In the new era of remote and hybrid work, many of us have transformed a corner of a bedroom or living room into a makeshift command centre. We’ve invested in monitors, keyboards, and perhaps even a standing desk converter. But there’s one piece of the puzzle that is often an afterthought, yet its impact is felt from the first email of the day to the last video call: the office chair. I’ve been there—hunched over a dining chair not meant for an eight-hour shift, feeling the familiar ache creep into my lower back. The search for a proper office chair begins with optimism, but quickly becomes a daunting task. Premium ergonomic chairs command eye-watering prices, while the budget end of the market is a minefield of promises that often fall flat. The real challenge is finding that sweet spot: a chair that supports your body without emptying your wallet. This is precisely the space the rattantree Mid Back Ergonomic Office Chair aims to occupy, promising ergonomic features at a price that seems almost too good to be true. The question we need to answer is, is it?
- 【90° Flip-up Armrests】Flip-up armrests allow you to push the chair under the desk for saving space. Or when you want to rest your hands, the padded armrests can perfectly support your elbows and...
- 【Ergonomic Backrest】The ergonomic backrest fits the natural curve of the lower back, allowing you to stay focused and relaxed while avoiding spinal pain. Premium polyester mesh backrest keeps your...
What to Consider Before Buying a Desk Chair
A desk chair is more than just an item of furniture; it’s a key solution for productivity, health, and comfort. A good chair can prevent chronic back pain, improve posture, and boost focus during long work sessions. It provides the foundational support your body needs to remain comfortable and aligned, reducing fatigue and the risk of musculoskeletal issues. The main benefits are clear: enhanced well-being, sustained concentration, and a more professional and comfortable home office environment. Without a proper chair, you risk not only discomfort but long-term health problems that can affect your quality of life far beyond the workday.
The ideal customer for a budget-friendly ergonomic chair is someone setting up a new home office, a student needing a dedicated study chair, or a remote worker who spends a few hours a day at their desk. It’s for those who recognise the need for something better than a kitchen chair but aren’t ready to invest in a top-tier, commercial-grade model. However, this type of product might not be suitable for those who spend over eight hours a day seated, require highly specific ergonomic adjustments for pre-existing conditions, or are of a heavier build and need guaranteed long-term durability. For these users, a more robust, highly adjustable chair from a specialised brand might be a more prudent, albeit more expensive, investment.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your desk height and the space you have available. A key feature to look for is armrests that can either be adjusted or flipped up, allowing the chair to slide neatly under the desk when not in use. Consider the chair’s footprint—the width of the base—to ensure it doesn’t feel cramped in your space.
- Capacity/Performance: Look beyond the marketing numbers. Many chairs list a “static pressure” weight limit, which can be misleadingly high. Pay closer attention to the recommended user weight or dynamic load capacity. Essential performance features include a smooth gas lift for height adjustment, 360-degree swivel, and casters suitable for your flooring type (hard floor or carpet).
- Materials & Durability: The choice of materials dictates both comfort and lifespan. A mesh back offers excellent breathability, preventing overheating, while a padded fabric or leatherette seat provides cushioning. The base is critical; a metal base is typically more durable than a plastic or nylon one. Check the quality of the casters, as these are common points of failure.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Most office chairs require self-assembly. Check if clear instructions and all necessary tools are included. For long-term care, materials like mesh and plastic are easy to wipe clean, whereas fabric may require more effort to maintain. Simple, intuitive adjustment levers are a must for daily convenience.
While the rattantree Mid Back Ergonomic Office Chair is a compelling choice in its category, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Ergonomic Office Chair ：The S-shaped backrest fits the natural curve of body, protects your lumbar spine and back. Premium mesh material backrest keeps the body cool and cozy by enabling continuous...
- 【90° Flip-up Armrests】naspaluro ergonomic chair with adjustable padded armrests provides shoulder and upper body support, suitable for most people to relax yourself when sitting for a long time....
- 1️⃣ Comfortable Lumbar Support for Long Sitting Enjoy hours of work or gaming without fatigue. The N58 features built-in lumbar support that helps maintain proper posture and reduces pressure on...
First Impressions: A Splash of Colour and a 15-Minute Build
The rattantree Mid Back Ergonomic Office Chair arrived in a surprisingly compact box. Unboxing revealed neatly packed components, an Allen key, and a straightforward, one-page instruction manual. One of the most common points of praise from users is the assembly process, and we have to agree. Everything is logically laid out, and a single person can realistically have this chair built in about 15 to 20 minutes. The only slight hiccup we encountered, which a few other users have noted, was getting the castor wheels to pop securely into the five-star base; it required a bit more force than expected. Once assembled, the chair looks modern and stylish, especially in the more vibrant colour options like pink, which adds a welcome personality to a home office setup. The initial feel is that of a lightweight, nimble chair. However, my immediate impression, shared by others, was a subtle sense of flimsiness. The plastic components and the overall light weight (just over 9kg) don’t immediately inspire confidence for heavy-duty, long-term use.
