The Haworth Fern is currently my daily driver and is such a great chair all around from comfort to look. I wanted to see if it’s really worth the $1500, what makes it so special? Follow along to see if I change my mind on this chair.
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Haworth Fern Worth It Links
1. Aesthetics of the Haworth Fern
Right now, the Haworth Fern is one of the nicest looking office chairs out there. There are three different chair options which include different colors and upholstery. They all have a sleek look to them and give off high end vibes. The functions are smooth as well. The Fern feels solid when it is built correctly. I only say this because the one that I am using has very wobbly arms and it came assembled like that.
Now the other two Ferns we have are built great. The arms are solid and don’t make unnecessary movements or noises. So if you plan on purchasing a Fern chair, be sure to test out all parts and reach out to Haworth if there is a defect. When Ferns are assembled correctly, they truly are tanks. I like to compare Ferns build quality to chairs like the Herman Miller Aeron and Embody.
2. Importance of Comfort
Next, if you’re spending this kind of money on an office chair, you want the most comfort. I think most people find the Fern to be pretty comfortable. The back design proves this by having multiple layers and soft knit upholstery. There is a wide range of flexibility to move around freely in this chair as well. For me, this is the most relaxing backrest I have used.
People may have some different opinions on the seat of the Fern. It is more on the firm side which some like and some don’t. It does offer great support either way. I have also found that it does soften after about 30-60 days of everyday use. I appreciate the armrests and the range of adjustability they provide as well as the soft arm pads. As for recline, it is top tier keeping you in a relaxed position whether upright or tilted back.
Looking into the Haworth Fern mesh back edition, I don’t personally like the lumbar, but I would say it’s definitely worth the extra $80. This goes for the original Fern since it has a forward tilt option for $70; I don’t think it’s necessary to use for my specific setup.
3. Cosmetic Upgrades
Furthermore, the Ferns offer additional upgrades that may or may not be worth it. The aluminum base for example gives the chair more of an upscale look compared to the plastic options. The digital knit upholstery gives the chair more comfort than other chairs. The only upgrade that isn’t worth it is the headrest which is seen on the Haworth Fern Halo Edition. I don’t feel like it’s needed in most cases and actually takes away from the chair.
When purchasing a top-notch chair from a brand like Haworth, it is safe to say it will be a good investment. There is a good 30-day return policy and they will actually pick it up without charging you. I find that to be a win. If you do decide to keep the chair, you get a solid 12-year warranty. The used market is also booming so you won’t have a problem reselling if needed.
4. Fern Deal Breakers
While I do love the Haworth Fern chair, there are some deal breakers. One being for tall people especially. A potential problem can be when you are adjusting the seat depth fully out, there will be a gap between the seat and backrest. This can cause some discomfort. Another potential problem could be for those that want a decent headrest. I think adding one would be a poor choice because it only has height adjustment and it’s not smooth or easy to use.
Bottom Line
The Fern is an expensive chair, but for the amount of time I spend in mine makes it worth it. I value being comfortable at work so I would spend the money. I consider my long-term health when it comes to the chair, not so much as a one-time splurge. With the warranty Haworth offers, you can count on the chair lasting at least 12 years.
Additional Office Chair Resources
Bryan
For the Fern I highly recommend the Atlas Headrests Fern adapter, and their Aeron Headrest, proper full motion and makes it comfier for the tall folks out there.
Another upgrade I view as needed is replacing the wheels with roller blade wheels, just makes rolling around on carpet easier, and they’re only like $20 online.
Overall I love my fern, and if you’re someone who sometimes crosses your legs, get this over the Aeron, because the plastic around the seat of the Aeron does not feel good with crossed legs.