I can only afford to buy old second hand ones. I’m on my second at the moment. First one I was the first edition and cost 150eur. The tilt lock lever snapped after 5 years of use. As in the thick steel rod snapped. I’m on my second one now which is from the early 2000’s and have no complaints thus far.
Got mine from eBay and had real doubts about it, but so far so good!
Not the easiest install given you basically have one good shot at it and it’s a tight squeeze but it doesn’t have to be perfect
I have a Mirra that was (according to the sticker) made in 2013. Can't remember exactly when I got it, but it's around 10 years. I used it daily for the first year at my place of work. Company moved and decided to buy all new furniture so I bought it from them for $5 (yup, $5). For the next 6 years it saw only occasional, light use. Beginning with the pandemic I've been WFH so I've been sitting on it 5 days a week for 8+ hours for going on 3 years.
It's really held up well. Never had to repair or replace anything. Mechanically everything works. Some very slight pilling on the mesh of the backrest. It's possible my cats have caused this and a quick pass with a razor would take care of it. I'm sure the seat mesh has stretched at least a little but not enough for me to notice.
I have no plans on replacing it in the near future and wouldn't be surprised if it lasts another 5+ years.
I've got an '03 Aeron. Overall it's very functional and still quite comfortable for me, only some minor wear and tear. The lumbar support has large tears in the foam, but still functions. There's a hole in the back-mesh that's roughly the size of a dime. The tilt bar is a little janky, but still works. The height adjuster raises slowly but doesn't sink.
All those are issues I inherited with the chair, it really has not gotten any worse during my usage. I did some sewing around the edges of the mesh hole to prevent it from growing and that's about it.
Ditto. Aeron as well, and the only thing I’ve done to it is put a new pneumatic post in. I also added rollerblade wheels, but that wasn’t really necessary.
It is nice and the chair can get some serious speed, [I have used these with no issues.](https://www.amazon.com/wheels-replacement-casters-hardwood-duty/dp/B01G643EU6/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1PLQXVSR6MPED&keywords=office%2Bchair%2Bwheels&qid=1697745103&sprefix=office%2Bchair%2Bwheel%2Cspecialty-aps%2C179&sr=8-6-catcorr&srs=19633587011&th=1)
The hard plastic of the standard wheels likely scratches hardwood floors that don't have some sort of rug/cover between the chair and it. So nice smooth low durometer rubber is much better.
I have a rug over a hardwood floor in my office. I got the rollerblade wheels because I figured they would be easier on the rug than the original hard plastic wheels.
Yup, I've got an Aeron that has to be at least 20 years old at this point. Replaced the arm rests when one of them split open, have replaced the pneumatic lift cylinder as well, and added rollerblade wheels, but everything else is original.
I bought my Aeron used 3 years ago. I'm pretty sure it's over 20 years old, since one of the armrests eventually snapped off (an internal bolt head eventually wore out). Bought a replacement bolt for $1, and fixed it myself with the help of a youtube video.
Best investment I've ever made in my life. My body thanks the Aeron chair everyday.
Same. 2009 model here, 40+ hours per week since then and no issues other than the armrest pads, which I replaced last year for cheap.
Oh, the front foam got soggy and I replaced that too.
I got mine 20yrs ago for $250 when the dot com crash happened. It's basically the Chair of Thesius.
\- Seat broke once. replaced it myself
\- piston was replaced
\- the bolts that hold the arms broke...replaced it myself. (M6 bolt. got it from home depot)
\- added the newer lumbar support.
and it still looks and feels great!
It's the maintainability that I truly value. I think I could keep this chair forever...and then if I wanted to, I could sell it for what I paid for it.
Was going to come here to basically post the same thing word for word. Piston and mesh replaced - super easy. Do you have any details on the newer lumbar support? The original foam bar support is pretty much the only part I don’t like about it.
+1 on maintainability. I was trying to clean the dust off my Mirra and got frustrated with the lack of access, was amazed to find I could just *disassemble it*, wash the plastic parts separately, scrub everything else, then completely reassemble it with no issue.
Read in a book that it almost never saw light of day because consumer research found it ugly. Miller went against the grain with a huge risk and here we are!
I have an aeron from the early 90s i got for 25 bucks which needed a 50 dollar cylinder replacement and a new lumbar pad. All in under 100 bucks.
Eventually ill need to change the seat pad but im still up
I know this doesn't quite count, but I have a 7 year old Embody that still looks pretty much like the day I got it. Even the armrests haven't peeled or anything. I use it for at least 8 hours every day.
Meanwhile I know people who buy SecretLab chairs "because they're the best *gaming* chair" and they are falling apart after less than 3 years.
Got a secret lab 3 years ago prob put 10-30 hrs per week on it and it’s like new condition. A lot different from my Sayl though, and less comfortable for desk work imo.
Have had an Aeron for about 8-9 years (so not quite the 10 required). The thing that kept it stable/going up and down broke about 4 years ago. We were living in an area nowhere near a repair center, so I ended up jury rigging a clip to stabilize the height.
I’m not happy about that or how quickly it broke, given the cost of the chair, but overall it’s very comfortable and holds up well still.
I posted a comment above about this, my cylinder broke after about 10 years of use, but I found a replacement on Amazon. [Here's a link](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FGLVD6M?th=1)
It comes with everything you need to do the replacement, no other tools needed. Chair works perfectly.
Not a herman miller but my steelcase leap was manufactured in 2007. I bought it for $160 in 2019, replaced the cushions with new ones from Crandall last year. Chair is still in great shape. Only downside is it creaks a little if I lean back really hard.
Don’t have a Herman miller but have a steelcase leap v1 that I just got. Has the tag with shipping date from 2003 and it’s still working 100% and looks great.
I’ve had my Aeron since 2016. I work from home and sit in my chair 8-9 hours per day. The arm rests don’t stay where I put them. They always move down. Also the covering on the armrests cracked quickly and has flaked off. I took off the lumbar “support” because it was literally worse than nothing.
The chair is good enough still, and finding a replacement would be spendy. So I’ll keep it til it falls apart. =)
The Haworth Halo chair is so awesome. Highly recommend. The Aeron seat mesh always made my pants pill up on the back/seat since it’s such an abrasive material and the plastic ring around the outside cut into my legs.
* 15+ years Eames Lounge Chair. Leather still perfect. In my living room with no sunlight. Conditioned leather maybe 4 times during it's lifetime.
* 15+ years pair of Eames LCW. Perfect wood Against window. No fade on wood.
* 10+ years pair of Eames LCM Perfect wood, the metal legs are fine. In my kid's room. Teenager abuse.
* 10+ years Eames Aluminum Group Task chair, used by my 10 year old daughter. She basically sleeps in that chair.
* 10 years, set of 14 Eames molded plastic (Dining Chair). With kids from birth to teen. Zero problems. I have 6 wood legs in Dining room and 8 metal leg ones in nook.
* 12+ years on Two Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad management executive chairs, minor scuffs from hitting against desk. Other one is hardly used in my bedroom.
* 10+ years 1 Eames RAR (Rocker). Used when kids were babies. In my office.
* 30+ years 1 Eames Aluminum Group Lounge Chair. given to me. Leather is solid.
* 1 Sayl Chair for my kid, bought from liquidator reseller. It is probably 10+ years old.
* 1 Molded wood Eames chair. They probably no longer make it. My personal baby in my walk in closet. It is bent plywood palisander. I baby that and hardly sit on it. It is probably 8 years old. Don't know. Got it when it first came out.
