Table Chairs
Desk chairs are your most basic office chair. They are generally not customizable (many only offer adjustable seat height) and are therefore suitable for those who only sit for a few hours at a time. If you don’t use your desk all day long or you alternate between sitting and standing, a desk chair may be for you.
Pros
– It is usually relatively inexpensive.
– Because it doesn’t have many moving parts, it may be less likely to break and easier to repair.
Cons
– Don’t offer the level of comfort and support that ergonomic and gaming chairs offer.
Ergonomic Chairs
Of course, all office chairs are designed to be ergonomic in some way. However, when we talk about ergonomic seats, we mean seats that allow most components to be fully adjusted.
This means that in addition to adjustable seat height and seat tilt, an ergonomic office chair will typically also allow you to adjust the position of the seat surface or backrest (by sliding it forward or backward), the height or position of the armrests, the headrest. (if any), recline tension, and sometimes more.
It’s a good bet for those who spend long hours at their desk and want to avoid pain.
Pros
– The high level of adjustability can support your body all day long as it can be adapted – to suit your sitting preferences and body shape.
– It can help relieve pain and stiffness in your body.
– They usually have more padding which makes them more comfortable.
Cons
– Although these models are often built to be more durable and stand the test of time, they are often more expensive to purchase.
– Because the design is more complex than regular desk chairs, it can be more costly and tedious to maintain.
Gaming Chairs
Gaming chairs are designed to help you play comfortably for extended periods of time. Designed to help you look your best and offer lots of padding and support, they often come with features like headrests, wrist and lumbar support, and adjustable armrests.
Sometimes they have features like built-in speakers in the headrest and USB ports on the outside of the seat. These chairs also often have a sporty, racing aesthetic to help you get into the gaming spirit – but many people use them in their home office.
Pros
– They provide a good posture and sitting position as they are generally designed to be highly ergonomic.
– It is generally highly adjustable and comfortable.
Cons
– It can be quite expensive.
– Some unique features, such as the built-in speakers in the headrest, may be intended to attract attention and may not actually work that well.
What should be considered in the office chair?
There are some points to consider when choosing an office chair. We’ve reviewed the main points below, but it’s also good to keep the following questions in mind when shopping:
How many hours in a row will you spend at a desk?
What kind of table will you pair your chair with?
Do you want your chair to look a certain way or have a certain style?
The answers to these questions will help you narrow down your choices so you can consider the following factors when choosing an office chair.
Chair Movement
Office chairs usually have 2 different motion mechanisms: synchro/oscillating motion or independent tilt.
Synchronous or rocking mechanisms allow the user to rock the chair back and forth when seated and also to lock the chair at any desired angle. If you are buying a chair with this, check that the chair is locked in an upright working position that is functional and supportive for you.
An independent tilt mechanism allows you to independently adjust the seat angle and backrest tilt, allowing for many more angle combinations. This is useful for those with back problems or those who are only comfortable in certain sitting positions.
Most traditional office chair styles can also swivel, as this allows you to easily swivel to reach different areas of the desk without straining your body.
Adjustability
Different people have different body shapes and seating preferences, so adjustability is essential if you’re looking for the ultimate in comfort and support. Look for adjustable back support, armrests, and chair height. Some chairs also have a backrest that allows you to lean back when you want to relax.
Look for easy-to-use adjustment buttons while sitting.
Size
Size may not be a particularly important consideration if you have a large office space, but for most of us with home offices (or work corners), space is limited. Check the dimensions of the wheelbase and armrests to avoid buying a chair that doesn’t fit under your desk or in your workspace.
Many office chairs can hold up to 100kg, so if you’re heavier than that, check with the manufacturer if the chair you’re considering can support you.
Features
Office chairs will often have some features that make them more comfortable and supportive.
Headrest: Ergonomic and gaming chairs often have a headrest that can reduce pressure on the neck and upper back.
Heating pad: Some chairs have a built-in heating pad that can make cold mornings a little more bearable.
Adjustable lumbar support: Usually found on mid-size or premium seats, adjustable lumbar support allows you to adjust the level of support you need in the back of the seat to support your lumbar curve.
Gel seat: Reduces pressure on the coccyx and pelvis.
Massage Tool: A massage office chair usually has a massage tool at different points on the seat, back and headrest.
Knee pillows: Located on a kneeling chair, these are pillows on which you rest your knees so that your body weight is partially supported by your shinbone and less strain on your lower back.
Wheels
If you want to get around your office space, having a wheeled distance can help you do that and make things a little more fun. If you have carpet and want a wheelchair, you may also want to consider purchasing a chair mat to protect your flooring.
Material
There are several different options when it comes to the material of an office chair.
Leather office chairs are comfortable, easy to clean, shed, plush and stylish, but they can get sweaty in the summer if you don’t have much ventilation.
An upholstered chair usually has a foam molded back with fabric upholstery and is generally comfortable and fairly easy to clean.
Mesh office chairs offer superior airflow, making them great for warmer office spaces and flex to the shape of your back when you lean back.
Price
Because of the wide range of products out there, you can find office chairs for anything from $30 to $1,000. Some executive office chairs can even go for several thousand dollars. Realistically, getting a comfortable, ergonomic chair will cost you at least $200.
Many good home office chairs are not particularly cheap. However, considering that you will spend most of the day sitting down, this is also not a purchase you want to be too stingy with. The more adjustable and supportive the chair, the higher the cost. However, an office chair that is comfortable, good for your posture and does not negatively affect your health is a worthwhile investment.
Underline
Price aside, comfort and support are often the top considerations people consider when purchasing an office chair. If possible,
Try the chairs in the store to see what you like. Some people prefer a firmer seat, while others prefer softer padding. Because our bodies are so different, what’s comfortable for one person may not be comfortable for the next.
If you can’t make it to a real-life store, read reviews on office chairs to see what others are saying and you’ll be well on your way to working with the support your body needs.