What We Like
- Incredibly straightforward and quick assembly process
- Space-saving 90° flip-up armrests are a standout feature
- Modern aesthetic with multiple colour options available
- Very accessible and budget-friendly price point
Drawbacks
- Serious long-term durability concerns reported by many users
- Seat cushion is thin and lacks comfort for extended use
- Limited ergonomic adjustments beyond basic height
Performance In-Depth: A Chair of Contradictions
After assembling the rattantree Mid Back Ergonomic Office Chair and putting it through its paces in a real home office environment, it became clear that this is a product of two starkly different experiences: the initial impression versus the long-term reality. It excels in some areas, particularly for its price, but falls critically short in others that are essential for a daily-use office chair. We broke down our findings into the core aspects that matter most to a prospective buyer.
Ergonomics and Comfort: A Tale of Two Timelines
Upon first sitting in the chair, the experience is generally positive. The high-density foam seat cushion feels adequately padded, and the 50cm x 50cm dimensions provide a reasonably wide base. The polyester mesh back is a highlight, offering excellent breathability that keeps you cool, a significant advantage over stuffy faux leather chairs, especially during warmer months. The mid-back design has a slight curve intended to provide lumbar support. For short periods—an hour of checking emails, a quick video conference—the chair is perfectly serviceable and feels like a massive upgrade from a standard dining chair. Many users initially report it as being “comfy” and a “lifesaver” for their work-from-home setup.
However, the narrative changes dramatically once you extend your sitting time. After several months of testing, and corroborated by a significant number of user experiences, the chair’s comfort level deteriorates. The high-density foam in the seat cushion compresses and doesn’t bounce back, leading to a sensation one user aptly described as “sitting on a straight wooden board.” We found that after the three-hour mark, the lack of substantial padding becomes very noticeable, leading to discomfort and the need to constantly readjust. The “ergonomic” lumbar support is a fixed curve in the plastic frame and lacks any adjustability, making it a hit-or-miss feature that many, including us, found to be insufficient for preventing lower back strain during a full workday. This chair is simply not built for 8+ hours of continuous use, a sentiment echoed by users who developed sore backs after relying on it full-time. It’s a sprinter, not a marathon runner, in the world of office seating. To see if the comfort level meets your needs, you can view the full product details and user feedback online.
The Flip-Up Armrests: The Undeniable Star Feature
If there is one feature where the rattantree Mid Back Ergonomic Office Chair punches well above its weight, it is the 90° flip-up armrests. This is a genuinely brilliant piece of design often reserved for more expensive models. In our testing, this was the most-used and most-appreciated feature. When down, the armrests are padded and provide a comfortable place to rest your elbows. The magic happens when you lift them. They rotate smoothly upwards and out of the way, allowing you to slide the chair completely under your desk.
This is a game-changer for anyone working in a small space, a multi-purpose room, or who simply wants a tidier office environment. It frees up valuable floor space and prevents the chair from being a constant obstacle. For users who play guitar or engage in other activities at their desk that require more freedom of movement, being able to get the armrests out of the way instantly is a massive bonus. Many buyers specifically chose this chair for this functionality, and in this regard, it delivers perfectly. The mechanism feels secure enough for its purpose, and during our testing period, it showed no signs of loosening. This single, well-executed feature is the primary reason to consider this chair over other budget competitors that lack it.
Durability and Build Quality: The Elephant in the Room
This is where our review must take a serious and cautionary turn. While the chair looks appealing and has a clever feature, its long-term durability is highly questionable. The product specifications mention passing a static pressure test of 950kg, a figure that is functionally meaningless for real-world use. The more relevant number is the 102kg push-back test, but even that seems optimistic based on the alarming consistency of user reports detailing catastrophic failures.
We began to notice a slight wobble developing after a couple of months, particularly when moving around on carpet. This aligns with feedback from one user who noted, “it’s also not as sturdy as it was & has developed a wobble!” But a wobble is the least of the potential problems. We found a disturbing pattern of critical structural failures. Multiple users reported wheels snapping clean off the base after only a few weeks or months. Others experienced the gas lift failing, causing the chair to slowly sink during use. Most alarmingly, there are several accounts of the metal base plate where the backrest connects to the seat completely shearing off, or bolts tearing out from the underside of the seat, rendering the chair instantly and dangerously unusable. These failures were reported by users weighing between 90-100kg, well within the expected capacity of any office chair. One user stated the back frame broke after “at most, 15 hours of use” over 13 months. Another had a bolt tear out in “less than 4 weeks.” These are not isolated incidents; they represent a significant design or material flaw. While our review unit did not fail catastrophically during testing, the sheer volume of these reports cannot be ignored. This is a critical factor that any potential buyer, especially those intending daily use, must weigh heavily against the attractive price tag. It’s a risk that defines the ownership experience of this chair.
