The Mirra 2 is the perfect alternative to the iconic Herman Miller Aeron chair. It costs less but may have more adjustable features than the Aeron. This flexible ergonomic chair may also be one of the lower-priced chairs from the brand’s collection. And it has a new streamlined model too, the Mirra 2. So let’s see what differentiates these two highly adjustable ergonomic chairs
A Better Mirra?
The Mirra 2, like the other Herman Miller office chairs, offers a lot of customization. But it also has one of the lowest prices compared to other Herman Miller ergonomic chairs. The Mirra 2 is a newly designed Mirra 1. It boasts a sleek design and is lighter than the Mirra 1. Though you would still be able to detect the hormones of the Mirra 1 in this redesigned chair, the design aspect was greatly improved.
Image source: standingdesktopper.com
More sleek and lightweight design
In terms of the design, the Mirra 2 was able to maintain the intricate cuttings on the back of the chair. You’d be happy that the design you fell in love with in the Mirra 2 can still be found in the amped-up Mirra 2.
Another feature that many love with Mirra 1 is the mesh covering on the seat pad and the back seat. This allows for breathability and yet you can still feel decent comfort with ultimate support.
Though the Mirra 2 was able to retain this lovely webbed back design, it has a fabric that overlays on it. The innovation introduced to the Mirra 2 is the molding of the materials instead of being bonded together. The fabric is modeled with the polymer veins. So this means that the total weight will be reduced. That’s why the Mirra 2 is lighter than the Mirra 1 by 25 percent. That means it is lighter by about 18 pounds. So it works great for those who find the Mirra 1 quite heavy.
Smaller and slimmer seat
You’ll be able to instantly distinguish the Mirra 1 from the Mirra 1 with its seat. The Mirra 2 has a smaller frame, hence the lighter weight. It has a more open and airy frame. Thus, it feels cooler and can allow more air to circulate. The Mirra 1 has a wider seat. Even if it’s a woven mesh, you can feel the padded seat. A lot find it comfortable, but it can be a bit bulky for some. The Mirra 1 has a slimmer and smaller seat. It looks more modern and streamlined too.
And albeit with its smaller seat, the Mirra 2 is a tad more comfortable. And it’s very accomodating to various seating positions. But don’t expect it to feel plush soft and cushiony. The seat of the Mirra is geared towards more on the supportive and firm side because of the flexible plastic material.
Design and overall look
The Mirra 2 looks trendier and more hip than the Mirra 1. If the Mirra 1 is a millennial, the Mirra 2 would be the new-gen Z. You also have a ton of color options for the fabric overlay. And the Mirra 2 chair can instantly pop in an office space with its streamlined and cleaner framework and structure.
There’s also a very slight difference, but this one is very easy to overlook. The way the backseat is connected to the seat itself might look a bit different. Mirra 1 has this Y-shaped spine while Mirra 2 has a wider and more looped spine that comes up and around the backrest.
Though in terms of function and flexibility, it did not make any difference. It just made the design of the Mirra 2 more streamlined and more modern-looking.
You’ll still enjoy these features
The Mirra 2 can be referred to as the reborn Mirra 1. It’s more stylish, more sophisticated, and trendy looking. But there are a lot of adjustable features that made you fall in love with the Mirra 1. And would be happy to hear that you can still find those amazing adjustability and convenient features in this newly upgraded Mira chair.
You still get that flexible nice S-shaped backrest, the 4-way adjustable arms, 12-year warranty, lumbar height adjustment, tilt tension, seat depth adjustment, and 350 weight capacity. The Mirra chairs can accommodate 85-90 percent of users with high adjustable features and carrying capacity.
Herman Miller Mirra 2 Vs Sayl
Back support and comfort
Another Herman Miller chair that can be a more economical alternative than the Aeron is the Sayl chair. There are several features that make the Sayl chair another great choice. I just love the narrow and slim back. It fits right into my shoulders, exactly where they’re supposed to be. So there’s no pinching and it’s easy to give yourself a good stretch from behind.
It also has an adjustable lumbar, but I can’t really tell if it makes any difference. The contours of the Sayl, however, feel nice on the back like the Mirra 2. But the lumbar support of the Mirra 2 may be of more use.
And both chairs have that nice S-shaped back that follows the contours of your spine. And the material flexes easily to follow and support your movement.
Armrests
Some of the things that I wished were better with the Sayl are the armrests. Though it has nice thin padding, it can only be adjusted in two ways- up and down. So I’m loving the armrests of the Mirra better. And it’s wider too.
Cushioned seat
The cushion of the Sayl also looks and feels well done. It’s pretty comfortable and hugs your butt nicely. But in terms of what’s more comfortable, I find the Mirra 2 more supporting on the buttocks. Plus the slimmer profile of the seat works for me more. Though the Sayl may look like it has a more cushioned seat. So those who prefer lusher than support may favor the Sayl seat over the Mirra 2.
The seat is pretty small too, so like the Mirra2, it’s not that ideal for those who are a bit large. It might feel too cramped for them. unless you want a baby tee fit chair, then go ahead.
And the Mirra 2 feels more cool and breathable with its all-mesh seat. It also looks more modern too.
Design and overall look
In terms of the design and overall look, both chairs are winners in their own right. Both are highly customizable and available in a number of colors, upholstery, and other upgrades.
The Sayl chair, for one, doesn’t have any hard edges or frames. It’s typically frameless but it’s one study structure. Among the brand’s office chairs, the Sayl may have one of the most complexes. The back of the chair is made out of a single piece. And held in place by a simple structure that holds it up.
The lack of frames reduces the number of materials used plus it has a smaller footprint. And the fewer materials it consists of, the more affordable the price. And the Sayl was probably designed for more simplicity.
Which is better?
The answer to which Herman Miller chair is better would be very subjective at this point. But allow me to list down a few points.
The Sayl chair is the one, if not the best Herman Miller chair that’s comfortable for short and average-sized people or those who stand less than 5 ‘10”. And if you love the liberty of having a frameless chair, it’s a great choice. Though if you’re taller, you might find the backrest too short, thereby uncomfortable.
Plus the basic Sayl chair lacks some of the adjustable features that you might want in an ergonomic office chair. You need to order a more expensive one to enjoy more adjustable features.
The Mirra 2, on the other hand, has more adjustable features. And If you desire a more breathable chair, the all-mesh seat will allow more air circulation. It has a more supportive seat rather than a cushiony one too. But both chairs feel great for the back
Both brands have a smaller footprint and a sleeker and slimmer profile, so it’s up to you which style you’d want. Both Herman Miller chairs can silt stand out in a sea of regular office chairs, especially if you purchase the more perky colors. It’s easy to spot the intricate back design of the Mirra 2 and Sayl chair.
Final takeaways
The Mirra 2 is the modern and more stylish version of the Mirra 1. And if you visit the brand’s website, you might not be able to spot Mirra 1 anymore. Though if you want a wider framework but enjoy the highly adjustable features of the Mirra 1, there are refurbished models that you can get for yourself. A lot of people have been upgrading the mirra2! So you’ll certainly find a Mirra 1 that’s looking for a new owner.
