Herman Miller Cosm vs Haworth Fern
Two of the best design-rated chairs in the whole catalog, with different approaches: the Cosm removes the levers and self-adjusts to body weight and movement; the Fern keeps more traditional manual adjustment but with dedicated lumbar support and a huge range of upholstery options.
Herman Miller Cosm
Herman Miller
Cosm
84
Very good
Score out of 100
$1407
at 2 stores
3 colors
Price and specs pending verification.
Pros
- Automatic recline with no levers (Auto-Harmonic tilt)
- Adapts to weight and movement with zero manual adjustment
- Very well executed minimalist look
Cons
- Less manual control for those who like to fine-tune everything
- Premium price
Haworth FernSave 7%
Haworth
Fern
79
Good
Score out of 100
$1050
$977
at 3 stores
2 colors
Price and specs pending verification.
Pros
- Red Dot-winning design with great breathability
- Dedicated lumbar adjustment
- Wide range of upholstery and colors
Cons
- Less widely stocked by retailers than Herman Miller or Steelcase
- Somewhat steeper initial adjustment curve
Category-by-category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of adjustment | Herman Miller Cosm | The Cosm requires no adjustment at all: it reclines and supports your back automatically based on weight and movement. |
| Precision lumbar adjustment | Haworth Fern | The Fern allows more precise dedicated lumbar adjustment for anyone who prefers to control it manually. |
| Upholstery personalization | Haworth Fern | Haworth offers far more color and upholstery combinations for the Fern than Herman Miller does for the Cosm. |
| Design | Herman Miller Cosm | The Cosm's minimalist aesthetic is more distinctive and has picked up more recent design recognition. |
Not sure which one fits you best? Use our Chair Finder for a personalized suggestion based on your height, weight and priorities, or check out our best chairs for remote work and best chairs for tall people guides.