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Ikea Markus Review

Ryan Hansen Avatar
Updated Jan 19, 2024 5:13 PM

True Score

80
80
3

Experts

80
0

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Expert Rankings

The Ikea Markus is a very comfortable high-back chair that tall individuals will find well-suitable. However, it does not offer much adjustability or good lumbar support.

$399.99

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The Ikea Markus is an entry-level office chair introduced in the market in 2021. The chair has a maximum weight capacity of up to 242 lbs and a five-point base for good stability. Its high back is made of mesh fabric for good breathability, and at its top, there’s a padded, rectangular headrest for optimal head support. The chair also adjusts tilt and height and reclines up to about 120°.

However, the lack of an adjustable lumbar support system on the Ikea Markus sets it apart from the highest-rated office chairs on the market – check out the best Herman Miller chair if this is a priority.

Consensus

our Verdict

The Ikea Markus is a well-built, mesh back office chair with removable armrests and an integrated headrest. Tall people will very much appreciate its high-back design, but they will have to live with the unadjustable armrests and fixed headrest. Still, the chair’s 4” adjustable seat height is pretty standard, and the tilting angle and rocking tension can be modified with levers and a knob located underneath the seat.

While there is some lower back padding for lumbar support, the cushion can’t be moved around for better positioning. Its casters also stay in place when standing up for good balance and stability, thanks to their pressure-sensitive mechanism. Overall, the chair is of good build quality and offers a level of comfort that is way above its price point.

ReasonS to Buy

  • High build quality
    • The Ikea Markus chair has a 242 lbs weight limit. This, plus the 10-year warranty on it offered by Ikea is a testament to its high-quality build and durability.

  • Pressure-sensitive casters for good stability
    • The casters are designed with a pressure-sensitive brake mechanism that keeps the chair in one place when an individual stands up and releases when they sit down.

Reason to Avoid

  • Adjustability and ergonomics
    • While owners can adjust the seat height, tilt, and tension, its headrest armrests and elements, such as the seat depth are not adjustable. The seat’s 4” range of adjustment is pretty typical of most chairs, but the best chairs allow for up to 6”.

  • Lumbar support isn’t adjustable
    • The chair’s lumbar support is not adjustable.

Ikea Markus Specs

Adjustable ArmrestsAdjustable ArmrestsFixed
Armrest Height MaxArmrest Height Maxn/a
Armrest Height MinArmrest Height Minn/a
Backrest HeightBackrest Height22.4"
Backrest WidthBackrest Widthn/a
Frame ConstructionFrame ConstructionSteel
Has FootrestHas FootrestNo
Head PillowHead PillowNo
Head RestHead RestAdjustable Head Support
Lumbar SupportLumbar SupportYes
Piston TypePiston TypePneumatic Cylinder
ReclineReclineYes
Seat DepthSeat Depth18"
Seat Height AdjustmentSeat Height Adjustment18.9" – 22.4"
Seat Padding MaterialSeat Padding MaterialFoam
Seat WidthSeat Width20.47"
UpholsteryUpholsteryFoam
Weight LimitWeight Limit240 lbs
Wheel TypeWheel TypeCasters

All Specs

Test Results

Max Recline (Degrees)0
Min Seat Height (Inches)0
Max Seat Height (Inches)0

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Product Comparison

Ikea Markus Review

True Score

80
85
NR
NR

Ranking

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21

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31

#

7

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31

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Market Context

The Ikea Markus is an entry-level office chair introduced in the market in 2021. The chair has a maximum weight capacity of up to 242…

The Ikea Markus is an entry-level office chair introduced in the market in 2021. The chair has a maximum weight capacity of up to 242 lbs and a five-point base for good stability. Its high back is made of mesh fabric for good breathability, and at its top, there’s a padded, rectangular headrest for optimal head support. The chair also adjusts tilt and height and reclines up to about 120°.

However, the lack of an adjustable lumbar support system on the Ikea Markus sets it apart from the highest-rated office chairs on the market – check out the best Herman Miller chair if this is a priority.

While the headrest on the Ikea Markus is fitted on the top of its backrest, the Ikea Flintan doesn’t come with a headrest at all….

While the headrest on the Ikea Markus is fitted on the top of its backrest, the Ikea Flintan doesn’t come with a headrest at all. The armrests on the Markus are also removable, while those on the Flintan are not. On the other hand, the Ikea Markus requires assembly, while the Flintan does not. Both have a 242 lbs weight limit, but if this is too low, consider our Union and Scale Essentials Mesh Back review for an alternative.

The Ikea Markus features a high backrest, which makes it different from the HAG Capsico 8106, with its narrow, low-set backrest. The Ikea Markus also…

The Ikea Markus features a high backrest, which makes it different from the HAG Capsico 8106, with its narrow, low-set backrest. The Ikea Markus also features armrests and an integrated headrest, which are both missing on the Capsico 8106. However, the Capsico 8106 is available in up to 36 colors, while the Ikea Markus only ships in dark grey or black variants. For more information on the 8106, read our Hag Capsico review.

The armrests on the Ikea Markus are fixed in position and not adjustable. However, the armrests on the FlexiSpot Pro Plus Mesh Office Chair OC14…

The armrests on the Ikea Markus are fixed in position and not adjustable. However, the armrests on the FlexiSpot Pro Plus Mesh Office Chair OC14 are adjustable, as they can be moved up, down, forward, or inward. Also, while the Ikea Markus ships with an integrated headrest that isn’t quite adjustable, the headrest on the FlexiSpot Pro Plus is separate and can be easily adjusted. Learn more about the FlexiSport Pro Plus in our FlexiSpot OC14 review.

Adjustable Armrests

Fixed

Fixed

Armrest Height Max

n/a

n/a

Armrest Height Min

n/a

n/a

Backrest Height

22.4"

20.5"

Backrest Width

n/a

18"

Frame Construction

Steel

Metal and Plastic

Has Footrest

No

No

Head Pillow

No

No

Dig Deeper

Union And Scale Essentials Mesh Back Review →

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  • $399.99

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

80

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

80

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

80

Expert Scores

  • Which?
    25.6

    Category Trust Rating

    NR

    By:

    Unknown
  • Windows Central
    68.35

    Category Trust Rating

    NR
    Adding all the levers and dials to make everything adjustable drives the price up, which… Read More

    By:

    Cale Hunt
  • T3
    61.4

    Category Trust Rating

    80
    With its minimalist looks and clever use of quality materials, the adjustable swivel Ikea Markus… Read More

    By:

    Sarah Griffiths

Customer Scores