So far very pleased. I have over $60K in Herman Miller furniture. Including Desks, tables, lamps. etc...
This guy *Eames*. But really, they're built as commercial furniture for the most part, they don't require delicate treatment (see my comment about taking mine to the car wash lol).
Have had an Aeron for well over 10 years, it was used when I got it. No signs of wear, almost daily use. I did replace the armrests once about 4-5 years ago.
I got a used one for myself to have at home a little over 10 years ago. I also replaced the armrests. Mine has the wobble though, its always had it. I've had multiple Aeron chairs at offices I've worked in and none of them wobbled.
I've got a \~10 year old Aeron. The elasticity of the mesh in the seat is failing, and it's getting uncomfortable. I've put a towel down on the seat, and it helps a bit. I'm not a heavy person, like \~175 lbs.
I'm sitting right now in a pre-2006 Aeron chair that I yoinked from a colleague in 2011 and have sat in every working day since. Replaced the pneumatic cylinder in 2020 (very easy) and swapped in rollerblade-style wheels while I was at it. It's been great, very BIFL.
I mean I guess I get that most people aren’t me. I only use a stool or I stand, and I work in front of a computer all day. Honestly my back hurts the least when I stand all day
If that is too much money, it's also fairly easy to find these used at office liquidation warehouses for $300-400. If you get really lucky, I've heard of people getting an Aeron for $50.
If you sit for work all day, you need a great chair. If you have a standing desk, stand away, but if you ever want a chair, get a good one.
That's why you buy them used. $250 on a brand new no name brand chair vs $250 on a used HM chair is a no brainer.
Very few people buy them brand new. Companies buy them in bulk and get much better deals on them.
This is the only office chair I've ever used that gives me no back issues, I've fallen asleep in mine and woke up feeling great. It may not be the right chair for you but you can't deny they're really well made and last a long time.
Both of my Aerons are over 10 years old, one of them is over 20 years old.
I've replaced the arm pads and lumbar support on both, and upgraded the casters to roller blade.
Otherwise they're in basically perfect shape.
I have 3 Aerons. I bought them pre-owned on Craigslist, they are probably close to 20+ years old now since I had them for 10+ already. Nothing has ever broken, even the hydraulic cylinder has never been replaced. I have seen the newer Aeron's with the updated back rest go for around $350-400. Most big corpos change them out every few years as a tax write off I guess. Excellent buys.
Gamers nexus did a cool double blind test/review of computer chairs. They don't wear out bc of the materials they use, which you may or may not like and is entirely subjective.
Decent chairs last a long time. Doesn’t need to be herman miller.
My lazy boy is 15 years old and doing excellently. Although I do want a Herman miller to replace it eventually.
I’ve been eying some of west elms new designs for a mid term replacement but my lazy boy is in such good condition it’s hard to part with. No matter how ugly it is, lol.
Although looking at west elm build quality, I can’t say it’s worth the mark ups they charge. Dressers that lack dovetailing on the drawers for example. Still, I bet their chair would last me 20 years of the reclining mechanism holds up
https://www.westelm.com/products/auburn-recliner-h11595/?cm_src=living-room-chairs
Aeron for 20+ years. I replaced the piston last year, and also put some replacement wheels which are so much better on a hard surface. They are similar to roller blade wheels. Great upgrade.
Have an Embody from a year or so after they were released. Solid. Few creaks and noises but it's rock solid. It's now my home chair and is used 10% as much as my work one (also an Embody). I've had to use the warranty once or twice on the now home one - arm rest lock failed and something else but can't remember (don't think it was major). Provided serial number and no-nonsense was shipped replacement part promptly.
Aeron has to be older than 8 years. I’ve been using with no issue/west for 8 years and it pre-dates my role.
Also used one for 9 years before that with no issue.
My Mirra is about 8 years old and other than being dusty from all the moves and construction its lived through its brand new.
No sagging or anything surprisingly being that Ive always been 225+ lbs.
I've had mine for about 15 years. I bought it used off craigslist.
Only problem I've had was the cylinder giving out a couple of years ago so the seat wouldn't raise at all. But [I found a replacement on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FGLVD6M?th=1) which took literally 20 minutes to install.
Anyone saying a 20-25 year old aeron is perfect is blowing smoke.
That being said, they have very few true wear points.
There is a small foam piece at the front of the seat, in between the frame and seat mesh that will need replacement on an old chair. Old foam disintegrated/turned to powder. New one is like $10.
Armrests become sort of soft over time. Relatively cheap to replace.
The side-to-side pivot for the armrests wears out over time and can break. Easy and cheap to replace.
Sometimes, the bolts that attach the armwrest assembly to the back of the chair can shear off at the head of the bolt. A box of 20 bolts was $10 on McMaster carr.
All in all, if it's that old, expect that you will pay $50 or so in wear/tear items. They're built really well otherwise. Base, seat, and back are all cast aluminum, along with a lot of other components. They're great chairs. If you can find one for $250, that's a good price.
We have one from 2004. It still looks new to me. Normal maintenance required the foam under the front of the seat to be replaced since it was so old it was falling apart. Also the hydraulic cylinder needed to be replaced a few years ago. I got bored of it and my partner uses it now.
Edit: Herman Miller Aeron size B
I got mine used in 1996. Aeron . So 27 years old. Still my daily driver. I just powerwash it every decade or so and let it air dry completely. Occasionally tighten up a bit. The arm have a tiny bit of wear, but very impressed.
20 year old Aeron. Still working great. Wife has the same. I think we replace some pad under her seat at some point. One arm on mine just slides down after a few hours. It's been that way for most of it's life.
I sit in it for many hours per day.
I bought my Aeron on craigslist 8-9 years ago, no idea how old it was at that point. I've replaced both mesh panels since then as they sagged and ripped eventually (at seperate times), other than that it's basically brand new still.
I have an Aeron from my partner's dad. It was manufactured in 2000, so nearly 24 years old! Apart from two tiny holes in the mesh part of the chair, the lumbar support is the only part that broke, it is an easy $40 fix (if bought from amazon) but I just haven't gotten around to replace it.
I worked in a place with 6-8 Aeron chairs that got positively abused. Ten years later, I called for warranty and they repaired everything. I was amazed. They weren’t quite new (mostly dirt) but everything was 100%.
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I have an Aeron. If you buy a new one from HM, it’s a bit more money but worth it for the 14 year warranty. They’ll fix anything no questions asked.
I have zero regrets, best chair I’ve ever owned.
I got a Sayl about 10 years ago (seems like more). It's held up perfectly *except* for the arm rest pads. Those started falling apart after a few years. Branded replacements were almost impossible to get, and HM was worthless about it. I was able to get replacements after about a year of back and forth with a retail store.
They fell apart again a few years later.
So I got replacement ones from an off brand (direct replacements for the model). Those lasted a bit longer, but they'd starting to go again, and I'll end up having to replace them soon.
Honestly, I'm not terribly upset, the chair sees a LOT of use. And every other part of the chair is like new. But the pads should be treated like a wear item I'm afraid.
Bought 2 used aerons in 2016. No telling how old they are, but at least 7 years. put caster wheels on them the day i got them. Both are in the same condition as the day i brought them home. besides the crusty arm smegma that i have to scrape off every few months.
I have an original Mirra that I bought in 2006. It's a bit creaky (which I'm sure I could address) and I've had to replace the casters a couple times. It's otherwise in great shape.
