After several years of ownership, my Herman Miller Aeron chair was starting to feel a bit worn out. The mesh seat and back on it were feeling stretched out and loose and the chair was generally not as comfortable as it used to be when it was new. Plus, being the B size, it was slightly too small for me. My height and weight is right on the border and the Herman Miller Aeron sizing chart states that I could use either a B or C size Aeron.
Aeron Size Chart
I bought the B because the C felt too big at the time. The only problem was the B size never felt quite big enough, yet the C size felt too big. I thought about just buying a new Aeron but in researching office chairs recently, I discovered that Herman Miller has a newer chair out that’s like an updated Aeron called The Mirra.
It’s not only less money than the Aeron, but it comes in “one size fits all” and provides all the adjustments you need for it to properly fit your body. Unlike the Aeron, the Mirra allows you to tilt just the front lip of the seat down to suit the length of your legs. No more laboring over what size is right for you since one size fits all!
I’ve had the Mirra for a few weeks now and really like it. It seems more durable than the Aeron and I’m certain that it will last longer. In fact, it has a much longer warranty than the Aeron – 12 years vs. 5 years with the Aeron. Of note-the warranty goes with the chair, not with the person who bought it. So if you ever sell or give any Herman Miller chair to someone else, as long as it has the sticker on the bottom of it with the manufacture date, it’s under warranty.
The Mirra has even more adjustments that are better implemented and easier to adjust. Examples: the armrests not only swivel out but can also slide in and out. The lumbar support is not only height adjustable but also fully adjustable in terms of how much it will go into your back. The Aeron only has 2 levels of adjustment there.
The seat back is made of a plastic material that over time, conforms to the shape of your back. The Aeron doesn’t do this.
I’m quite happy with my Mirra chair not just because it’s more comfortable than the Aeron, but also becuase it looks cooler, has more adjustability, is less money, seems more durable and includes a much better warranty. I would recommend the Herman Miller Mirra chair over the Aeron any day!
UPDATE June 22nd, 2008 – Adam Tow likes his Steelcase Think chair. It seems like another good alternative to the Aeron.
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