Skip to content

How to Install Headrest to Herman Miller Aeron Chair

The Herman Miller Aeron Chair is famous for its innovative design and exceptional comfort, making it a favourite among office workers and home users alike. However, to enhance this already impressive chair, many users opt to add a headrest. A Herman Miller Aeron headrest is an accessory specifically designed to complement the iconic Aeron Chair, providing additional support for your neck and head and thereby improving overall ergonomics. This addition can transform your seating experience, especially during long work hours, by reducing the strain on your upper body.

What sets the Aeron Chair apart from other office chairs is its unique combination of advanced ergonomic features, high-quality materials, and timeless design. Unlike conventional office chairs, the Aeron incorporates Pellicle mesh material, which conforms to your body, distributes weight evenly, and allows for excellent breathability. 

Its adjustable settings, including lumbar support and recline mechanisms, offer a highly personalised seating experience. With the addition of a headrest, you further enhance these benefits, making the Aeron Chair an even more indispensable part of your workspace.

Is a headrest necessary for my Herman Miller Chair?

While the Herman Miller Aeron Chair is designed for superior comfort and support, adding a headrest can provide extra benefits. A headrest is not strictly necessary, but it can enhance your chair's ergonomics by offering additional neck and head support. This is particularly beneficial for those who spend long hours sitting, as it helps maintain proper posture and reduces strain on the upper spine. Ultimately, whether you need a headrest depends on your personal comfort preferences and how you use your chair. Adding one can be a worthwhile investment for improved comfort and health.

Steps for installing headrest to Herman Miller Aeron chair

If you’re considering adding a headrest, Atlas Lifestyle offers two excellent options: the Atlas Headrest and the Engineered Now Headrest. Both are designed specifically for the Herman Miller Aeron Chair, ensuring a seamless fit and ergonomic support. Here are the simple ways to attach the accessories to your chair:

Installing the Atlas Headrest on a Herman Miller Aeron Chair

The Atlas Headrest is a great addition to the Herman Miller Aeron Remastered Chair, expanding its already impressive ergonomic range. Installing it is simple, and with a few adjustments, you can fine-tune it to your comfort.

  1. Attach the bracket assembly – Position the bracket on the back of the Aeron’s frame, aligning it with the small bumps underneath the inside of the frame.

  2. Secure the metal clamp plate – Tighten the metal clamp plate underneath the bracket to ensure the headrest is firmly attached to the chair’s frame.

  3. Mount the headrest – Using the two provided screws, secure the headrest to the top of the bracket. Make sure the directional arrow on the headrest is facing upward before tightening the screws with the Allen wrench.

  4. Cover the screws – Place the plastic cover over the back of the headrest to conceal the screws. Secure it with the final screw, ensuring all screws, including the metal plate’s screw under the bracket, are fully tightened.

Adjusting the Atlas Headrest

  1. Height and depth adjustment – Use the knob on the back to adjust the height and the knob on the top to adjust the depth. Loosen the knobs, slide the metal framing into position, then tighten them to lock it in place.

  2. Tilt adjustment – The tilt function is held in place by friction, allowing you to position it at the most comfortable angle for your needs.

Installing the Engineered Now Headrest on a Herman Miller Aeron Chair

The Engineered Now Headrest is another popular option for the Aeron Chair, designed to enhance neck and upper back support. Its installation is quick and straightforward.

  1. Position the headrest – Place the headrest at the narrowest point on the back of the chair.

  2. Slide it into place – Carefully move the headrest toward the center of the backrest, ensuring it aligns properly.

  3. Check positioning – Ensure the headrest’s center alignment and sitting at the correct height for ergonomic support.

  4. Secure with an Allen key – Tighten the bolt of the headrest using the provided Allen key to lock it firmly in place.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure that you installed the headrest properly, allowing you to enjoy enhanced comfort and posture support while using your Herman Miller Aeron Chair.

How to disassembly and reassembly of Herman Miller Aeron Headrest

Lower Connection Bolt:

  • Disassembly: Begin by unscrewing the lower connection bolt and carefully removing the headrest. If the gear feels stuck, use the bolt to gently pry it loose.

  • Reassembly: Fully insert the gear, aligning it with the internal pattern. This may take a few tries to get right. Once aligned, reinsert the bolts into the gears to secure them in place.

Upper Connection:

  • Disassembly: Unscrew the bolts and remove the headrest. Keep the spine in a vertical position during this process to prevent the nuts from falling out.

  • Reassembly: Reattach the plastic gears onto the rings, ensuring they are correctly oriented. Then, remount the headrest and reinsert the bolts to secure it.

Following these steps will help you effectively disassemble and reassemble your Herman Miller Aeron headrest, ensuring it remains functional and secure.

Conclusion

Installing and maintaining a headrest for your Herman Miller Aeron Chair can significantly enhance your comfort and support. We've covered the benefits of a headrest, detailed the installation steps, and provided guidance on disassembly and reassembly. 

By following these instructions, you can ensure your headrest is securely attached and properly aligned. If you haven't already, consider investing in a headrest to maximise your chair's ergonomic benefits. Enhance your seating experience today by adding this essential accessory to your Herman Miller Aeron Chair.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Herman Miller come with a headrest? 

No, Herman Miller Aeron chairs do not come with a headrest. The standard model of the Aeron chair’s design does not have one, although you can purchase headrests separately as an accessory.

  • Do I need a headrest for the Herman Miller Aeron Chair? 

Whether you need a headrest for the Herman Miller Aeron chair depends on your personal comfort and usage. A headrest can provide additional support for your neck and head, which might be beneficial if you spend long hours seated.

  • Is a headrest necessary for my Herman Miller Chair? 

A headrest is not strictly necessary for the Herman Miller Aeron chair, as the chair itself is ergonomically designed to support proper posture and reduce strain. However, adding a headrest can enhance comfort, particularly if you experience neck fatigue during extended periods of sitting.

  • How do you sit on an Aeron with a headrest? 

When sitting on an Aeron chair with a headrest, adjust the headrest so that it supports your head and neck comfortably. Sit back in the chair so that your back aligns with the backrest and your head naturally rests against the headrest without straining.

  • Should I buy an office chair with a headrest? 

Buying an office chair with a headrest depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you often find yourself needing neck support or if you experience discomfort during long periods of sitting, a headrest can be a valuable addition to your office chair.

  • Why do Herman Miller chairs not come with headrests? 

Herman Miller chairs, including the Aeron, are designed based on extensive research into ergonomic seating. The absence of a headrest allows for greater flexibility and adjustment of the chair's other features, catering to a wider range of body types and sitting postures. Headrests are available as optional accessories to allow users to customise their chairs according to their needs.

Next article Aeron Classic vs. Remastered version: Their Distinctions & Advancements