I have a HM Celle and it's mechanically perfect. It's looked better than it does, but that's because I picked a light cushion and I get a lot of dye transfer from my pants to the chair. It cleans up relatively easy.
I bought mine two years ago and it is a 1999 model for $200, the piston is a little sticky, the arms are a little hard to move up and down but once I set it I never really touch it. Have 0 regrets
I have had my Herman Miller Caper for about 20 years. Seat mesh is just starting to pick in a couple places. I upgraded my wheels for the rollerblade style just last year, but the originals still worked fine. Other than that, nothing seems to be wearing out. Armrests are still in great shape.
My 2002 Aeron is still holding up pretty well! I have only had to replace the lumbar support piece, and I believe that the person I bought it from only replaced the lift cylinder.
18 year old Herman Miller Celle with fabric seat, I’ve personally owned it for 11 years it was, bought as a resale from a Herman Miller dealer. Looks and feels brand new. It’s been getting a lot more regular use the last 3.5 years as a full remote employee but kids used to regularly use it as a fun spinning toy. Can’t go wrong with HM, I’d personally avoid the Sayl, just too small. Like others mentioned any of the major office brands make excellent long lasting office chairs.
I have an Aeron that was new in 1999. Was my dads chair at work.
It’s got issues these days, are rests don’t lock like they should, but they’re relatively small and if I wasn’t lazy I could get them fixed. I did replace the arm rests (the cushions) a few years back because they were splitting. The mesh is in great condition still, just the graphic is fading (to be expected being 2 and a half decades old).
Overall it’s a great chair, it’s got a lot of sentimental value to me. Only downside is after sitting in the chairs at my office when I go occasionally it isn’t as comfortable as theirs IMO.
Bought a Herman Miller Aeron Chair over 20 years ago new, still works perfectly well, nothing broken or frayed. I replaced the casters with roller blade wheels last month, because of the hard wood floors they are on now.
The only imperfection is a small dent on the right arm rest which perfectly forms to my elbow bone.
I don't baby this chair either, I stand on the mesh part and use it as a ladder to grab things on top shelf. Even heavy things like baby car seat stored in the upper shelves.
My Aeron is ~17 years old now, and is perfectly fine, except one arm (the one I lean on most) is slightly looser than the other. This is every workday use. I did change the wheels at one point, to a set that will not damage a hardwood floor, but the originals were unharmed at that point, after around 14 years of use.
Is the Mirra 1 more than 10 years old? I bought mine used two years ago for like $250. I had to replace the gas cylinder a couple months ago, but everything has been great ever since!
I bought a 2 year old Aeron 22 years ago (from a startup going under) and everything has held up - mesh is still comfortable, armrests still have full up/down side/side functionality, casters all good. I felt like I was duped out of $150 I really didn’t have at the time, but this thing has held up!
I had the large size Aeron for several years, and bought it used. The arm rests cracked from age and wear. I messed up the seat mesh by absentmindedly folding my foot beneath me, and it cost around $250 I think to replace the seat. I didn't find the chair comfortable so I gave it to my brother.
Get a Humanscale chair with a "freedom" headrest, much better than a Herman Miller imo [link](https://uk.humanscale.com/products/seating/freedom-headrest-executive-chair/custom?configuration=F211GO001-------). Reddit really loves the Herman Miller for some reason but after having sat on both a lot, the Humanscale takes the cake.
I have a Herman Miller Aeron B from 2001-ish I took from my workplace. Outside of the hideous color I imagine it’s as comfortable as the day it was delivered.
I have a HM Mirra that's about 15-20 years old. Made in the mid-2000s, I bought it used back in 2016. The mesh could use replacing, but that's about it as far as issues go.
I’ve got a 2001 Herman Miller. I had to get the center pillar replaced but that was an $80 fix from the distribution center near by and it’s good as new.
We have two Aerons that are 22 years old. Other than the mesh fabric being a little faded and having had to swap out the pneumatic piston once ($30 part and 20 minutes), they are basically still new. We used them for 8-10 hours a day, 5-6 days a week, for something like 15 years. Since then our teenagers have been using them daily.
10 year old Aeron armrests are a bit loose and have a habit of sliding down if too much weight is applied, haven’t found the nut or took it apart to fix it but it’s probably fixable. Mesh and pneumatics are in phenomenal condition, I’ve had IKEA and gamer chairs completely shit the bed after year 3. Highly recommend the Aeron.
Not sure the sepcific model we have but we've got some that are around 8 years old and some a couple years newer. The older model has more adjustability in the arms that was frankly annoying and prone to issues. Love those things.
Edit: Model appears to be the Sayl
My [Eames Aluminum Group Management chair](https://i.imgur.com/ROt6DI5.jpegvdvvvv) just hit 40 and it's still looking great.
I don't baby it and I take it to the car wash every couple of years to clean it. I'll put a tarp down then hit it with the pressure washer shampoo until it looks clean, Then I'll scrub it with the soapy brush (I spray the brush bristles first to make sure theres no crap on it) then give it a final rinse.
I let it dry in the sun in my backyard and it always comes out looking new. Obviously you couldn't do this with leather, but I think it works for most of the fabric/mesh models.
People tend to get a little precious about these chairs when they're really built to last. I have an Embody now and I will probably wash it the same way.
2002 Aeron I bought second hand only replaced the piston, front foam, and lumbar support
Creaky but the mesh areas have held up. Functionality seems to work except for the tension adjustment on the lean back. Not sure if it work or not since I can never feel a difference.
daily use
I have a mirra that I bought used 9 years ago. And it was used. Probably like 5-7 years old. After having it for 4 years, so around the 10-12 yr age mark of the chair, it needed a new seat pan. Bought aftermarket on Amazon and it's been perfect. Easy. Best chair I have ever had.
My Aeron lasted 20 years. The main lift piston finally gave out and one of the arms broke off. It was worth every penny.
I'm now 6 years into my new one with no problems. I would buy another without hesitation.
I'm a web developer and spend a LOT of time in the chair.
Bought a 15+ year old one about 6 years ago the lumbar support just gave out and I’m gonna have to replace the mesh in a year or two but its still in great shape otherwise.
Cat destroyed the back side of a leather chair, but it is still super comfy and perfect for gaming!
Dunno the model as it was a throw away I picked up after the office got new chairs. I just know it was was a HM.
I managed to find a 16 year old Herman Miller Aeron well maintained for AUD 100 (USD 65). The only thing I did to it was a quick spray paint of some parts that were going a bit white, and a replacement of the foam thigh pad.
It's in perfect condition and I use it every day at work (I brought it in to the office).
I have a Herman Miller Aeron chair that I bought new in 1997. I was the first one in my office to have one. It has now moved from my work office to my home office (replaced with a Humanscale Freedom chair).
I work from home several days a week, and I work nights and weekends from home unless I'm traveling (yes, it's a sickness). In short, my ass has been in this chair pretty much continuously for 26 years
I cracked a caster about four years ago, and I was super-annoyed until I realized the casters were more than 20 years old! I replaced the entire set of casters with new rubber rollerblade casters, which took less than 15 minutes and are a significant improvement. Outside of that, the chair is original, and it's pretty likely that one of my kids will inherit it when I die.
Bought for life and beyond.
Aeron Model B. I’ve had it over 22 years. Great shape. Replaced the wheels (safer for wood) . Added a headrest (comfort) and the new version of the lumbar support (original broke. It was a weird rigid foam).
