Can anyone recommend a cheap(ish) fabric desk chair?

December 22, 2010 4:03 PM

Does anyone have recommendations for a super-comfy desk chair for home?

My current home computer chair has reached the end of its usefulness, with worn-through armrests, a rattling frame, and various icky stains.

I'd love to replace it with something under $200, and have only a few requirements :

1) I prefer if it is covered with fabric, not bare leather. We have a kitten that is quite destructive and likes to climb my current chair - I suspect a leather chair would be wrecked in no time!

2) I like a nice high back on my chairs.

3) Needs to be solid, not rattly or rickety.

Maybe that's too much to ask for a sub-$200 chair, but I appreciate any advice!

posted by newfers to Grab Bag (17 answers total)

I recall finding this chair comfortable when I went to Ikea last, but I have no long-term-use experience. If possible, I would suggest looking for something higher-end (Aeron or Humanscale) but used.
posted by supercres at 4:11 PM on December 22, 2010

JOAKIM at Ikea gets rave reviews as a comfy, cheap, reliable chair.
posted by mendel at 4:18 PM on December 22, 2010 [1 favorite]

I would suggest a used high quality chair rather than a new one under $200...there are just not many good, high quality chairs under $200. There are several used office furniture websites and probably a local one or two if you live in a city. IMO, Steelcase has always made the best chairs (other than H Miller, but good luck finding one of those for under $200). We have cats too...I would highly recommend a mesh chair...they are usually the most comfortable, very durable and mostly cat-proof (unless you have a really determined cat).
posted by unccivil at 4:24 PM on December 22, 2010

I managed to find a second-hand Steelcase Leap in perfect condition for about £80, which would be supremely in your budget. I highly recommend it.
posted by Magnakai at 4:44 PM on December 22, 2010

I'm going on 5 years with the Sit4Less Space 5500 Air Grid Chair and I'm shocked at how comfortable it is for the price. I've spent hours on end in it in my home project studio and my back has been none the worse for the experience.
posted by LinnTate at 4:49 PM on December 22, 2010

I don't mean to threadjack, but this might be of interest to others following this post. LinnTate, are the arms on the chair you linked to height adjustable?
posted by mollweide at 5:21 PM on December 22, 2010

An exercise ball has saved my back. In fact, I find I have much more energy sitting on a ball than when I had a chair. I don't slump as much.
posted by KokuRyu at 5:22 PM on December 22, 2010

I've had this chair from Office Depot for a couple years now, and it's still in great shape. It's perfectly comfy and plenty sturdy. (It cost more back when I bought it, but the photo looks exactly the same so I'm assuming they haven't changed anything.)
posted by ella wren at 5:39 PM on December 22, 2010 [1 favorite]

Exercise ball + kitten = very brief hilarity. I liked mine, too, but it was no match for the Magpie.
posted by restless_nomad at 6:06 PM on December 22, 2010

I have an odd fondness for this bungee-chair from CB2. Unusual, I know, but it's sturdy, comfortable, and cat proof.
posted by eisenkr at 7:15 PM on December 22, 2010

I really, really like the Marcus from Ikea. They've got a black leathery one, but I got the cloth one. Only had it for a few months, but I love sitting in it.
posted by AmitinLA at 9:30 PM on December 22, 2010

Another inexpensive option: I use the Acadia chair from Staples (without the arm rests installed).
posted by and for no one at 9:50 PM on December 22, 2010

are the arms on the chair you linked to height adjustable? --- The specs on the linked page say "Height Adjustable Angled Arms with Soft PU Pads."
posted by crunchland at 9:57 PM on December 22, 2010

I recomend that instead of a chair, look into the health benefits of replacing your desk with a standing desk.
posted by jbalwen52 at 10:52 PM on December 22, 2010

LinnTate, are the arms on the chair you linked to height adjustable?

Yes, around 2 inches or so.
posted by LinnTate at 4:49 AM on December 23, 2010

I just dealt with replacing a long-term desk chair a few months ago. After thinking about it a while, I realized that it's just not a great thing to order untested over the internet since finding the right chair is highly subjective to different people. You really need to head to a store and find one that is comfortable for you.

I ended up going to a local Staples where they had a nice selection of chairs ranging from about $60-$200. You can order on Staple's website too, but, again, I highly suggest going in person if possible. You'll have no trouble finding something in your price range.
posted by jameslavelle3 at 7:56 AM on December 23, 2010

are the arms on the chair you linked to height adjustable? --- The specs on the linked page say "Height Adjustable Angled Arms with Soft PU Pads."

Yeah, if I could read I would have seen that. Thanks, crunchland and LinnTate.
posted by mollweide at 7:57 AM on December 23, 2010