Does Contessa II include a headrest as standard?

No. Okamura lists fixed and adjustable headrests as options. Check the configuration in the seller's quote.

Is Embody or Contessa II better for posture?

The documented adjustments do not establish a posture or medical benefit for you. Try the exact configuration and check seat fit, arm clearance and return terms rather than relying on ratings or standing height alone.

Which chair is better value?

There is no verified fixed price gap in this comparison. Compare matching configurations, condition, delivered cost, return freight and warranty eligibility in your country.

Herman Miller Embody vs Okamura Contessa II: Which Should You Buy?

Compare BackFit, armrest-mounted controls and configuration choices using manufacturer sources.

By Leo· Updated Sep 27, 2026

Herman Miller

Herman Miller Embody

$2,230 – $2,705

Okamura

Okamura Contessa II

¥243,650 – ¥377,410

≈ $1,530 – $2,380

Differences at a glance

Herman Miller EmbodyOkamura Contessa II

Price: $2,230 – $2,705¥243,650 – ¥377,410
Seat height: 16–20.5 in (standard); 15–19 in (low); 17–22 in (extended)434–544 mm (17.1–21.4 in)
Seat depth: 15–18 in (38.1–45.7 cm)400–450 mm (15.7–17.7 in)
Load capacity: 300 lb (136 kg)300 lb (136 kg)
Recline: Tilt + Kicker (extended recline for stretching); Tilt Limiter; tilt tension knobAnkle-tilt reclining; recline angle 26°
Arms: Fully Adjustable Arms (height and width)4D arm or fixed arm; armrest height from the floor 604–814 mm (4D arm), 639–749 mm (fixed arm) (23.8–32 in; 25.2–29.5 in)
Lumbar support: No separate lumbar pad: PostureFit Sacral Support and Lumbar Support standard; Backfit adjustmentOptional lumbar support with 60 mm height adjustment (can be retrofitted) (2.4 in)
Warranty: 12-year, 3-shift10 years: structural components, including mechanisms and adjustable arms; 5 years: casters, gas cylinder, adjustment levers; 2 years: coating finish, mesh and fabric, cushions, arm pads

What users mention

From 170 Herman Miller Embody and 2 Okamura Contessa II user reviews, most mentioned first. Green is liked, orange is a caution.

Price and value
Herman Miller Embody77 mentions
Okamura Contessa II6 mentions
Comfort
Herman Miller Embody70 mentions
Okamura Contessa II7 mentions
Back support
Herman Miller Embody61 mentions
Okamura Contessa II7 mentions
Build quality
Herman Miller Embody62 mentions
Okamura Contessa II5 mentions
Adjustability
Herman Miller Embody48 mentions
Okamura Contessa II5 mentions
Seat
Herman Miller Embody36 mentions
Okamura Contessa II7 mentions

Questions

What do owners mention most?

Price and value for the Herman Miller Embody, and comfort for the Okamura Contessa II, based on review summaries.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Search links may include other models or accessories; confirm the exact item, seller and condition before buying.

Identify the generation before comparing a new or used offer.

Read the Contessa II / Seconda guide

Check price at Okamura

Read the full comparison

Herman Miller Embody vs Okamura Contessa II: Which Should You Buy? product comparison

Embody vs Contessa II: which should you try?

Shortlist Embody if you want to explore its BackFit adjustment. Shortlist Contessa II if armrest-mounted height and recline controls or a manufacturer-listed headrest option matter to you. These are reasons to arrange a trial, not proof of better comfort. This is a source-based comparison, not a hands-on comfort test.

