The comfortable new office chair from standing-desk pioneer Vari strikes a delicate balance between support and simplicity. Petite people might find it too roomy, though.

A breathable mesh-back chair with an integrated headrest and cushioned seat. Easy assembly. Adjustable lumbar support. Comfortable, whether while working or leaning back.

Armrests could be softer. The width of the armrests can't be adjusted. Might be too roomy for petite people. More functional than beautiful.

An office chair is perhaps not the most appropriate place to fall asleep. But I am pretty sure I could conk out in the new mesh-backed Align chair, released in March by standing-desk pioneer Vari. I've tested this hypothesis by leaning back and closing my eyes during the midafternoon doldrums—and nearly missed a scheduled phone call as a result.

Like its predecessor, the Vari Task Chair, the new Align offers an impressive degree of both comfort and customizability for under £500. It is not the most beautiful chair I've ever seen, and the five-year warranty is about average for its price point. But what the Align chair excels in, both literally and figuratively, is balance.