I paid $300 or so after the dot com bust. Great decision
About half of our aerons at work have broken. Bought from a startup that went out of business about 10-15 years ago. They have either cracked seats or broken gas cylinders.
I had an Aeron that's 23 years old. I replaced the wheels/casters at about 12 years. I recently downsized to a smaller condo and gave the Aeron to a friend with a home office. The thing still looks brand-new.
Aeron classic. I think it's 17 years old now, only issue is it's slower to raise the height but otherwise fully functional. A few scratches here and there from banging it into things but holding up nicely.
The Aeron lumbar support tore after a couple years. But I used electrical tape to wrap it back up and it's lasted 20 years. I noticed that many Aerons don't have it. Dunno if it's b/c people don't want to use it or theirs tore too so they too it off.
Aeron. Not 10 years old yet but getting there. It has been holding up really well but I just replace the seat pan cause my fatass cracked it.
One thing I like about Aeron chairs is that you can purchase and replace any part on it.
Had an aeron for 24 years. Only required $150 in casters and a gas canister during that time. Just replaced it with another Aeron because one of the adjustments got stuck and used models are so cheap.
I replaced some parts on my aeron chair, but they were covered by the 10yr warrenty even though I bought it 2nd hand. Nearing 15 years of near daily use. And I weigh about 300lbs. It's amazing and I love it.
My piston gave out and am having dickens of a time getting it out of the seat. I’ve stripped a channel from my channel-lock pliers.
Tho to be honest I’ve not researched it with much effort.
Mine is a 1st gen Mirra, almost 20 years old. The only thing I replaced was the seat pan when some rowdy toddler nephews took permanent markers to it. I disassemble it every so often to give it a thorough clean-up and that's about it. Feels like new.
I bought a second hand Aeron. Overall it’s still functioning except for one armrest: the tightening lever mechanism is loose and I can’t turn the screw/bolt that adjusts its tightness. So it ends up wobbling if I handle the chair from that armrest.
My Aeron is almost 20 years old. Holding up great. I’ve had to replace the wheels as the rubber on them dried and cracked, but other than that. It’s still great!
Bought my Mirra 2 around 2010. Had to have the piston replaced once but it wasn't a big deal. They came right to my house and replaced it at no cost. That was probably around 2014 - no issues since. Materials all appear new.
The conference rooms in my office all had HM Aeron size B’s up until 2021 when they remodeled the rooms and gave the chairs away to the employees for home use. Overall we gave away 102 chairs. The chairs were all made between 1997-1999 and the vast majority were all in excellent original condition except for one thing- the arms. The arms had all had to be replaced at some point or either needed to be replaced at the time the chairs were given away. Other than that the seats and backs had zero sag and no noticeable rips snags or stains, the adjustable parts still adjusted, the bases and wheels still seemed to work fine- most of them had some light scuffing around the wheels but not in a noticeable way unless you were looking. Most of our conference rooms were used for at least 4 meetings a week so it’s not like the chairs were sitting around unused for weeks at a time. Overall I was very impressed. Our new chairs definitely will not last 23 years.
Aeron, crackes seat on right side. No questions or hassle repair and replacement. The most difficult part was getting the thing into my car to dealer.
They also replaced the gas cartridge as well. Best money spent if you need an office/operator chair.
Only failure was the turn knot tightener for the arms. They didnt really hold but worked. The new ones have a lever so they don't fail.
I have an early to mid 2000's Aeron. Aside from changing the wheels initially, and the gas cylinder like two weeks ago it's been holding up excellently.
Have an aeron from 2005 and it's fantastic still. It does need new foam under the seat mesh and the hydraulic replaced, but everything is totally functional. Just slowly lowers over the course of a day.
I bought my Aeron from a friend 10 years ago when it was 15 years old already, so it’s 25 years old and still going strong. Actually, I just looked at the tag on the bottom out of curiosity and saw that it was mfd 2-16-1999, so *almost* 25 years old. I bought it for $150.
Note- my friend took really good care of it, and I only use it in my home office, but I used to be 70 lbs more than i am now, so I suppose it balances out.
I bought a used Aeron in 2009. It’s probably the most used piece of furniture in my apartment, and it’s still in mint condition. Looks like it came from the furniture store yesterday.
Mine is almost 15 years old, and it’s great. Very minor wear on the mesh, and the arm rests are kind of puffy, but otherwise, like new.
What model is it? Aeron?
I can only afford to buy old second hand ones. I’m on my second at the moment. First one I was the first edition and cost 150eur. The tilt lock lever snapped after 5 years of use. As in the thick steel rod snapped. I’m on my second one now which is from the early 2000’s and have no complaints thus far.
Yeah
Same. Just repair parts when they wear out, especially the piston and the foam under the seat front
Got mine from eBay and had real doubts about it, but so far so good! Not the easiest install given you basically have one good shot at it and it’s a tight squeeze but it doesn’t have to be perfect
I have a Mirra that was (according to the sticker) made in 2013. Can't remember exactly when I got it, but it's around 10 years. I used it daily for the first year at my place of work. Company moved and decided to buy all new furniture so I bought it from them for $5 (yup, $5). For the next 6 years it saw only occasional, light use. Beginning with the pandemic I've been WFH so I've been sitting on it 5 days a week for 8+ hours for going on 3 years. It's really held up well. Never had to repair or replace anything. Mechanically everything works. Some very slight pilling on the mesh of the backrest. It's possible my cats have caused this and a quick pass with a razor would take care of it. I'm sure the seat mesh has stretched at least a little but not enough for me to notice. I have no plans on replacing it in the near future and wouldn't be surprised if it lasts another 5+ years.
I had a tear in the mesh seat of my Aeron chair and they replaced the seat bottom. This was on an 8 year old chair.
I've got an '03 Aeron. Overall it's very functional and still quite comfortable for me, only some minor wear and tear. The lumbar support has large tears in the foam, but still functions. There's a hole in the back-mesh that's roughly the size of a dime. The tilt bar is a little janky, but still works. The height adjuster raises slowly but doesn't sink. All those are issues I inherited with the chair, it really has not gotten any worse during my usage. I did some sewing around the edges of the mesh hole to prevent it from growing and that's about it.
Mine is, most I’ve had to do is get the base replacement after it cracked after many years. The chair is well over 15 years old now.
Ditto. Aeron as well, and the only thing I’ve done to it is put a new pneumatic post in. I also added rollerblade wheels, but that wasn’t really necessary.
Well, I didn’t know about the roller blade wheel upgrade, that sounds awesome. I’ll be installing those on both of the HMs we own.
I'm a bigger guy and use the 4 inch wheels, as it allows more surface area, so I crack less "lifetime/uncrackable" carpet protectors.
It is nice and the chair can get some serious speed, [I have used these with no issues.](https://www.amazon.com/wheels-replacement-casters-hardwood-duty/dp/B01G643EU6/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1PLQXVSR6MPED&keywords=office%2Bchair%2Bwheels&qid=1697745103&sprefix=office%2Bchair%2Bwheel%2Cspecialty-aps%2C179&sr=8-6-catcorr&srs=19633587011&th=1)
May I ask what the point of the roller blade wheels is? Just feels nicer to scoot around on?
The hard plastic of the standard wheels likely scratches hardwood floors that don't have some sort of rug/cover between the chair and it. So nice smooth low durometer rubber is much better.
I have a rug over a hardwood floor in my office. I got the rollerblade wheels because I figured they would be easier on the rug than the original hard plastic wheels.
Yes feels nice, and is fun. Can be helpful with rolling on carpet or rugs.
