Choosing the right office chair is a critical decision that can directly impact your comfort, productivity and health. Whether you’re an employer shopping for new desk chairs for your team or an individual in search of the perfect chair for your home office, this article will guide you through several key considerations that can make all the difference.
1. Ergonomics
Having an ergonomic office chair means less risk of back pain, neck strain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. This helps to ensure proper posture, reducing fatigue and increasing productivity. A good ergonomic chair should allow the user to adjust lumbar support, seat height, armrests, and tilt, making it easy for the chair to match their body shape and tasks. In addition, the chair should be comfortable with adequate padding and breathable fabric. The Steelcase Karman, for example, has a lumbar backrest that contorts with the spine and offers plenty of comfort for long work days. It’s also super adjustable. This versatility makes it a good option for shared office spaces. It’s not cheap, but it offers great lower back support that’s worth the investment. It also has a 360-degree swivel base.
2. Comfort
Comfort is important when sitting for long periods of time. A comfortable chair supports the back, knees, and legs while helping to avoid pressure points and discomfort. Moreover, a seat with a cushioned backrest can help reduce stress and tension by encouraging the user to sit upright. It also helps reduce lower back pain and promotes good posture.
Additionally, a comfortable office chair allows for adjustments to be made from the seat. This helps to accommodate different body types and preferences, ensuring a personalized fit for the user. Armrests also help to prevent upper back and neck pain by supporting the arms and forearms. This is particularly useful during tasks that require frequent movement and shifting of positions. It also helps to relax the shoulders and refocus during phone calls or video conferences. The tilt functionality of a desk chair can also be helpful in achieving comfort during these tasks.
3. Durability
A good chair should be durable enough to stand up to the rigours of extended sitting. It should also be able to adapt to technological and design developments. The best office chairs offer a blend of ergonomics, comfort, and durability. They will help you to maintain a healthy posture and focus throughout the workday.
The Herman Miller Embody is an example of a chair that combines comfort, style, and durability. It uses a unique internal mechanism to provide lumbar support that is tailored to the user. It also provides micro-regional support to reduce pressure points and tension build-up. It’s also easy to clean, which is important for hygiene and longevity. It comes with a seven-year warranty, although the specifics will depend on where you buy it. It also has a stylish appearance that would look at home in any office.
4. Seat Height
Most people spend most of their workday sitting at a desk, so a good chair is essential to support posture and comfort. The best office chairs help users maintain a healthy 90-degree angle at their knees, which helps prevent slouching and reduces pressure on back vertebrae and discs. The seat height should be adjustable so that the top of the chair aligns with the user’s kneecaps when they are seated. It’s also important to choose a chair with a wide enough seat pan and depth to ensure that there is never a gap between the front edge of the seat and the back of the thighs.
A good seat height range is between 17.5 and 21 inches. However, this is an average and may vary from person to person. Based on data from 358 people (TU Delft 2020) it’s important to test different chair heights to find what works for the individual.
5. Armrests
Armrests are an important feature to look for in a chair as they can help reduce shoulder and neck tension by diverting pressure away from those areas. They also allow you to rest your arms while working and during breaks from the computer which can reduce muscle fatigue and stress. The best armrests will be highly adjustable and have a combination of height, width, and pivot adjustments. These will allow you to position them perfectly at elbow height when sitting in the chair, avoiding any flexing of the shoulders which can cause discomfort over time.
The armrests may also be able to tilt inwards which can help you with your posture if you suffer from a back condition called kyphosis. This will help stretch the pectoral muscles and contract the rhomboids in the back. This will help to correct the rounded posture that can lead to shoulder pain and headaches.
6. Lumbar Support
Lumbar support is a critical component of ergonomic office chairs. This feature helps prevent back pain by supporting the natural curve of the spine. It also promotes good posture, which can help reduce fatigue and stress. Lumbar support can be built into a chair or added as an accessory. A large number of external lumbar supports are available on the market, but not all will fit everyone. It can be a case of trial and error to find one that suits you.
Some office chairs have a fixed lumbar support that is built into the design. This can cause discomfort for people who require a more flexible adjustment. It’s best to opt for a chair with an adjustable seat depth, so you can customize the seating position to suit your personal needs. This option also tends to be a bit cheaper.
7. Footrest
Footrests often go overlooked when discussing ergonomic office furniture, but they have a large impact on the user’s comfort. The main purpose of a footrest is to elevate the user’s feet so that they can rest comfortably while working. It’s important that a person can sit with their feet flat on the floor to guarantee ergonomic seating posture. If a person’s feet aren’t able to sit flat on the floor, it can cause back pain and leg cramping.
The best office chair footrest will allow a person to rock and move their feet around to promote healthy sitting. This helps to reduce pressure on the legs, back, and neck while increasing overall circulation. This will also help to decrease muscle tension and pain from sitting for long periods of time. The best footrests are made of soft materials to provide cushioning and support for the legs and feet.
8. Seat Material
A good seat fabric can have a huge impact on your comfort levels. Some fabrics like mesh offer superior breathability compared to leather models, making them the ideal choice for hot offices or those with sensitive skin. Look for armrests that can be repositioned and pivoted to provide better support without straining your shoulders. Ideally, the armrests should be lower than your elbows to prevent your arms from hunching. Also consider a swivel base that allows you to easily reach different areas of your desk without having to twist in your chair. This helps prevent arm strain and makes it easier to engage with colleagues.
9. Seat Width
The seat’s width is an important factor in the user’s comfort. A chair with a narrow front may restrict movement and create pressure points that cause discomfort. The ideal seat cushion should be soft but firm and thicker at the back than it is at the front.
The seat height should be easily adjustable to accommodate users of different body types. It’s best if the clearance between the bottom of the seat and the legs is about the size of a clenched fist. Ideally, the armrests should be at a height that allows the user to rest their elbows in a natural position. The Colamy’s pneumatic adjustment lever makes it easy to adjust the seat height without leaving the chair. This feature makes the chair comfortable for long workdays. It also has a headrest and 3D armrests that help users achieve optimal posture while working.
