There are many things to consider when choosing an office chair, from material, support and adjustability to overall style and cost. Figuring out how to choose an office chair is probably not something you thought you would be spending a lot of time on, but the office chair is an essential part of your setup, so it’s important you know how to pick the right one. Many people working remotely may have initially thought that it would not take long and that any chair would suffice. Perhaps it was, but now it’s time to consider if you’ve picked the right office chair?
If you work at one of the best desks for all or part of your work day, it’s important to have a comfortable chair that provides sufficient cushioning as well as back support to keep your posture in check and prevent muscle strain.
There are many factors to consider before investing: what type of chair is right for you , what level of adjustment do you need and what level of support? In addition to these basics, you also want your chair to be stylish and to match the overall style of your home office, good value for money and from a trusted brand. We’ve put together our top recommendations for the best office chair elsewhere as well as the best office chair for backache, but before you start browsing and buying, read all you need to consider on how to choose an office chair.
How to choose an office chair: Types
The first thing to consider before choosing an office chair is what type of chair you want. We’re not talking about an armchair or a pouffe as all of our recommendations are for dedicated office chairs, but you have options for a regular ergonomic office chairs, saddle or kneeling chair. Plus, whether you want him to have solid feet or be on wheels.
Saddle chairs consist of round, padded seats without a back: think about what kind of chair your dentist has. Long periods of sitting have been combined (opens in a new tab) with increased stress on the spine, and sitting under the saddle can reduce this as it encourages correct posture. These chairs are a good option if you move around your room frequently during the day, but if you sit fairly still at your desk, it can be tiring for your spine to sit so straight without supporting your lumbar spine.
Kneeling chairs are sometimes recommended as they can prevent your lower back from bending by forcing you to sit upright, however it is important to use them to sit properly and not slouch, which is a big challenge for the person working at the desk. day and no chair back. They are also not suitable for people who have knee problems or injuries.
When it comes to choosing an office chair, we recommend choosing a regular ergonomic chair that supports your back and neck (more on that below). For this category, consider if you need a mesh or cushion backrest and a fixed base or wheels. A chair on wheels allows you to move around the room with ease, but if the floor in your office is laminated or perhaps uneven stone, a fixed chair with soft feet may be a better option.
How to choose an office chair: Fabric
As mentioned above, the two main options for regular ergonomic chairs are mesh or cushioning. Chairs with mesh backs are airy and more flexible, which means they can conform to your body shape to some extent. They tend to roll, and many have built-in lumbar support, so they’re probably more appropriate if you’re an office worker on a daily basis.
Chairs with cushioned backs upholstered rather than mesh and may more comfortable to sit for long periods, but you are losing the support provided by the mesh back. This means that when you have maximum comfort under your buttocks, you experience back pain more often. Cushioned chairs tend to be cheaper until you start looking at leather upholstered chairs, for example our pick of the best cheap office chair is the Amazon Basics Upholstered Office Chair.
How to choose an office chair: support
Next on the list of important considerations is support, including lumbar and neck support and armrests. Your simple and minimalist office chairs will have no lumbar support, but it is important to sit with the correct posture.
Sitting eight hours a day is not good for anyone, so you should always rest frequently to get up and move around this puts a strain on the lower back, leading to tension and pain. Choosing an office chair with a lumbar support, which is located in the lower back, keeps the spine in a natural position rather than letting it tilt back.
You may also need a headrest to relieve tension and provide support to your neck muscles. For this, you need to choose an office chair with a very high back or headrest.
Finally, consider whether you want armrests. Some consider the armrests a hindrance while others find them great extra support when they’re not writing.
How to choose an office chair: adjustable?
Once you’ve decided what type of office chair you need and what level of support you need, check to see if it’s height and tilt adjustable. The height of all the chairs we recommend in our best office chair list is adjustable because it is so important to position your workplace correctly. The correct seat height on an office chair is one where you can sit with your thighs parallel to the floor and your feet flat on the floor. If your feet cannot reach the floor flat due to the height of the desk, you should consider using a footrest.
If your chair has armrests, they should be level with your elbows when you put your elbows against your sides. When typing, your hands should be at a right angle to the desk (don’t reach up or down). A good option for a fully adjustable chair is our best selection of the best office chair for US and UK buyers,
How to choose an office chair: Style
Now that you’ve considered all the features your office chair needs, it’s time to think about style. As we mentioned, sometimes style goes hand in hand with support, but you can still find stylish chairs that don’t compromise on support.
The most comfortable office chairs made of mesh, upholstery, or a combination of both, but if this look too functional for you, look for leather or other plush, padded materials. For example, you can’t see the mesh on the OFM Essentials high back-office chair (with built-in light support) or the super stylish Newhall chair without Wayfair armrests.
How to choose an office chair: Cost
Price is also an important factor and can help you narrow your choices. If you are a permanent home worker or may be in the near future, we advise you to invest in an office chair.
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