The best places to buy office chairs

Our office chairs have become central to our homes in the past few years. Many of us now work from home on a regular basis, so investing in high-quality home office furniture is much more common than it once was. 

We expect more from our home office seating ideas: not only do they need to be ergonomic and durable, but they ideally also need to offer that little bit extra pizzazz design-wise.

Whether your home office ideas include a traditional desk and a substantial leather chair, or you have a small corner space and need something slimline and unobtrusive, the best places to buy office chairs on our list cater to all home office configurations and a wide range of sitting (or standing) requirements. From customizable options and designer-led models to ergonomic chairs on a budget, between them these retailers have every home office criterion covered. 

1. Wayfair

Known for: Furniture, home decor, outdoor

Available at: Wayfair

There is one word that summarizes the best place to buy office chairs on our list and it's 'choice'. Wayfair stocks over 14,000 office chairs, at every price point and configuration imaginable. From minimalist leather-upholstered chairs to specialist gaming chairs and hybrid options that look equally good in the living room and the home office, the retailer giant has it all. You can easily customize your search on the left-hand side of the site to save time. Filter chairs by shape, type, or arm type. You can find exactly what you need within seconds. 

2. Humanscale

Known for: Designer office chairs, desks, lighting

Available at: Humanscale

Humanscale's chairs are a masterclass in ergonomic office furniture that doesn't compromise on design. The company teamed up with the late American industrial designer Niels Diffrient to create a sleek collection of office chairs that are lightweight and adjustable to the contours of your body. 

You won't have trouble if you are tall/petite/have other requirements for your chair. We also like that there are living room-friendly models that don't have the standard office chair wheeled base, if you want something a bit more streamlined. 

3. Herman Miller

Known for: Premium office chairs

Available at: Herman Miller

If you want an office chair with impeccable design credentials, Herman Miller is the destination for you. The curated selection of office chairs here rivals some of the best lounge chairs and armchairs. Tastefully upholstered models by HAY and Geiger will fit right into Scandinavian-themed home offices, while more traditional ergonomic chairs by Herman Miller's own brand will look after your posture while still looking sleek. We like how much variety there is on offer, even though the selection isn't overwhelming. Most of the chairs are $500+ but are worth the higher spend. 

4. Branch

Known for: Affordable ergonomic office furniture

Available at: Branch

If you want a comfortable and good-looking office chair that doesn't cost thousands but still looks and feels luxurious, Branch is well worth considering. The company offers a small but perfectly thought-through collection of office chairs that offer many of the same features of much more expensive chairs at a fraction of the price. The Daily Chair (shown above) has to be our favorite: it's very well-designed, it comes in a range of tasteful color options, and has a five-year warranty. 

5. Fully

Known for: Office furniture and accessories

Available at: Fully

If you have slightly more specific requirements than just a regular office chair, we recommend Fully. The company focuses exclusively on office furniture and it shows. Yes, Fully makes task chairs and desk chairs, but the brand also offers a kneeling chair, a standing desk stool for those who prefer working while standing up, and (our favorite) the Tic Toc chair which is modeled like a bar stool and rotates 360 degrees. 

6. IKEA

Known for: Furniture, homeware

Available at: IKEA

Less is more with IKEA's thoughtfully curated collection of chairs specifically designed with the home office in mind. What we really like about IKEA home office ideas is that rather than just making cheaper versions of designer chairs the company has created completely unique models that will make a statement in your home office. We especially like the soft Mid-century modern look of the Alefjall chair. 

As is always the case with IKEA, you should check them out if you have a small home office. The company knows a thing or two about making small spaces look great.

7. Staples

Known for: Office supplies, electronics, furniture

Available at: Staples

If you want to try out a many different chairs as possible before committing, then seek out a Staples store. The company is still one of the best places to test out office chairs in a range of types and price ranges before buying. If you prefer buying online there is an easy-to-navigate office chair section that lets you filter the chairs by type, price, or extra features such as arm type or specific brand. The company price matches, too, so you don't have to worry about buying with a mark-up.

8. West Elm 

Known for: Mid-century modern furniture, home accessories

Available at: West Elm

If you want to create a traditional home office atmosphere with a chic modern twist,  West Elm is a safe bet. All the chairs are beautifully designed and offer that extra attention to detail that makes a home office chair a statement chair. The leather options are especially beautiful and come in rich brown finishes. All of the West Elm chairs will work equally well as part of a hybrid home office/living room workspace thanks to the elegant designs. 

8. Magnolia

Known for: Top-quality, farmhouse chic furniture and serveware

Available at: Magnolia

Magnolia's office chairs come with unexpected elegance. Styled with leather accents and warm wooden tones, they're the perfect combination of modern aesthetics and all-day comfort. I love the Calvin Desk Chair, but there are plenty more options for every home office.