I bought a 'good' adjustable office chair from Staples and removed the arms so it is more usable. I really like the chair. It took my DMIL less than a week to burn the seat cover with an iron. There is a spot in the middle of the chair where an entire outline of her iron is melted right into the foam. This was about twelve yrs ago and I get to remember it every day when I sit at my machine. Sometimes I think she could break a bowling ball!:D
peace

What the....??? She actually thought setting a hot iron face down on a chair was a good idea? Would it be possible to recover the burned part?

I'd get a good office chair and go to a place like a Relax the Back store or somewhere similar and get a seat or back cushion. Cushion might be a Tad pricey, but far cheaper than your quote.

Bought mine at staples also, very comfortable chair.

One thing, if you have back issues, whatever chair you get, think about having armrests to help you get to a stance after you have been sitting awhile.

$500 + for a sewing chair? YIKES! I found a high-end office chair on craigslist for $40 and my back is well supported - no pain.

I managed to melt a spot on my carpet with an iron - so I guess anything is possible.

But the chair does seem to be a ???????

A sore back is no fun. There was a very informative show on this subject on Simply Quilts quite a few years ago. The guest demonstrated the proper height of the table and the sewing machine. She also suggested tilting the machine a bit so that the user's arms are bent at the elbow with the hands at that same height. Does that make sense? Much as a typist needs her hands a the proper level to avoid neck and back stress. I know my machine is not at the proper height for my height (SHORT). I deveop stress pain between my shoulders and neck. I do have a good supportive office chair, but I think the position of the machine is equally as important.

I DID buy one at a Sewing EXPO a few years ago- it does all those things-matches my sewing room, but I can't manage to get in the habit to pull the chair up so my back rests on it. I try when I first start sewing and find myself with the chair pushed back and leaning again. The chair does it's job when I do use it. You can probably fine one for less with the same features (except color choices) at the office supply stores.

This looks like an idea to follow up on. Might try this before I spring for a really expensive chair. Thanks for the idea.