Verdict
The Boulies OP180 is a comfortable mid-back office chair designed for professional environments. It offers extensive adjustability, allowing users to easily find a suitable fit. The breathable backrest and well-cushioned foam seat are ideal for prolonged use. While it features an S-shaped backrest with high tension rather than dedicated lumbar support, and armrests that can slide, it provides consistent comfort and support throughout the day at a competitive price.
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Pros
- Easy assembly
- 3D armrests
- Contoured backrest is comfortable
- Foam seat is neither too firm nor too soft
- Breathable materials
- Compact design
Cons
- Armrests can slide back and forth
- No lumbar support
- Only available in black
Boulies OP180: 30-second review
The Boulies OP180, part of the OP-designated line, is built for workspaces. It offers comfort for home office use, and its compact design without a headrest prevents it from dominating a room. The chair’s appearance and performance suggest it is well-suited for traditional office settings, easily envisioned in cubicles or conference rooms.
The classic mesh backrest provides excellent breathability during long hours of use. The plush cushioned seat is notably comfortable and supportive, featuring thick foam. It strikes a balance between the firmness of the Boulies EP200’s mesh seat and the ultra-soft foam seat of the Boulies OP300. For those seeking a balanced seating experience, the OP180 is a strong contender.
The chair offers good adjustability, including seat height and depth, backrest height, lockable recline, and tilt. It also features 3D armrests.
One notable characteristic of the armrests is their smooth movement across backward, forward, up, down, and side-to-side axes. However, a horizontal locking system is absent, unlike in models such as the Boulies EP200. This absence means that while seated, the armrests function well, but they may shift if leaned on when rising from the chair.
The chair lacks full lumbar support, instead utilizing a contoured S-shaped backrest. The tension of the mesh backrest provides consistent support, making the absence of dedicated lumbar support less noticeable for many users. However, some individuals may prefer additional lower back support.
Priced at $290 / £240, it stands out among office chairs for professional environments, though a longer warranty than the two years offered by Boulies would be beneficial. For home offices, other Boulies chairs like the high-back EP200 might offer a firmer, more breathable experience with strong value.
Boulies OP180: Price & availability
The Boulies OP180 is widely available, priced at $290 at Boulies.com and £240 at Boulies.co.uk. At the time of review, it was discounted to $240 / £170.
The UK price is also available on Amazon.co.uk. This pricing is appropriate for an office chair primarily intended for bulk purchases in corporate settings.
Boulies OP180: Specs
Price (RRP)
$290 / £240
Seat height
17.3 – 20.1in / 44 – 51cm
Seat depth
17.9 – 19.7in / 45.5 – 50cm
Seat width
19.5in / 49.5cm
Backrest height
22.0 – 24.8in / 56 – 63cm
Recommended user height
5’1” – 6’3”
Max weight load
352lb / 160kg
Material
Mesh and foam
Warranty
2 years
Boulies OP180: Design
The OP180 is a classic, compact office chair, available exclusively in black, making it suitable for any professional workspace. It features a Y-frame support for the backrest and a modern armrest design. The chair’s aesthetic is straightforward and functional, aligning with the expectations for a traditional office chair without aiming for bold, striking designs.
Boulies OP180: Assembly
Boulies suggests a five-minute assembly time for the OP180. While it may take slightly longer for some, the process is straightforward. All necessary tools, including a hex key, are provided. The instructions are clear, with easy-to-understand illustrations and accompanying text for each step.
The manual also clearly explains the function of each under-seat lever and how to adjust the chair once assembled. Assembly is notably easy, requiring only six screws, and the quick slotting of the seat base spokes, casters, and backrest.
Boulies OP180: Comfort & adjustability
The OP180 offers surprising comfort, despite its mid-back design and lack of dedicated lumbar support. The plush cushioned seat is particularly accommodating, providing an ideal balance of support and softness. This makes it a strong option for individuals who have struggled to find a chair with the right firmness.
While foam cushioning can sometimes retain heat, this seat did not become uncomfortably warm during extended use. The contoured, high-tension mesh backrest delivers firm lower back support, making the absence of adjustable lumbar support less of a concern for all-day work.
Adjustability controls are comprehensive. Under-seat levers allow for altering seat height and depth, and the backrest height can be adjusted with a simple pull or push. This versatility makes it well-suited for workplaces where various users might share the chairs.
The chair also allows for tilt and recline, both of which can be securely locked into position. For those who prefer a recliner that remains unlocked, other models might be more suitable.
The 3D armrests offer horizontal, vertical, and swivel adjustments, each with a distinct click. A trigger beneath each armrest enables height adjustment. A potential improvement would be a locking mechanism to prevent the armrests from sliding backward and forward, as they can shift when significant weight is applied. This, however, does not impact the seated experience.
Boulies OP180: Final verdict
The OP180 aligns perfectly with Boulies’ Office Professional line. It is a functional, classically styled chair well-suited for offices or home offices where a low-profile design is preferred over executive high-back models.
The backrest is breathable, comfortable, and provides more support than its lack of true lumbar support might suggest. The foam cushioned seat is a standout feature, engineered to balance the firmness of typical mesh seats with the softness of other cushioned chairs.
Excellent adjustability controls provide significant comfort customization, making it an ideal choice for environments where multiple individuals may use the chair. The only minor drawback is the armrests’ tendency to slide forward when excessive force is applied, due to the absence of a locking mechanism.
Overall, it represents a comfortable and supportive option at a price point that appeals to office managers purchasing in quantity.
Should I buy the Boulies OP180 office chair?
Buy it if…
- You are furnishing a workplace. With high adjustability, good comfort, and a reasonable price, it is a solid choice for offices where multiple people may use the chair.
- You desire a compact office chair. As a mid-back model, the OP180 features a low-profile design that will not dominate an office or home office space.
Don’t buy it if…
- You prefer armrests that lock into place. The 3D armrests tend to slip back and forth when rising from the chair.
- You require dedicated lower back support. Without true lumbar support, this chair may not be ideal for those needing additional lower back assistance.
