The comfortable new office chair from standing-desk pioneer Vari strikes a delicate balance between support and simplicity. Petite people might find it too roomy, though.The Align chair, a product of the renowned brand known for its easy-to-assemble desks, is a marvel of deceptive simplicity. With its minimalistic design and limited components, it’s a testament to the beauty of simplicity. The assembly process is a breeze, requiring less than a quarter of an hour and a mere three screws. The Allen wrench needed for the assembly is conveniently included in the package. Although the QR code for the assembly instructions was not yet functional at the time of its release in March, the chair’s intuitive design made the assembly process straightforward and hassle-free.
The Align chair’s simplicity is primarily a result of the decision to limit its components. The chair consists of a cushion perched atop the wheels and casters, and a single-piece mesh top, suspended by a system that allows for a generous lean. This design choice not only simplifies assembly but also contributes to the chair’s sleek, modern aesthetic.
The chair’s specifications suggest a lean of about 20 degrees. However, in my experience, the chair offered significantly more flexibility. Despite my large frame, I found that I could lean back almost 45 degrees without compromising support or stability. This generous lean provides ample room for stretching, making the chair an excellent choice for those long hours at the desk.
Despite its minimalistic design, the Align chair offers a surprising degree of adjustability. The seat can be moved about four inches up and down, shifted forward and back, and the lumbar support can be tilted to your preference using a five-position adjustable ratchet located behind the chair. While these adjustments may not dramatically alter the chair’s appearance, they significantly affect the pressure distribution on the lower back, enhancing comfort and support.
The armrests of the Align chair are also adjustable. They can be pivoted inward or outward and moved forward or back. However, these positions cannot be locked, which may lead to some fiddling during idle moments. The armrests are lightly padded, providing sufficient comfort for most, but those who prefer a plush feel may need to look elsewhere.
It’s important to note that while the armrests can pivot, their width is not adjustable. The seat cushion is relatively wide, measuring about 20 inches across. This means that while the chair comfortably accommodates larger frames, those with a smaller build may find the armrests too far apart. As a tall and long-bodied individual, I appreciated the high-backed support. However, smaller individuals may feel somewhat engulfed by the chair, given its 27-inch-tall back.
Despite these minor drawbacks, I was thoroughly impressed by the Align chair’s ingenious simplicity. This simplicity not only contributes to the chair’s aesthetic appeal but also keeps the price low, making it a strong contender in the mid-price range. The chair’s blend of breathability, support, value, and customizability is commendable. The integrated headrest is a significant improvement over the previous-generation Vari Task Chair. My only concern with the Align chair is that it’s so comfortable, I might just fall asleep in it.
In conclusion, the Align chair is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. Its minimalistic design, coupled with its surprising degree of adjustability, makes it an excellent choice for those seeking comfort and support without breaking the bank. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the Align chair is a strong contender in the mid-price range, offering a blend of breathability, support, value, and customizability that is hard to beat.