How the controls differ

Official specs	Herman Miller Embody	Okamura Contessa II
Sizes	One size (work chair); seat height ranges: low, standard, extended/high(product sheet) Embody Chairs product sheet (PDF, © 2023 Herman Miller) ↗	One size (high back): mesh or cushion seat, with 4D arm or fixed arm(all) Okamura Contessa II Spec Guide, Global (BIFMA, mm), January 2026 ↗
Seat height	16–20.5 in (standard); 15–19 in (low); 17–22 in (extended)(product sheet (contract)) Embody Chairs product sheet (PDF, © 2023 Herman Miller) ↗	434–544 mm (17.1–21.4 in)(Global Spec Guide, BIFMA (mm) Standard, 5-star swivel (all back/seat types)) Okamura Contessa II Spec Guide, Global (BIFMA, mm), January 2026 ↗
Seat depth	15–18 in (38.1–45.7 cm)(product sheet) Embody Chairs product sheet (PDF, © 2023 Herman Miller) ↗	400–450 mm (15.7–17.7 in)(Global Spec Guide (BIFMA) and Japan drawing (same)) Okamura Contessa II Spec Guide, Global (BIFMA, mm), January 2026 ↗
Load capacity	300 lb (136 kg)(product sheet) Embody Chairs product sheet (PDF, © 2023 Herman Miller) ↗	300 lb (136 kg)(global (BIFMA X5.1 tested)) Contessa II \| Okamura global (okamura.com, Asia Pacific English) ↗
Recline	Tilt + Kicker (extended recline for stretching); Tilt Limiter; tilt tension knob(product sheet) Embody Chairs product sheet (PDF, © 2023 Herman Miller) ↗	Ankle-tilt reclining; recline angle 26°(Japan) Okamura Japan product page: Contessa Seconda (Japanese) ↗
Arms	Fully Adjustable Arms (height and width)(product sheet + US store) Embody Chairs product sheet (PDF, © 2023 Herman Miller) ↗	4D arm or fixed arm; armrest height from the floor 604–814 mm (4D arm), 639–749 mm (fixed arm) (23.8–32 in; 25.2–29.5 in)(Global Spec Guide (BIFMA), 5-star swivel) Okamura Contessa II Spec Guide, Global (BIFMA, mm), January 2026 ↗
Lumbar support	No separate lumbar pad: PostureFit Sacral Support and Lumbar Support standard; Backfit adjustment(product sheet) Embody Chairs product sheet (PDF, © 2023 Herman Miller) ↗	Optional lumbar support with 60 mm height adjustment (can be retrofitted) (2.4 in)(option) Okamura Japan product page: Contessa Seconda (Japanese) ↗
Warranty	12-year, 3-shift(product sheet) Embody Chairs product sheet (PDF, © 2023 Herman Miller) ↗	10 years: structural components, including mechanisms and adjustable arms; 5 years: casters, gas cylinder, adjustment levers; 2 years: coating finish, mesh and fabric, cushions, arm pads(Global General Warranty (excludes Japan; products made after 1 Jan 2022)) Okamura Global General Warranty Statement (excludes Japan) ↗
Seat width	Not stated	530 mm (cushion seat); 520 mm (mesh seat) (20.9 in; 20.5 in)(Global Spec Guide (BIFMA)) Okamura Contessa II Spec Guide, Global (BIFMA, mm), January 2026 ↗
Headrest	Not stated	Options: large fixed headrest or small adjustable headrest (up/down, front/back, swivel)(option) Okamura Japan product page: Contessa Seconda (Japanese) ↗

Sources: Herman Miller Embody adjustment guide and Okamura Contessa II specifications and options.

Use a trial to answer the fit questions

For Embody, adjust BackFit and tilt tension separately before deciding whether the backrest suits you. For Contessa II, try the actual seat material and headrest configuration you intend to order. A trial of one configuration does not settle how another will feel.

Check that your feet are supported and that the seat edge leaves clearance behind your knees at a usable desk height.
Bring your normal keyboard position into the trial. Check arm clearance under the desk and whether your shoulders remain relaxed.
Switch between upright work and reclined sitting. Check whether you can reach the controls and return to your preferred setting.

We do not assign a winner from standing height, aggregate ratings or isolated owner anecdotes. This comparison does not establish improved circulation, pain relief or posture correction for either chair.

Compare purchase terms, not an assumed price gap

Ask for an itemized offer covering the model, material, arms, headrest, condition, delivery and taxes. Check return freight, trial restrictions and who provides warranty service in your country. Current like-for-like prices and warranty eligibility have not been verified here, so there is no fixed price or warranty winner.

For US and Canadian buyers, Okamura names Teknion as its regional partner. Confirm the exact local configuration and service terms before comparing a quote with an imported marketplace listing.

Continue to the model details

Frequently asked

Does Contessa II include a headrest as standard?: No. Okamura lists fixed and adjustable headrests as options. Check the configuration in the seller's quote.
Is Embody or Contessa II better for posture?: The documented adjustments do not establish a posture or medical benefit for you. Try the exact configuration and check seat fit, arm clearance and return terms rather than relying on ratings or standing height alone.
Which chair is better value?: There is no verified fixed price gap in this comparison. Compare matching configurations, condition, delivered cost, return freight and warranty eligibility in your country.

Affiliate links: we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Check current delivery, return and warranty terms on Amazon.

Check price at Okamura

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