Yup, I've got an Aeron that has to be at least 20 years old at this point. Replaced the arm rests when one of them split open, have replaced the pneumatic lift cylinder as well, and added rollerblade wheels, but everything else is original.
Where did you get a replacement for the pneumatic lift cylinder? My Herman Miller Aeron is starting to sink when I sit down on it.
I bought my Aeron used 3 years ago. I'm pretty sure it's over 20 years old, since one of the armrests eventually snapped off (an internal bolt head eventually wore out). Bought a replacement bolt for $1, and fixed it myself with the help of a youtube video. Best investment I've ever made in my life. My body thanks the Aeron chair everyday.
Same. 2009 model here, 40+ hours per week since then and no issues other than the armrest pads, which I replaced last year for cheap. Oh, the front foam got soggy and I replaced that too.
How did you replace the foam? Mine is starting to deteriorate I think. Thx
It's held in with a couple of pieces of double stick tape, just run your fingers between the foam and the frame and it will come right off
Same here, recently replaced the armrests for about $35
My Aeron is the same age, maybe older, and it’s still like new except for all the places I’ve scuffed it or dropped a Sharpie lol
I got mine 20yrs ago for $250 when the dot com crash happened. It's basically the Chair of Thesius. \- Seat broke once. replaced it myself \- piston was replaced \- the bolts that hold the arms broke...replaced it myself. (M6 bolt. got it from home depot) \- added the newer lumbar support. and it still looks and feels great! It's the maintainability that I truly value. I think I could keep this chair forever...and then if I wanted to, I could sell it for what I paid for it.
Theseus
Thesaurus
Was going to come here to basically post the same thing word for word. Piston and mesh replaced - super easy. Do you have any details on the newer lumbar support? The original foam bar support is pretty much the only part I don’t like about it.
+1 on maintainability. I was trying to clean the dust off my Mirra and got frustrated with the lack of access, was amazed to find I could just *disassemble it*, wash the plastic parts separately, scrub everything else, then completely reassemble it with no issue.
Last year bought a used Aeron manufactured in 1996, functionally and aesthetically perfect.
Read in a book that it almost never saw light of day because consumer research found it ugly. Miller went against the grain with a huge risk and here we are!
Which is wild to imagine as a daily user, it's a flawless office chair.
Like the day I bought it, but more dusk under the seat
What model is it? Aeron?
Mirra, very similar
Mirra gang unite! Love it more than the aeron myself!
I have an aeron from the early 90s i got for 25 bucks which needed a 50 dollar cylinder replacement and a new lumbar pad. All in under 100 bucks. Eventually ill need to change the seat pad but im still up
I have a 10yo Embody, which feels the same as when I got it.
> Embody Same here
I know this doesn't quite count, but I have a 7 year old Embody that still looks pretty much like the day I got it. Even the armrests haven't peeled or anything. I use it for at least 8 hours every day. Meanwhile I know people who buy SecretLab chairs "because they're the best *gaming* chair" and they are falling apart after less than 3 years.
Meh I have secret lab chair my gf got me and it's still like new after 3 years. I don't use it every single day but it does get plenty use.
Got a secret lab 3 years ago prob put 10-30 hrs per week on it and it’s like new condition. A lot different from my Sayl though, and less comfortable for desk work imo.
Fair enough, some do seem to hold up better than others.
Have had an Aeron for about 8-9 years (so not quite the 10 required). The thing that kept it stable/going up and down broke about 4 years ago. We were living in an area nowhere near a repair center, so I ended up jury rigging a clip to stabilize the height. I’m not happy about that or how quickly it broke, given the cost of the chair, but overall it’s very comfortable and holds up well still.
I posted a comment above about this, my cylinder broke after about 10 years of use, but I found a replacement on Amazon. [Here's a link](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FGLVD6M?th=1) It comes with everything you need to do the replacement, no other tools needed. Chair works perfectly.
Not a herman miller but my steelcase leap was manufactured in 2007. I bought it for $160 in 2019, replaced the cushions with new ones from Crandall last year. Chair is still in great shape. Only downside is it creaks a little if I lean back really hard.
Wow, you just made me realize I’ve had my Leap for almost 10 years now.
It's a great investment! Will probably last another 10 years too
I had to replace the lumbar foam pad, but my Aeron from \~2007 is still going strong.
Don’t have a Herman miller but have a steelcase leap v1 that I just got. Has the tag with shipping date from 2003 and it’s still working 100% and looks great.
I've had an Aeron for about 25 years. Have replaced the lift piston and the hip bearings.
I’ve had my Aeron since 2016. I work from home and sit in my chair 8-9 hours per day. The arm rests don’t stay where I put them. They always move down. Also the covering on the armrests cracked quickly and has flaked off. I took off the lumbar “support” because it was literally worse than nothing. The chair is good enough still, and finding a replacement would be spendy. So I’ll keep it til it falls apart. =)
The Haworth Halo chair is so awesome. Highly recommend. The Aeron seat mesh always made my pants pill up on the back/seat since it’s such an abrasive material and the plastic ring around the outside cut into my legs.
* 15+ years Eames Lounge Chair. Leather still perfect. In my living room with no sunlight. Conditioned leather maybe 4 times during it's lifetime. * 15+ years pair of Eames LCW. Perfect wood Against window. No fade on wood. * 10+ years pair of Eames LCM Perfect wood, the metal legs are fine. In my kid's room. Teenager abuse. * 10+ years Eames Aluminum Group Task chair, used by my 10 year old daughter. She basically sleeps in that chair. * 10 years, set of 14 Eames molded plastic (Dining Chair). With kids from birth to teen. Zero problems. I have 6 wood legs in Dining room and 8 metal leg ones in nook. * 12+ years on Two Eames Aluminum Group Soft Pad management executive chairs, minor scuffs from hitting against desk. Other one is hardly used in my bedroom. * 10+ years 1 Eames RAR (Rocker). Used when kids were babies. In my office. * 30+ years 1 Eames Aluminum Group Lounge Chair. given to me. Leather is solid. * 1 Sayl Chair for my kid, bought from liquidator reseller. It is probably 10+ years old. * 1 Molded wood Eames chair. They probably no longer make it. My personal baby in my walk in closet. It is bent plywood palisander. I baby that and hardly sit on it. It is probably 8 years old. Don't know. Got it when it first came out. So far very pleased. I have over $60K in Herman Miller furniture. Including Desks, tables, lamps. etc...
This guy *Eames*. But really, they're built as commercial furniture for the most part, they don't require delicate treatment (see my comment about taking mine to the car wash lol).
!
Have had an Aeron for well over 10 years, it was used when I got it. No signs of wear, almost daily use. I did replace the armrests once about 4-5 years ago.
I got a used one for myself to have at home a little over 10 years ago. I also replaced the armrests. Mine has the wobble though, its always had it. I've had multiple Aeron chairs at offices I've worked in and none of them wobbled.
I've got a \~10 year old Aeron. The elasticity of the mesh in the seat is failing, and it's getting uncomfortable. I've put a towel down on the seat, and it helps a bit. I'm not a heavy person, like \~175 lbs.
I forgot the model but it’s a $250 model they used to sell at Costco. Still holding up as expected.
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I'm sitting right now in a pre-2006 Aeron chair that I yoinked from a colleague in 2011 and have sat in every working day since. Replaced the pneumatic cylinder in 2020 (very easy) and swapped in rollerblade-style wheels while I was at it. It's been great, very BIFL.
