IKEA Markus Chair Review: A Chiropractor’s Honest Verdict (2026)

By John Stephens BSc MSc DC
Chiropractor & Seating Expert | Well Adjusted Seating

The IKEA Markus is one of the most searched office chairs in the UK.

At just under £160, it promises ergonomic support at a budget price — but does it actually deliver?

As a chiropractor and seating specialist, I’ve used this chair both in clinic settings and at my own desk to see how it actually performs over time — not just how it feels when you first sit in it.

This is a completely independent, non-affiliate review, so you can decide for yourself whether it’s the right chair for you.

⭐ Quick Verdict

Overall Score: 6/10
Best For: Budget buyers, IKEA loyalists, light–moderate use
Avoid If: You have back/neck pain or sit 6+ hours daily
Price: ~£160
Warranty: 10 years (excellent at this price)

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What Is the IKEA Markus?

The IKEA Markus is a high-back office chair that’s been around for years and is still one of IKEA’s most popular options.

It features:

A tall mesh backrest
Built-in lumbar support
A padded headrest
A simple tilt mechanism

It’s rated up to 110kg and comes with a 10-year warranty, which is genuinely impressive at this price.

It’s also quite a bold-looking chair — a bit of a “boardroom / Apprentice-style” look — which some people really like.

My Experience Using the IKEA Markus

I’ve used this chair over a couple of years, both personally and in clinic environments.

The first thing you notice is how solid it feels. It doesn’t creak much, and it feels well planted on the floor — you can lean back in it without worrying about it tipping or moving around.

But over longer sitting sessions, a few issues start to show up — particularly around the lumbar support and adjustability, which we’ll get into below.

What the IKEA Markus Gets Right

✔ Solid Build Quality

This is a well-built chair for the price.

The one I tested is around 2–3 years old, and it still feels sturdy. If anything loosens, it’s easy enough to tighten.

✔ Excellent Warranty

A 10-year warranty on a £160 chair is very good.

You also get IKEA’s 365-day return policy, which is quite rare. If you don’t get on with the chair, you’ve got a way out.

✔ Breathable Mesh Back

The mesh backrest is a real positive.

If you tend to run warm, or sit for long periods, it helps stop your back from getting too hot.

✔ Simple to Use

There are only a couple of levers:

One for height
One for tilt

That’s it.

For some people, that simplicity is actually ideal — there’s nothing complicated to set up.

✔ Trusted Brand

There’s reassurance in buying from IKEA.

Compared to a lot of unknown chairs online, you know what you’re getting — and you know the product will still exist in a few years.

Where the IKEA Markus Falls Short

❌ The Lumbar Support (Biggest Issue)

This is my main concern as a chiropractor.

The lumbar support is fixed, so you can’t move it up or down.

At 6’3”, I found it sat too low — more on my pelvis than my lower back. Instead of supporting the natural curve of the spine, it almost pushed in the wrong place.

That means your lower back can end up doing more work than it should.

❌ Very Limited Adjustability

This is where the Markus really shows its limitations.

You don’t get:

Adjustable armrests
Seat depth adjustment
Seat tilt
Backrest height adjustment

So you’re essentially stuck with one setup.

For some people, that will be fine — for others, it just won’t quite fit.

❌ Armrests Are Hard and Fixed

The armrests are quite basic.

They’re:

Fixed in position
Not padded much at all
Quite firm

I’ve actually knocked my elbows on them a few times — especially on the metal edge — which isn’t ideal.

Because they don’t move, they can also get in the way when trying to sit close to a desk or table.

❌ Doesn’t Work Well at Dining Tables

A lot of people working from home use a dining table setup.

Because the armrests don’t move, the chair often can’t tuck in properly, which pushes you forward — not great for posture.

❌ Seat Comfort Over Time

The seat cushion is fairly thin.

It’s fine for shorter periods, but over longer sessions you can start to feel the base underneath slightly.

Over time, I’d expect this to compress further.

Who This Chair Might Suit

This chair could work well if you:

Are on a budget (under £200)
Want something from a trusted brand
Sit for 4–6 hours per day
Don’t currently have back or neck pain
Prefer something simple and easy to use

Who Should Probably Avoid It

I’d be more cautious with this chair if you:

Have low back or neck pain
Sit for long hours (6–8+ per day)
Are taller (especially over 6ft)
Need a chair that can be adjusted to your body
Work from a fixed-height desk or dining table

Chiropractor Score Breakdown

Lumbar support: 5/10
Adjustability: 3/10
Build quality: 8/10
Value for money: 7/10
Comfort (short sessions): 7/10
Comfort (long sessions): 4/10

Overall: 6/10

Final Verdict

The IKEA Markus is a solid entry-level office chair.

It’s well built, simple to use, and backed by a strong warranty.

But from a clinical perspective, it lacks the adjustability needed to properly support most people over long periods.

It will suit some users well — but not everyone.

If you:

sit for long hours
have back pain
or want something that properly adapts to your body

you’ll likely need a chair with more adjustability.

What I Recommend Looking For Instead

If you’re choosing a chair for comfort and spinal support, I’d always look for:

Adjustable lumbar support
Adjustable armrests
Seat depth adjustment
A backrest that can adapt to your shape

That’s what allows the chair to fit you, rather than you having to adapt to it.

Looking for a Better Ergonomic Setup?

At Well Adjusted Seating, we specialise in chairs that are designed to properly support your spine — especially if you’re dealing with discomfort from sitting.

👉 Explore our ergonomic chair range
👉 Or visit our Sit School™ guides to improve your desk setup

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IKEA Markus good for back pain?

In most cases, no. The fixed lumbar support limits how well it can support different spinal shapes.

How long does the IKEA Markus last?

Build quality is good — many last 5–10 years. The seat foam may compress earlier with heavy use.

Is it worth £160?

For basic use, yes. But if you can increase your budget slightly, you’ll get noticeably better ergonomic support.

Is it suitable for tall people?

Often not. The lumbar support tends to sit too low for users over 6ft.

Is the Järvfjället better?

Yes — it offers more adjustability for a small increase in price.

IKEA Markus Chair Review: A Chiropractor’s Verdict