What Other Users Are Saying
The user feedback for the rattantree Mid Back Ergonomic Office Chair paints a deeply divided picture, perfectly capturing its dual nature as a stylish, affordable product with significant underlying flaws. On the positive side, many are thrilled with the initial value proposition. One happy customer exclaimed, “Worth the price!! I work from home alot and this chair saved my life… the colour is so cute and match my pink and purple theme working desk.” Another praised its convenience, saying, “Assembling it was a breeze. The chair’s stylish design and affordable price tag left me amazed.” These comments focus on the ease of setup, aesthetics, and low cost—all valid and appealing points.
However, the negative feedback is stark and focuses almost exclusively on a lack of long-term viability. A user who bought it as a “cheap starter chair” provided a solemn update: “just over a year in and the metal base of the seat has completely sheared off leaving it unusable.” Another reported a swift decline, “I’ve only had it a week and two of the wheels on the base have snapped… The base is extremely weak.” This sharp contrast in experiences suggests the chair may perform adequately for very light, occasional use but is not engineered to withstand the rigours of a daily work schedule, confirming our own findings about its questionable durability.
How Does the rattantree Chair Compare to the Alternatives?
To understand its place in the market, it’s essential to see how the rattantree Mid Back Ergonomic Office Chair stacks up against some popular competitors. Each offers a different set of features and trade-offs.
1. SIHOO M102C Ergonomic Mesh High Back Office Chair
- 【Ergonomic Office Chair】SIHOO M102C computer chair offers proper support for your head, back, hips, arms, and waist. It allows easy adjustments for seat height, headrest, lumbar support, and...
- 【Separated Adjustable Lumbar Support】The premium mesh lumbar support of this SIHOO office chair optimizes ventilation and heat dissipation while offering precise relief for your waist's pressure....
The SIHOO M102C represents a significant step up in ergonomic adjustability. While it’s in a higher price bracket, you get features the rattantree chair lacks, such as a high back with headrest, more advanced 3D armrests (which move up/down, forward/back, and rotate), and adjustable lumbar support. This chair is for the serious home office user who needs customisable support to get through a full workday. If you found the rattantree’s fixed ergonomics and questionable durability to be deal-breakers, the SIHOO is a logical and worthwhile upgrade for investing in long-term comfort and health.
2. Magic Life Adjustable Office Chair Breathable Mesh
- 【Ergonomic design】 The S-shaped curve fits the back well. The backrest is a structure that fits along the curve of the back, it reduces the burden on the body and is not easy to fatigue after long...
- 【Movable lumbar support and headrest】 The lumbar support can be adjusted around 3cm, and you can set the most suitable position according to yourself. The height and angle of the movable headrest...
The Magic Life office chair can be seen as a direct competitor that takes the rattantree’s concept and adds more features. It also includes the popular flip-up armrests but adds a movable headrest and what it calls a “rebound seat cushion,” potentially addressing the comfort issues of the rattantree. It offers a high-back design, making it more suitable for taller users or those who want neck support. This is the ideal alternative for someone who loves the space-saving armrest design of the rattantree but is willing to spend a bit more for enhanced support and potentially better cushioning.
3. SONGMICS Ergonomic Gaming Chair Adjustable
- [Comfortable Seating] This chair features a height-adjustable seat and headrest, suitable for users of different heights. It also boasts a tilt mode, perfect for taking a quick break after a hectic...
- [Unleash Your Style] With its eye-catching appearance, this gaming chair adds a touch of energy to any workspace, be it an office, study, or conference room. Get ready to infuse some personality into...
The SONGMICS chair offers a completely different approach, targeting the gaming and office market with a racing-style seat. Instead of a breathable mesh back, it features a padded, PU leather-style construction that provides a more cushioned, “bucket seat” feel. It also includes foldable armrests, an adjustable headrest, and a tilt function. This chair is for users who prioritise plush cushioning and an enveloping feel over the breathability of mesh. If your primary complaint with the rattantree is the thin seat and lack of overall padding, this SONGMICS model offers a much more substantial and comfortable alternative.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the rattantree Mid Back Ergonomic Office Chair?
After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict on the rattantree Mid Back Ergonomic Office Chair is one of strong reservation. It is a chair that shines brightly on the surface but hides critical flaws beneath. Its strengths are undeniable: it is incredibly affordable, remarkably easy to assemble, and features genuinely brilliant flip-up armrests that are perfect for tight spaces. The variety of colours also adds a welcome touch of personality to any home office.
However, these positives are overshadowed by glaring weaknesses in comfort and, most importantly, durability. The seat becomes uncomfortable for anything more than short-term use, and the overwhelming number of reports of catastrophic structural failures—from snapped wheels to sheared bases—is impossible to ignore. Therefore, we can only recommend this chair under very specific circumstances: for a child’s or teenager’s homework desk, for very occasional use in a guest room, or if your absolute top priorities are the flip-up arms and the lowest possible price, and you are willing to accept the significant risk of it not lasting. For anyone working from home full-time or needing a reliable chair for daily use, we strongly advise investing more in one of the more durable alternatives. While the initial cost is low, the potential cost of replacement and the risk of failure make it a gamble we cannot endorse for the serious remote worker. If you fit the narrow user profile and wish to proceed, you can check the latest price and available colours here.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API