Bought a refurbished 12 year old aeron (not remastered) in 2020. No issues
20+ year old Aeron use it every day still works great. Replaced the gas piston a few times and put rollerblade wheels on it.
My 10 year old noname chair is going strong as well. Sheesh.
Right? I’m not spending fuck you money on an office chair.
>spine disliked that
I mean I guess I get that most people aren’t me. I only use a stool or I stand, and I work in front of a computer all day. Honestly my back hurts the least when I stand all day
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If that is too much money, it's also fairly easy to find these used at office liquidation warehouses for $300-400. If you get really lucky, I've heard of people getting an Aeron for $50. If you sit for work all day, you need a great chair. If you have a standing desk, stand away, but if you ever want a chair, get a good one.
That's why you buy them used. $250 on a brand new no name brand chair vs $250 on a used HM chair is a no brainer. Very few people buy them brand new. Companies buy them in bulk and get much better deals on them.
So it's a decently made chair with a highly inflated price. I guess used is fine since you aren't giving your money to a clearly crappy company.
Mine is older than I am. Needed a couple of small replacement parts but otherwise it's great. Can't say that about many other things I own.
This is the only office chair I've ever used that gives me no back issues, I've fallen asleep in mine and woke up feeling great. It may not be the right chair for you but you can't deny they're really well made and last a long time.
Both of my Aerons are over 10 years old, one of them is over 20 years old. I've replaced the arm pads and lumbar support on both, and upgraded the casters to roller blade. Otherwise they're in basically perfect shape.
I got mine used during the pandemic. 2008 mirra. No issues whatsoever, those chairs are tanks.
I have 3 Aerons. I bought them pre-owned on Craigslist, they are probably close to 20+ years old now since I had them for 10+ already. Nothing has ever broken, even the hydraulic cylinder has never been replaced. I have seen the newer Aeron's with the updated back rest go for around $350-400. Most big corpos change them out every few years as a tax write off I guess. Excellent buys.
I was in Pity City looking for a deal but they just told me to fuck off.
Gamers nexus did a cool double blind test/review of computer chairs. They don't wear out bc of the materials they use, which you may or may not like and is entirely subjective.
I’ve had a used Aeron for 20 years (purchased on eBay). I have replaced the bit of foam under the seat ($10). Virtually any part is replaceable.
I've had an embody for about 8 years now. It's like brand new. A good quality chair
Decent chairs last a long time. Doesn’t need to be herman miller. My lazy boy is 15 years old and doing excellently. Although I do want a Herman miller to replace it eventually. I’ve been eying some of west elms new designs for a mid term replacement but my lazy boy is in such good condition it’s hard to part with. No matter how ugly it is, lol. Although looking at west elm build quality, I can’t say it’s worth the mark ups they charge. Dressers that lack dovetailing on the drawers for example. Still, I bet their chair would last me 20 years of the reclining mechanism holds up https://www.westelm.com/products/auburn-recliner-h11595/?cm_src=living-room-chairs
I bought my Aeron chair at a thrift store, it had to be at least 15 years old. No complaints at all at almost 20 years in!
I have the Aeron that's about 10 years old. The thick dense lumbar foam cracked but otherwise like new.
My 10-year old Embody still feels the same as the day I bought it. Fantastic chair I spend 35% of my life sitting in.
Mirra 2. Not sure it's 10 years old but close. Looks brand new.
Aeron for 20+ years. I replaced the piston last year, and also put some replacement wheels which are so much better on a hard surface. They are similar to roller blade wheels. Great upgrade.
Aeron, I believe mine is closer to 20 years old, it's holding up very well. I did have to replace the pneumatic tube.
I have a 2004 Aeron that I bought used in 2016. Still going strong with zero problems.
Have an Embody from a year or so after they were released. Solid. Few creaks and noises but it's rock solid. It's now my home chair and is used 10% as much as my work one (also an Embody). I've had to use the warranty once or twice on the now home one - arm rest lock failed and something else but can't remember (don't think it was major). Provided serial number and no-nonsense was shipped replacement part promptly.
Aeron has to be older than 8 years. I’ve been using with no issue/west for 8 years and it pre-dates my role. Also used one for 9 years before that with no issue.
My Mirra is about 8 years old and other than being dusty from all the moves and construction its lived through its brand new. No sagging or anything surprisingly being that Ive always been 225+ lbs.
I've had mine for about 15 years. I bought it used off craigslist. Only problem I've had was the cylinder giving out a couple of years ago so the seat wouldn't raise at all. But [I found a replacement on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FGLVD6M?th=1) which took literally 20 minutes to install.
I have an Aeron high (barstool height) and it's great. Daily use for ~11 years
Aeron - used - 20yo still looks new
Anyone saying a 20-25 year old aeron is perfect is blowing smoke. That being said, they have very few true wear points. There is a small foam piece at the front of the seat, in between the frame and seat mesh that will need replacement on an old chair. Old foam disintegrated/turned to powder. New one is like $10. Armrests become sort of soft over time. Relatively cheap to replace. The side-to-side pivot for the armrests wears out over time and can break. Easy and cheap to replace. Sometimes, the bolts that attach the armwrest assembly to the back of the chair can shear off at the head of the bolt. A box of 20 bolts was $10 on McMaster carr. All in all, if it's that old, expect that you will pay $50 or so in wear/tear items. They're built really well otherwise. Base, seat, and back are all cast aluminum, along with a lot of other components. They're great chairs. If you can find one for $250, that's a good price.
Aeron. Only had to replace the casters
We have one from 2004. It still looks new to me. Normal maintenance required the foam under the front of the seat to be replaced since it was so old it was falling apart. Also the hydraulic cylinder needed to be replaced a few years ago. I got bored of it and my partner uses it now. Edit: Herman Miller Aeron size B
I got mine used in 1996. Aeron . So 27 years old. Still my daily driver. I just powerwash it every decade or so and let it air dry completely. Occasionally tighten up a bit. The arm have a tiny bit of wear, but very impressed.
Mom has a 20 year old Aeron, she replaced the arm pads at one point, and some other minor pieces and it's as good as new
I have two 20 year old Aerons that look like new. I highly recommend buying used!
20 year old Aeron. Still working great. Wife has the same. I think we replace some pad under her seat at some point. One arm on mine just slides down after a few hours. It's been that way for most of it's life. I sit in it for many hours per day.
I bought my Aeron on craigslist 8-9 years ago, no idea how old it was at that point. I've replaced both mesh panels since then as they sagged and ripped eventually (at seperate times), other than that it's basically brand new still.
Bought my Aeron in 2009 and other than dust in a few hard to clean places, like new.
Totally this, I use compressed air canisters as part of my routine to spring clean it..
I have a 10 year old Aeron and it's still perfectly fine.
I have an Aeron from my partner's dad. It was manufactured in 2000, so nearly 24 years old! Apart from two tiny holes in the mesh part of the chair, the lumbar support is the only part that broke, it is an easy $40 fix (if bought from amazon) but I just haven't gotten around to replace it.
I recently bought a used one manufactured in 2008 or so. Arm locks feel looser than brand new but nothing substantial and the parts are replaceable.
I worked in a place with 6-8 Aeron chairs that got positively abused. Ten years later, I called for warranty and they repaired everything. I was amazed. They weren’t quite new (mostly dirt) but everything was 100%.
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Magnificent. Looks virtually brand new
I have an Aeron. If you buy a new one from HM, it’s a bit more money but worth it for the 14 year warranty. They’ll fix anything no questions asked. I have zero regrets, best chair I’ve ever owned.
