The office in this Todos Santos, Mexico, home shaped by interior designer Faith Blakeney offers equal views on either side of the threshold with bohemian flair.Photo: Cris NolascoSave this storySave this storyHome office furniture used to force an unnecessary choice: Pick something beautiful or surround yourself in a sea of cubicle-coded ergonomics. The best office furniture, however, refuses to compromise. A supportive desk chair can bring an unexpected hit of color, and even the most practical desk can be a natural extension of the rest of your home. Since many of us spend eight hours a day—or more—sitting in front of a computer, the furniture should support your posture as much as your design sensibilities. No matter how small your office space is or how often you actually use it, we’re highlighting the best places to buy office furniture and revamp your workspace.
A midcentury icon, Herman Miller has spent decades proving that good design never goes out of style—it becomes the standard. Though its prices reflect that legacy, the level of craftsmanship and engineering helps justify the investment. The Soft Pad office chair is a colorful addition to a typically greyscale work environment, while thoughtful design details (like the extra-plush back cushion) are stylish without ever sacrificing comfort. For those who prefer more utilitarian office furniture, Herman Miller also sells folding drafting tables, traditional office chairs, and task lighting.
Branch has become an AD office favorite thanks to its ergonomic chairs and versatile standing desks. Streamlined and minimal, the only bells and whistles in Branch’s office furniture are details that make a real difference throughout the workday (like adjustable arm rests and flexible lumbar support). Your back will notice the difference. “Poor posture fears the Branch Ergo Pro. The chair’s fully customizable support system makes it easy to spend long hours in a static position with all the adjustments you need to feel more comfortable throughout the work day,” says shopping editor Audrey Lee.
With offerings from vetted design brands like Gubi, Fritz Hansen, Blu Dot, and Kartell, 2Modern is the source for those who like to collect iconic pieces (without the antique seller markup). Shopping writer Julia Harrison has been testing the Fritz Hansen Series 7 office chair for the last few months, praising both its supple leather upholstery and the confidence it inspires: “I think if you’re the sort of person that cares very much about the aesthetic of their creative space, it’s a no-brainer piece,” Harrison says. “It’s elevated, a hallmark of sophisticated design, a nod to Arne Jacobsen in your home, and—to my frame, anyway—a comfortable choice in which I feel, actually, quite powerful in my craft. It’s not every day you find a chair that makes you feel capable.” If midcentury or Italian modernist pieces aren’t your style, 2Modern also stocks more traditional office furniture for a wider range of aesthetics.
For those who want their home office to channel the same midcentury glamour and gravitas as Mad Men, we recommend browsing West Elm's office furniture collection. Warm walnut, rich performance upholstery, and brushed metal details give the pieces a distinctly executive feel without making your home office feel like a corporate cubicle. At home, simplicity can be an advantage. Although Lee prefers a swivel chair at the office, she believes the Ronan Office Chair would be an even better fit in a home office, where its no-frills design makes it easier to stay focused instead of swiveling towards your next distraction.
If aesthetics is the foremost priority, Lulu and Georgia offers office furniture that would look more at home in an interior design studio than a corporate high-rise. The kidney-bean-shaped Ortega desk still gives you plenty of surface area to spread out, but it mimics the curved silhouettes that never fail to make a statement. The brand’s collaborations with tastemakers and designers like Aimee Song and Carly Cushnie reinforce its reputation for furniture that feels as chic as it is practical.
For investment pieces that prove their value over time, look to Arhaus for premium materials and clever design. The brand has a knack for rethinking familiar furniture, favoring hidden functionality and premium materials over statement-making flourishes. The Towry Executive Desk embodies this philosophy with a handsome mix of solid mahogany, engineered hardwood, mahogany veneer, and a black glass inset top. A closer look reveals two concealed doors that keep paperwork and office supplies tucked neatly out of sight, while an open center shelf leaves room to style a few favorite books or souvenirs.
Haworth has been shaping the workplaces of architects, creatives, and Fortune 500 companies long before home offices became a design priority. For those splitting their time between home and the office, the brand brings that same contract-grade craftsmanship to residential spaces without sacrificing the research-backed ergonomic expertise it’s known for. Take the Breck Chair: With an ultra-breathable backrest and intuitive adjustments, Lee dialed in her ideal seat as effortlessly as she assembled it.