Chairs · Office

Ares Line Xten Office Chair by Pininfarina: Plush Seating

From the design house behind Ferrari and Maserati comes an office chair built for comfort, not just for show.

What do the Lamborghini, Maserati, Ferrari, and the Ares Line Xten Office Chair have in common? They are all stunningly beautiful creations of the luxury car design firm, Pininfarina.

The office chair in particular is an innovative illustration of fun and relaxation in the workplace. Built with ultimate comfort and wellbeing in mind, it's the result of real craftsmanship, experience and ingenuity.

Office spaces are typically characterised by uncomfortable, strenuous furniture — the Xten is a deliberate deviation from that traditional utilitarian look. Built for someone who treasures comfort without compromising style, it aims for extraordinary appeal alongside timeless elegance.

Its surprisingly lightweight, sinuous form is supported by a projecting shell at the back, which also gives it real ergonomic character — a good fit for anyone looking to bring some personality and respite into their workspace.

The chair is built with technogel, which conforms to the body's contours to relieve the pressure of sitting for long hours. Dynamic Synchronised Tilting lets the seat and back tilt independently, and swivel legs plus adjustable height cover the demands of a modern work environment.

Photos to be sourced — the original press images for this piece were removed from the site (rights review).

Choosing the right office chair: comfort and productivity

Why your chair matters

Spending long hours seated at a desk takes a real toll on your body. An ill-suited chair leads to discomfort, fatigue and even chronic health issues. A well-designed chair, by contrast, can improve your posture, ease back pain, and boost productivity.

A chair that supports the natural curve of your spine helps maintain proper posture. Lumbar support is crucial for preventing lower back pain and reducing spinal strain — without it, prolonged sitting can lead to musculoskeletal problems over time.

Key features to look for

An ergonomic chair is designed to support your body and promote healthy posture — look for adjustable seat height, lumbar support, and armrests so you can tailor the chair to your own body and work style.

Materials matter too: breathable fabrics like mesh keep you cool, while high-density foam cushions provide real support, and a sturdy frame means the chair lasts through years of use. Multiple adjustment options — tilt and recline, 360-degree swivel, adjustable seat depth and width — let you fit the chair to different body types and preferences.

Matching a chair to your work style

If your work means long hours at a desk, prioritise strong lumbar support and adjustable features that promote an upright posture. For roles that need more movement, look for flexibility and mobility — a swivel base and adjustable components that suit varied tasks and postures.

In a home office, space and aesthetics often matter more; in a corporate setting, durability and ergonomic features usually take precedence.

A few real options, across budgets

For a budget-friendly pick, the Modway Articulate Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair offers a solid balance of comfort and affordability, with adjustable armrests, seat height and tilt tension.

As a mid-range option, the Branch Ergonomic Chair has seven points of adjustment — including lumbar support, seat depth and armrest positioning — in a sleek design that suits both home and office.

At the premium end, the Herman Miller Aeron is a standout, with a PostureFit SL backrest and breathable mesh for genuinely exceptional ergonomic support. It's a significant investment, but its durability and comfort go a long way to justifying the price.

Final thought: think beyond the price tag

Budget is a real consideration, but a quality chair is an investment in your health and productivity — spending more upfront can save you from discomfort and health issues down the line. Where possible, test a chair before buying; many retailers offer trial periods or return policies, and that's the only way to know it actually fits your body.

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