buy
+
High back and headrest
+
Good value
Reasons to avoid
-
Not the sturdiest gaming chair
The Matchspel is billed as a gaming chair rather than an office chair ('spel' means 'play' in Swedish), but it could be used as an office chair. In fact, the design is very reminiscent of the Markus and the Järvfjället at numbers one and two of our list of the best office chairs at IKEA.
The nod to gamers is fairly discreet, taking the form of narrow racing stripes in red or blue, so this wouldn't look too out of place as an office chair. It's not a bad value, but the Markus and Järvfjället or sturdier chairs, so this is really only worth going for to save some money or because you like the touch of colour.
FAQs
How do IKEA's office chairs compare to other retailers?
IKEA is known for offering competitively priced furniture, and their office chairs are no exception. You can generally find high-quality, ergonomic office chairs at IKEA for significantly less than similar models sold at specialty office furniture stores. That said, if you want the absolute best office chairs overall, you'll need to look at more expensive brands and pay accordingly.
Can I try before I buy an IKEA office chair?
Yes, IKEA stores often have their office chairs on display in the showroom so you can try them out before purchasing. Alternatively, if you're buying online, IKEA will often allows you to return items within a certain timeframe if you're not satisfied. This can vary from region to region though, so always check the terms and conditions before buying.
Do IKEA office chairs come with a warranty?
Yes, most IKEA office chairs come with a limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects and other issues. The length and terms of the warranty may vary depending on the specific chair model, though, so it's important to check the warranty information before making a purchase.
How to choose the best office chair at IKEA
IKEA offers a wide range of stylish, budget-friendly office chair options to suit different needs and preferences. But how do you choose between them? Well, there are a few key factors to consider.
First, think about the amount of time you'll be sitting in the chair each day. If it will be for extended periods, you'll want a chair with ample lumbar support and adjustable features to ensure comfort. Look for chairs with adjustable seat height, back tilt, and armrests to help you find the optimal ergonomic position.
Seat comfort is also crucial, so try out different chair models and pay attention to the cushioning and breathability of the fabric. Swivel and caster functionality are important for easy mobility around your workspace. Finally, consider the overall aesthetic and how the chair will fit into your office decor.
How we test office chairs
Evaluating office chairs is more involved than simply sitting in them for a few minutes. At IKEA, we put each chair through a rigorous testing process that spans weeks and even months of use. As our primary seat during this time, we really get to know the chair's intricacies. We take note of any adjustments we appreciate, as well as design elements that detract from overall comfort. Hours of regular use reveal insights that would be missed with a brief trial.
We also closely examine each chair from every angle when out of the seat. That means analysing its comfort, build quality, design, and key features to help readers make the best choice.
Beren has worked on creative titles at Future Publishing for over 13 years. Cutting his teeth as Staff Writer on the digital art magazine ImagineFX, he moved on to edit several creative titles, and is currently the Ecommerce Editor on the most effective creative website in the world. When he's not testing and reviewing the best ergonomic office chairs, phones, laptops, TVs, monitors and various types of storage, he can be found finding and comparing the best deals on the tech that creatives value the most.
