Branch has become one of my favorite home office furniture companies for three main reasons. First, its products are easy to assemble, with clear instructions and helpful assembly videos. Second, they look good, with multiple color options and an overall aesthetic that’s easy on the eyes. Third, everything is reasonably priced. Sure, you can find cheaper office chairs and standing desks, but these are well-designed, functional, and have longer warranties than most.
Good news then. Branch has kicked off its Black Friday sales event, which runs through December 2. You can get 15 percent off select products, and 20 percent off if you bundle things together, which also nets you free shipping. You’ll need to use the code BFCM at checkout to see the discount in your cart. I’ve tested a handful of products from the company—here’s what I like the most that’s well worth your money.
Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that’s too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today.
Branch Office Chair Deals
This has been my top office chair recommendation for several years. It’s well priced, quite adjustable, and looks pleasant. You can get it in fun colors, but this bumps up the price. The armrests go up, down, back, and forward, and you can adjust the seat depth (helpful for taller people). There’s adjustable lumbar support as well, to make sure it’s supporting the natural curve in the spine. The seat foam is cushy, and the mesh back allows for good airflow. I had no trouble sitting on it for hours as a 6’4″ man, but my 5’1″ wife also enjoyed it.
Branch just released the Ergonomic Chair Pro, which supposedly improves on the original in several ways. I have it in a box but have not had a chance to set it up and try it. If you’d like to take your chances, it’s also on sale for a tempting $75 discount, costing you $424.
The Verve is the “next step up” pick in our guide if you can spend a little more, though that might change soon, once I try the Ergonomic Chair Pro. It keeps my back straighter, is just as comfy, and looks prettier. There’s a headrest add-on if you want, but I don’t think it’s necessary. If you need a wider seat, you may want to look elsewhere, as the seat arms can feel like they’re boxing you in. Speaking of which, these arms only go up and down, so there’s not much you can do to move them around. Still, there’s a good level of polish on this chair that’s a step above the Ergonomic Chair.
The Softside feels more like you’re sitting on an armchair than an office chair. If you have a bookshelf in your office and are a frequent tea drinker, it just might complete your room’s aesthetic. It’s soft all around with a lovely fabric that feels durable. If you need a wide seat, this isn’t the chair for you—the arms are fixed and rise directly from the seat, boxing you in. There’s not much else in the way of adjustability outside of locking the recline, but my back didn’t complain after weeks on this chair.
I tested the High Back version, which goes all the way past my shoulders (I’m 6’4″). The standard model is the Mid Back, which I can’t vouch for, but may be suitable for shorter folks. You can also swap out the fabric for leather or vegan leather, but I haven’t tried either.
Branch Standing Desk Deals
I’m working on a standing desks guide, and the Duo is my choice for anyone limited on space. It’s a very small standing desk (though you can choose from multiple sizes), and the desk add-ons are easy to install, like the cable organizer and drawer. It’s made of manufactured wood and has a powder-coated steel frame, and it didn’t take me too long to assemble. There’s a paddle on the right to raise or lower the desk, with two height presets. It’s a little tricky to figure out how to save the heights you want, so keep that manual handy.
This was one of the first nice standing desks I tested. You get multiple height presets, quiet motors, and a large desktop to fit all your stuff. There’s a spot in the back of the center to run cables through. This one has a larger range of movement than the Branch Duo.