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The Herman Miller Embody offers top-tier adjustability and comfort, and its high-quality materials make it a very durable pick. However, its lumbar support system may not be effective for everyone and is also quite expensive.
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Table of Contents
Product Snapshot
Overview
The Herman Miller Embody is a high-end office chair first announced in 2009. It is also known as the Classic Embody Chair, and it ranks high on our list of the best office chairs courtesy of its versatile ergonomics and adjustability. The chair has an integrated headrest, and its eye-catching design gives it a strong edge against other alternatives.
Regarding adjustability, the chair also offers seat height adjustment, tilt tension adjustment, a tilt limiter, height-adjustable armrests, and seat depth adjustment. Its sturdy build allows it to accommodate individuals weighing up to 300 pounds, and arrives fully assembled for added convenience.
The Herman Miller Embody offers the best mix of adjustability and comfort but for a very steep price. The high-end chair’s lumbar support is also quite unique, as its lower back support mechanism consists of a “spine” that can be adjusted forward or backward to find the best fit for your own spine and thus offer the highest level of comfort. Its seat height is adjustable by 4.5”, its armrests are height adjustable by 4.75” and also width adjustable, its seat depth by about 3”, its tilt angle by 12°, and its backrest recline angle by about 105°.
The Herman Miller Embody is a premium-feeling chair designed with top-tier materials. Its frame is held up by a polished aluminum base with five smooth-rolling casters.
ReasonS to Buy
Exceptional ergonomics and adjustability
The Herman Miller Embody is an office chair that can be tuned to an individual’s specific adjustment needs.
Owners will be able to adjust its seat height (by 4.5”), armrest height (by 4.75”), seat depth (by 3”), tilt angle (by 12°), and recline angle (by up to 105°).
Great build quality
Every part of the Herman Miller Embody chair feels very premium, and the movements are also quite smooth when making adjustments.
The chair also has a polished aluminum base that can support individuals who weigh up to 300 pounds.
Reason to Avoid
Lumbar support may not be for everyone
The Miller Embody’s lumbar support system can only be set to be more or less pronounced, which may not be enough for everybody’s back support needs.
Herman Miller Embody Specs
Adjustable Armrests
Yes
Armrest Height Max
n/a
Armrest Height Min
n/a
Backrest Height
24"
Backrest Width
13"
Frame Construction
Metal and Plastic
Has Footrest
No
Head Pillow
No
Head Rest
No
Lumbar Support
Adjustable
Piston Type
Pneumatic Cylinder
Recline
120°
Seat Depth
15 – 18"
Seat Height Adjustment
15.5 – 20.5"
Seat Padding Material
Foam
Seat Width
21.5"
Upholstery
Fabric, Leather
Weight Limit
300 lbs
Wheel Type
Casters
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Office Chairs based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
Max Recline (Degrees)
0
Min Seat Height (Inches)
0
Max Seat Height (Inches)
20.6
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The Herman Miller Embody is a high-end office chair first announced in 2009. It is also known as the Classic Embody Chair, and it ranks…
The Herman Miller Embody is a high-end office chair first announced in 2009. It is also known as the Classic Embody Chair, and it ranks high on our list of the best office chairs courtesy of its versatile ergonomics and adjustability. The chair has an integrated headrest, and its eye-catching design gives it a strong edge against other alternatives.
Regarding adjustability, the chair also offers seat height adjustment, tilt tension adjustment, a tilt limiter, height-adjustable armrests, and seat depth adjustment. Its sturdy build allows it to accommodate individuals weighing up to 300 pounds, and arrives fully assembled for added convenience.
The Herman Miller Embody was designed with office use in mind. However, the Herman Miller Logitech Embody will suit gamers more. The Gaming Embody features…
The Herman Miller Embody was designed with office use in mind. However, the Herman Miller Logitech Embody will suit gamers more. The Gaming Embody features a layer of copper-infused foam, while the Classic Embody has a scrim foam layer. This makes the Classic Embody feel much softer and bouncier than the gaming variant. The Gaming Embody also has a cooling foam on the seat that helps keep gamers cool when seated for long hours. Their back support also feels different, as the Classic Embody is more tailored towards comfort, while the gaming variant encourages users to maintain a straight posture. Here’s our Herman Miller X Logitech Embody Review for more on the gaming chair.
While the Herman Miller Embody is touted as the most advanced ergonomic chair from Herman Miller, while the Herman Miller Sayl is a more affordable…
While the Herman Miller Embody is touted as the most advanced ergonomic chair from Herman Miller, while the Herman Miller Sayl is a more affordable alternative that doesn’t quite offer the same level of adjustability and ergonomics. For example, the Sayl doesn’t offer the headrest support that the Miller Embody does, and it also doesn’t have 4-way adjustable armrests and customizable seat depth – both offered by the Miller Embody. Check out our Herman Miller Sayl review for more information on what else it offers.
The Herman Miller Embody’s lumbar support is not as straight-forward as that of the Steelcase Gesture, as that of the Gesture is height adjustable while…
The Herman Miller Embody’s lumbar support is not as straight-forward as that of the Steelcase Gesture, as that of the Gesture is height adjustable while the Embody’s is designed to be adjusted in accordance to your level of back comfort. In terms of adjustability, the Embody is capable of a 105° recline angle, while the Steelcase Gesture’s backrest reclines back up to 125°. Regarding seat height adjustment, the Miller Embody has a 4.5” range of adjustment, while the Steelcase Gesture can be adjusted by up to 5”. Take a look at what else it has in store in our Steelcase Gesture review.