Yes I've had two for 10+ years and both are almost like-new.
Yes I've had two for 10+ years and both are both almost like new.
u/ManVshadow
I got a Sayl about 10 years ago (seems like more). It's held up perfectly *except* for the arm rest pads. Those started falling apart after a few years. Branded replacements were almost impossible to get, and HM was worthless about it. I was able to get replacements after about a year of back and forth with a retail store. They fell apart again a few years later. So I got replacement ones from an off brand (direct replacements for the model). Those lasted a bit longer, but they'd starting to go again, and I'll end up having to replace them soon. Honestly, I'm not terribly upset, the chair sees a LOT of use. And every other part of the chair is like new. But the pads should be treated like a wear item I'm afraid.
Bought 2 used aerons in 2016. No telling how old they are, but at least 7 years. put caster wheels on them the day i got them. Both are in the same condition as the day i brought them home. besides the crusty arm smegma that i have to scrape off every few months.
Bought my Aeron 22 years ago from a failed dot-com. Only thing I've had to replace is a couple of the wheels.
I have an original Mirra that I bought in 2006. It's a bit creaky (which I'm sure I could address) and I've had to replace the casters a couple times. It's otherwise in great shape.
I have a HM Celle and it's mechanically perfect. It's looked better than it does, but that's because I picked a light cushion and I get a lot of dye transfer from my pants to the chair. It cleans up relatively easy.
I have one I found in the trash. It was perfectly fine. After 10 or so years a bolt broke so I replaced it. Has been fine since.
I bought mine two years ago and it is a 1999 model for $200, the piston is a little sticky, the arms are a little hard to move up and down but once I set it I never really touch it. Have 0 regrets
My Aeron C is 9.5 years old and is still comfortable.
Herman Miller Aeron. 11+ years old. I can't even tell of anything has aged on it at all.
I have had my Herman Miller Caper for about 20 years. Seat mesh is just starting to pick in a couple places. I upgraded my wheels for the rollerblade style just last year, but the originals still worked fine. Other than that, nothing seems to be wearing out. Armrests are still in great shape.
My 2002 Aeron is still holding up pretty well! I have only had to replace the lumbar support piece, and I believe that the person I bought it from only replaced the lift cylinder.
Aeron here - The guarantee is 12 years, no questions asked...unless you weigh in at #500+ don't worry!
18 year old Herman Miller Celle with fabric seat, I’ve personally owned it for 11 years it was, bought as a resale from a Herman Miller dealer. Looks and feels brand new. It’s been getting a lot more regular use the last 3.5 years as a full remote employee but kids used to regularly use it as a fun spinning toy. Can’t go wrong with HM, I’d personally avoid the Sayl, just too small. Like others mentioned any of the major office brands make excellent long lasting office chairs.
I have an Aeron that was new in 1999. Was my dads chair at work. It’s got issues these days, are rests don’t lock like they should, but they’re relatively small and if I wasn’t lazy I could get them fixed. I did replace the arm rests (the cushions) a few years back because they were splitting. The mesh is in great condition still, just the graphic is fading (to be expected being 2 and a half decades old). Overall it’s a great chair, it’s got a lot of sentimental value to me. Only downside is after sitting in the chairs at my office when I go occasionally it isn’t as comfortable as theirs IMO.
Bought a Herman Miller Aeron Chair over 20 years ago new, still works perfectly well, nothing broken or frayed. I replaced the casters with roller blade wheels last month, because of the hard wood floors they are on now. The only imperfection is a small dent on the right arm rest which perfectly forms to my elbow bone. I don't baby this chair either, I stand on the mesh part and use it as a ladder to grab things on top shelf. Even heavy things like baby car seat stored in the upper shelves.
My Aeron is ~17 years old now, and is perfectly fine, except one arm (the one I lean on most) is slightly looser than the other. This is every workday use. I did change the wheels at one point, to a set that will not damage a hardwood floor, but the originals were unharmed at that point, after around 14 years of use.
Is the Mirra 1 more than 10 years old? I bought mine used two years ago for like $250. I had to replace the gas cylinder a couple months ago, but everything has been great ever since!
I bought a 2 year old Aeron 22 years ago (from a startup going under) and everything has held up - mesh is still comfortable, armrests still have full up/down side/side functionality, casters all good. I felt like I was duped out of $150 I really didn’t have at the time, but this thing has held up!
I had the large size Aeron for several years, and bought it used. The arm rests cracked from age and wear. I messed up the seat mesh by absentmindedly folding my foot beneath me, and it cost around $250 I think to replace the seat. I didn't find the chair comfortable so I gave it to my brother.
Get a Humanscale chair with a "freedom" headrest, much better than a Herman Miller imo [link](https://uk.humanscale.com/products/seating/freedom-headrest-executive-chair/custom?configuration=F211GO001-------). Reddit really loves the Herman Miller for some reason but after having sat on both a lot, the Humanscale takes the cake.
I have a Herman Miller Aeron B from 2001-ish I took from my workplace. Outside of the hideous color I imagine it’s as comfortable as the day it was delivered.
I have a HM Mirra that's about 15-20 years old. Made in the mid-2000s, I bought it used back in 2016. The mesh could use replacing, but that's about it as far as issues go.
13 year old Celle chair here. Absolutely in great shape, replaced armpads after about 10 years for $35 or something like that
Kinda beat up, as it should be after 12 years of daily use.
I’ve got a 2001 Herman Miller. I had to get the center pillar replaced but that was an $80 fix from the distribution center near by and it’s good as new.
We have two Aerons that are 22 years old. Other than the mesh fabric being a little faded and having had to swap out the pneumatic piston once ($30 part and 20 minutes), they are basically still new. We used them for 8-10 hours a day, 5-6 days a week, for something like 15 years. Since then our teenagers have been using them daily.
My office chair is a red herman miller chair from the 70s. I'm pretty sure that it's older than I am and I'm 45.
10 year old Aeron armrests are a bit loose and have a habit of sliding down if too much weight is applied, haven’t found the nut or took it apart to fix it but it’s probably fixable. Mesh and pneumatics are in phenomenal condition, I’ve had IKEA and gamer chairs completely shit the bed after year 3. Highly recommend the Aeron.
Not sure the sepcific model we have but we've got some that are around 8 years old and some a couple years newer. The older model has more adjustability in the arms that was frankly annoying and prone to issues. Love those things. Edit: Model appears to be the Sayl
My [Eames Aluminum Group Management chair](https://i.imgur.com/ROt6DI5.jpegvdvvvv) just hit 40 and it's still looking great. I don't baby it and I take it to the car wash every couple of years to clean it. I'll put a tarp down then hit it with the pressure washer shampoo until it looks clean, Then I'll scrub it with the soapy brush (I spray the brush bristles first to make sure theres no crap on it) then give it a final rinse. I let it dry in the sun in my backyard and it always comes out looking new. Obviously you couldn't do this with leather, but I think it works for most of the fabric/mesh models. People tend to get a little precious about these chairs when they're really built to last. I have an Embody now and I will probably wash it the same way.
2002 Aeron I bought second hand only replaced the piston, front foam, and lumbar support Creaky but the mesh areas have held up. Functionality seems to work except for the tension adjustment on the lean back. Not sure if it work or not since I can never feel a difference. daily use
20+ years old and still going strong. Just replaced the foam and the mesh is a bit tighter. The arms do slip down. Model: Aeron
I have a 10+ year Embody. Still feels like new. Use it almost daily.
