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I've been using a $1,200 office chair for three years - and it's worth every penny

I've been using a $1,200 office chair for three years - and it's worth every penny

The first thing that sticks out is that the Herman Miller Embody is really heavy. Herman Miller doesn't publish its weight, but it's substantial — I'd guess maybe as much as 50 pounds. You wouldn't want to pick it up.

I've been using a $1,200 office chair for three years - and it's worth every penny

Herman Miller makes a big deal about the chair’s “Innovative Spine.”

Herman Miller makes a big deal about the chair’s “Innovative Spine.”

“The interlocking, flexing support structures that branch off from the main part of the spine provide incredible, personalized comfort and support. Not only that, but they are a work of sculptural art in and of themselves.”

“The interlocking, flexing support structures that branch off from the main part of the spine provide incredible, personalized comfort and support. Not only that, but they are a work of sculptural art in and of themselves.”

It looks like an alien.

It looks like an alien.

It certainly is pretty, and I felt complete back support. But honestly, I think I get similar back support from my office chair at work, which is way more conventional — and less expensive.

It certainly is pretty, and I felt complete back support. But honestly, I think I get similar back support from my office chair at work, which is way more conventional — and less expensive.

Another banner feature is the “pixelated support” built into the chair’s seat.

Another banner feature is the “pixelated support” built into the chair’s seat.

I have no idea why it is pixelated, but it is an amazing sitting surface. Simultaneously supporting yet cushioning, I would sleep on a bed made out of my chair. Here's a closeup of the underside.

I have no idea why it is pixelated, but it is an amazing sitting surface. Simultaneously supporting yet cushioning, I would sleep on a bed made out of my chair. Here

My cat loves the “pixelated support” as well and he frequently seeks out the chair when I’m not home to turn it into a $1,000+ cat bed.

My cat loves the “pixelated support” as well and he frequently seeks out the chair when I’m not home to turn it into a $1,000+ cat bed.

One thing you have to understand about the Embody, and basically all high-end chairs, is that getting it into your office or home is only the first step. Then you have to dial in the ergonomics.

One thing you have to understand about the Embody, and basically all high-end chairs, is that getting it into your office or home is only the first step. Then you have to dial in the ergonomics.

Do it correctly, and Herman Miller promises less pressure distribution on your joints and where your butt hits the seat.

Do it correctly, and Herman Miller promises less pressure distribution on your joints and where your butt hits the seat.

More from Herman Miller here.

There are a lot of guides online. Basically, more expensive chairs have more dials for making sure the chair is properly calibrated to your body. One key to a properly calibrated chair? Your feet should be completely flat on the floor.

There are a lot of guides online. Basically, more expensive chairs have more dials for making sure the chair is properly calibrated to your body. One key to a properly calibrated chair? Your feet should be completely flat on the floor.

Here’s one of the dials.

Here’s one of the dials.

Here’s a taste of the Herman Miller adjustment guide.

Here’s a taste of the Herman Miller adjustment guide.

The one downside, though, is that if you really dial your chair to your specifications, it won’t be ergonomically right for your roommates or your partner — making it a really expensive chair for one.

The one downside, though, is that if you really dial your chair to your specifications, it won’t be ergonomically right for your roommates or your partner — making it a really expensive chair for one.

I have a few complaints. First, the chair’s armrests have worn down pretty quickly. I’m sure there is some way to get the chair refurbished or fixed up but it’s still disappointing. It's a very expensive chair and it's starting to look shabby with normal use after 3 years.

I have a few complaints. First, the chair’s armrests have worn down pretty quickly. I’m sure there is some way to get the chair refurbished or fixed up but it’s still disappointing. It

I've been using a $1,200 office chair for three years - and it's worth every penny

One option is Herman Miller’s less expensive and more iconic Aeron chair, which is about $800. Mark Zuckerberg is a fan, and a throne for the Facebook CEO is probably good enough for me.

One option is Herman Miller’s less expensive and more iconic Aeron chair, which is about $800. Mark Zuckerberg is a fan, and a throne for the Facebook CEO is probably good enough for me.

Another premium option is the Steelcase Gesture, which costs $900 from Amazon, and has a similar amount of customizability.

Another premium option is the Steelcase Gesture, which costs $900 from Amazon, and has a similar amount of customizability.

Wirecutter calls it the best office chair.

Still, I’m pretty happy with my purchase. Assuming I paid full price for it three years ago (not exact, but close) it comes out to about $1.31 per day. And I (and my cat) expect to keep and enjoy it for years to come.

Still, I’m pretty happy with my purchase. Assuming I paid full price for it three years ago (not exact, but close) it comes out to about $1.31 per day. And I (and my cat) expect to keep and enjoy it for years to come.

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