Do-It-Yourself Aeron Ergonomic Chair

The ergonomic Aeron chair is famous in offices worldwide for its comfort and adjustability. Unfortunately it will run you $650. Recently, Kevin Kelly wrote about a $300 Aeron copycat which he has been using for the past year. But for those on tighter budgets, I present the Homemade Aeron Chair (HAC). Total cost: $0. How your back will feel thanks to lower-back support: Priceless.

To make the Homemade Aeron Chair you will need a few common household items: a regular chair, a telephone book, a cutting board, a towel, and a bungee cord (or belt).



While the Homemade Aeron Chair doesn't have all the adjustments of an Aeron, it does have two important ones: adjustable height, and adjustable lower-back support.

The height can be adjusted by simply adding or removing books from the base of the seat. I first used a telephone book, but I am finding that old encyclopedias provide more finely grained control and a wider base.

Where the Homemade Aeron Chair really shines is the lower-back support. This is basically a rolled up towel that fits into the small of your back. I'm holding it in place with a bungee cord -- you can probably get away with a belt. To adjust the lower-back support, simply slide it up or down.



So far the Homemade Aeron Chair has been pure comfort. I love nestling my back into the lower-back support. The height is just perfect. And you save a bundle while keeping your back happy.