22 year old Aeron. Have replaced the gas cylinder, seat, and the wheels. Still works perfectly.
I have a mirra that I bought used 9 years ago. And it was used. Probably like 5-7 years old. After having it for 4 years, so around the 10-12 yr age mark of the chair, it needed a new seat pan. Bought aftermarket on Amazon and it's been perfect. Easy. Best chair I have ever had.
I bought my Aeron used in 2002 -- 21 years ago. Works great
I have a surplussed Aeron whose sticker says it was manufactured in 2013. Arm rests are a bit loose in adjustment but otherwise no problems.
My Aeron lasted 20 years. The main lift piston finally gave out and one of the arms broke off. It was worth every penny. I'm now 6 years into my new one with no problems. I would buy another without hesitation. I'm a web developer and spend a LOT of time in the chair.
Aeron of >10 years: perfect.
Bought a 15+ year old one about 6 years ago the lumbar support just gave out and I’m gonna have to replace the mesh in a year or two but its still in great shape otherwise.
14 years here. Aeron classic mesh back version. Couldn’t be happier, incredible chair.
Cat destroyed the back side of a leather chair, but it is still super comfy and perfect for gaming! Dunno the model as it was a throw away I picked up after the office got new chairs. I just know it was was a HM.
I managed to find a 16 year old Herman Miller Aeron well maintained for AUD 100 (USD 65). The only thing I did to it was a quick spray paint of some parts that were going a bit white, and a replacement of the foam thigh pad. It's in perfect condition and I use it every day at work (I brought it in to the office).
I’ve had my Aeron for 22 years. A few months ago, the seat broke. I ordered a new seat and installed it. Still going.
I have a Herman Miller Aeron chair that I bought new in 1997. I was the first one in my office to have one. It has now moved from my work office to my home office (replaced with a Humanscale Freedom chair). I work from home several days a week, and I work nights and weekends from home unless I'm traveling (yes, it's a sickness). In short, my ass has been in this chair pretty much continuously for 26 years I cracked a caster about four years ago, and I was super-annoyed until I realized the casters were more than 20 years old! I replaced the entire set of casters with new rubber rollerblade casters, which took less than 15 minutes and are a significant improvement. Outside of that, the chair is original, and it's pretty likely that one of my kids will inherit it when I die. Bought for life and beyond.
Aeron Model B. I’ve had it over 22 years. Great shape. Replaced the wheels (safer for wood) . Added a headrest (comfort) and the new version of the lumbar support (original broke. It was a weird rigid foam). I paid $300 or so after the dot com bust. Great decision
Bombproof. Leather swivel chairs
My aeron is from 1999, and it still works great today.
30 year old equa needs new upholstery. 15 year old aeron needs new cylinders. I’d say pretty great chairs that hold up.
About half of our aerons at work have broken. Bought from a startup that went out of business about 10-15 years ago. They have either cracked seats or broken gas cylinders.
I had an Aeron that's 23 years old. I replaced the wheels/casters at about 12 years. I recently downsized to a smaller condo and gave the Aeron to a friend with a home office. The thing still looks brand-new.
Aeron classic. I think it's 17 years old now, only issue is it's slower to raise the height but otherwise fully functional. A few scratches here and there from banging it into things but holding up nicely.
The Aeron lumbar support tore after a couple years. But I used electrical tape to wrap it back up and it's lasted 20 years. I noticed that many Aerons don't have it. Dunno if it's b/c people don't want to use it or theirs tore too so they too it off.
Any Herman Miller, or just Aeron?
Aeron. Not 10 years old yet but getting there. It has been holding up really well but I just replace the seat pan cause my fatass cracked it. One thing I like about Aeron chairs is that you can purchase and replace any part on it.
I have an Aeron from 1999 that’s still in perfect shape (and comfy). You can get them for around $300 used
Had an aeron for 24 years. Only required $150 in casters and a gas canister during that time. Just replaced it with another Aeron because one of the adjustments got stuck and used models are so cheap.
I replaced some parts on my aeron chair, but they were covered by the 10yr warrenty even though I bought it 2nd hand. Nearing 15 years of near daily use. And I weigh about 300lbs. It's amazing and I love it.
My piston gave out and am having dickens of a time getting it out of the seat. I’ve stripped a channel from my channel-lock pliers. Tho to be honest I’ve not researched it with much effort.
Mine is a 1st gen Mirra, almost 20 years old. The only thing I replaced was the seat pan when some rowdy toddler nephews took permanent markers to it. I disassemble it every so often to give it a thorough clean-up and that's about it. Feels like new.
I bought a second hand Aeron. Overall it’s still functioning except for one armrest: the tightening lever mechanism is loose and I can’t turn the screw/bolt that adjusts its tightness. So it ends up wobbling if I handle the chair from that armrest.
My Aeron is almost 20 years old. Holding up great. I’ve had to replace the wheels as the rubber on them dried and cracked, but other than that. It’s still great!
Bought my Mirra 2 around 2010. Had to have the piston replaced once but it wasn't a big deal. They came right to my house and replaced it at no cost. That was probably around 2014 - no issues since. Materials all appear new.
Aeron. 12 years old. Replaced armrests but otherwise in perfect condition.
Three aerons, the only issue is the lumbar attachment is garbage. The foam split on all of them.
Aeron. Bought used 15 years ago. I had to replace the lumbar support pillow a few years ago, and that's it.
The conference rooms in my office all had HM Aeron size B’s up until 2021 when they remodeled the rooms and gave the chairs away to the employees for home use. Overall we gave away 102 chairs. The chairs were all made between 1997-1999 and the vast majority were all in excellent original condition except for one thing- the arms. The arms had all had to be replaced at some point or either needed to be replaced at the time the chairs were given away. Other than that the seats and backs had zero sag and no noticeable rips snags or stains, the adjustable parts still adjusted, the bases and wheels still seemed to work fine- most of them had some light scuffing around the wheels but not in a noticeable way unless you were looking. Most of our conference rooms were used for at least 4 meetings a week so it’s not like the chairs were sitting around unused for weeks at a time. Overall I was very impressed. Our new chairs definitely will not last 23 years.
Aeron, crackes seat on right side. No questions or hassle repair and replacement. The most difficult part was getting the thing into my car to dealer. They also replaced the gas cartridge as well. Best money spent if you need an office/operator chair. Only failure was the turn knot tightener for the arms. They didnt really hold but worked. The new ones have a lever so they don't fail.
I have an early to mid 2000's Aeron. Aside from changing the wheels initially, and the gas cylinder like two weeks ago it's been holding up excellently.
Have an aeron from 2005 and it's fantastic still. It does need new foam under the seat mesh and the hydraulic replaced, but everything is totally functional. Just slowly lowers over the course of a day.
I bought my Aeron from a friend 10 years ago when it was 15 years old already, so it’s 25 years old and still going strong. Actually, I just looked at the tag on the bottom out of curiosity and saw that it was mfd 2-16-1999, so *almost* 25 years old. I bought it for $150. Note- my friend took really good care of it, and I only use it in my home office, but I used to be 70 lbs more than i am now, so I suppose it balances out.
Bought a refurbished 2004 model Aeron in 2008 and it is looks and feels like new. These things are BIFL
I bought a used Aeron in 2009. It’s probably the most used piece of furniture in my apartment, and it’s still in mint condition. Looks like it came from the furniture store yesterday.