Haworth Fern Review: Is This the Comfiest Backrest Around? (2026)

What Is the Haworth Fern?

Haworth is one of the largest office furniture makers in the world, a family-owned company based in Holland, Michigan. The Fern is its flagship task chair. Haworth developed it with design partner ITO Design, filed numerous patents along the way, and involved researchers and testers in shaping its feel.

As the name suggests, the chair takes its inspiration from a fern leaf. Rather than a single rigid back panel or a stretched mesh, its backrest is a layered, flexible structure that responds to how you move. In our guide to the best office chairs, it earns the "best flexing backrest" spot.

Fern Specifications

The Wave Suspension Backrest

The Fern's backrest is made of four parts that work together. A central "stem" runs along your spine. Flexible "fronds" branch out from it to support the sides of your back, much like leaves on a fern. A frame Haworth calls the cradle holds the fronds under tension, and a soft 3D knit outer layer wraps everything.

The effect is a backrest that feels suspended and supportive at the same time. It bends, twists and shifts as you reach, lean and recline, which suits people who rarely sit in one position for long. It is also tall, reaching up toward the shoulders, so it supports more of your back than many premium chairs.

The built-in curve provides natural lumbar support. Haworth also offers an optional height-adjustable lumbar, which is notably pronounced; people who like firm lower-back pressure will appreciate it, while others may prefer the version without it.

Seat Comfort

The Fern's seat is large and edgeless, with a waterfall front and no hard plastic rim. That makes it comfortable for sitting cross-legged, shifting to one side or tucking a foot under you. The foam is reasonably thick but firm, consistent with most high-end ergonomic chairs, so do not expect a plush, sink-in feel.

Adjustments and Recline

Depending on configuration, the Fern offers seat height, seat depth, 4D arms that adjust in height, width, depth and pivot, a lumbar option, an optional forward tilt for perched typing and a headrest. The synchro-tilt recline keeps you in a balanced position as you lean back and has five lock positions. Its tension control is notably responsive: a couple of turns make a clear difference, unlike chairs that need dozens of rotations.

The optional headrest adjusts in height only, and it is firm. If you like a headrest you can ignore when working upright, test how it fits your posture, as it sits fairly forward.

Choosing a Fern Configuration on Amazon

Haworth sells several Fern configurations, including versions with and without lumbar support, with and without a headrest (the "Executive" listings include one), and in digital knit or breathable mesh finishes. When you check the price, confirm in the listing title which features are included. For most people, a version with seat depth adjustment and fully adjustable arms is the configuration to look for.

Fern vs. Embody vs. Leap V2

The Fern and the Herman Miller Embody share a philosophy: both encourage movement with flexible, high-tech backrests. The Fern's back is broader and taller, and it offers a lumbar option the Embody lacks. The Leap V2 is the pick for precise manual lumbar control and higher capacity.

Warranty and Delivery

Haworth covers the Fern for 12 years and rates it for 325 pounds. The upholstery has shorter coverage than the frame and mechanisms, which is worth noting since Herman Miller and Steelcase generally cover fabric for longer. The chair arrives fully assembled, so you can unbox it and sit right away. It is made in a zero-landfill facility in the US and built with a high share of recycled content.

Fern Pros and Cons

Who Should Buy the Haworth Fern?

• Buy it if you change position often and want a backrest that flexes with you.
• Buy it if you sit cross-legged or like room to move on the seat.
• Buy it if you want premium design with a distinctive, modern look.
• Skip it if you need over 325 pounds of capacity; see the Steelcase Gesture.
• Skip it if you want a cool mesh seat; see the Aeron.

How to Set Up the Fern

1. Seat height: feet flat, thighs roughly level.
2. Seat depth: on models with depth adjustment, leave two to three fingers of space behind your knees.
3. Lumbar: if fitted, slide it to meet the curve of your lower back. Because the Fern's lumbar is pronounced, start slightly lower and work upward.
4. Tension: turn the tension control a couple of times at a time; the Fern responds quickly.
5. Recline lock: pick one of the five positions or leave it free.
6. Forward tilt: if your model includes it, try it for focused typing while perched forward.
7. Arms and headrest: set the arms so your shoulders relax, and raise the headrest only as high as you need for reclined rest.

What Owners Commonly Mention

Owners most often praise the Fern's backrest, describing it as supportive yet flexible, and many mention that the edgeless seat lets them sit cross-legged or shift freely. Some who have used both say they prefer it to the Aeron for exactly these reasons. The smooth synchro-tilt recline is another frequent highlight.

The common criticisms include a firm headrest that sits forward, a lumbar option that some find too strong, and armrests that feel slightly less solid than Steelcase's. Taller users occasionally mention wanting more shoulder support. Choosing the right configuration avoids most of these issues.

Smart Buying Tips

• Check the configuration in the title: with or without lumbar, with or without headrest, digital knit or mesh.
• Look for seat depth and fully adjustable arms: they make the biggest difference to fit.
• Skip the lumbar if you are unsure: the built-in curve suits many sitters.
• Buy from Haworth's own Amazon listings or another authorized seller to keep the warranty.

Is the Haworth Fern Worth It?

For people who value a lively, adaptive backrest and freedom to move, yes. The Fern stands comfortably alongside Herman Miller and Steelcase's best, and its backrest is arguably the most comfortable of the group for sitters who never stay still. Choose your configuration carefully and it will serve you for many years. To see how it ranks against every other pick, read our best office chairs guide, or explore more on the Office Chair Authority home page.

Haworth Fern FAQs