Office Chair Buying Guide
When you’re buying a chair for your office it’s important to let your individual preferences shine through. The ideal office chair should enable you to sit comfortably, move freely and provide you with support in the places that you need it most. This choice could be different for everyone - here’s our office chair buying guide to help ensure you make the right decision for you.
Make safety a priority
A recent study by the British Chiropractic Association found that 82% of the adults they spoke to regularly suffered from neck or back pain in the office. This is something that can be significantly influenced by the office chair that you choose so it’s crucial to take safety factors into consideration. If you are currently suffering from any pain then it might be time to find a new chair.
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Consider all the options
Office chairs come in many different types - these are some of the most common:
- Ergonomic chair. This is a chair that is designed to fit and support your body so can be a great choice if you’re worried about pain and discomfort and likely to be sitting for up to eight hours a day. The ideal ergonomic chair for you will be at least an inch wider than you are on either side, and be shallow enough that you can sit with a one inch gap between the chair and the back of your knees - anything longer could cause circulation issues. Choose a backrest that feels comfortable and make sure that chair has plenty of adjustment options so it can be tailored just for you.
- Executive office chair. These are a familiar sight in C-Suite offices - a large leather chair with a high backrest and a cushioned seat. Most are reclinable and height adjustable and comfortable for four to six hours a day. The best executive office chairs are often the most expensive so if you’re on a budget this may not be the right choice.
- Swivel or fixed chairs. These are the more basic options in terms of office chairs but they are fine if you’re not planning to sit for a long period of time. A fixed chair will provide support for up to two hours a day and is a flexible choice for the home as it can often be used as a dining chair too. Swivel chairs are a nice simple design and can provide back support but should only be used for up to four hours a day.
Key questions to answer
When you’re looking at office chairs these are the vital questions to ask:
- How long am I likely to be sitting for every day?
- Do I need back support?
- What’s the best option I can get for my budget?
- If ergonomic is the best choice, what features do I need? (Lumbar support, arm rests, backrest tilt, adjustable height and seat, headrest etc).
- What material do I want to have? This could be anything, from real leather to mesh or faux leather to a choice of many fabrics. The right chair will make your working day much easier and more comfortable - browse our office chair options to find the right one for you.
The right chair will make your working day much easier and more comfortable - browse our office chair options to find the right one for you.
