If you work from home, having a good desk chair is essential. Whether you’re an administrator, an executive, a freelancer or a business owner, you’re likely spending hours a day sitting at a desk in your home office.
The right desk chair can drastically improve your workday by providing support and comfort so you can focus on what’s truly important to you: getting stuff done. Here’s what you need to know when buying a desk chair.
The right desk chair can do a lot for your productivity by making you more comfortable and limiting distractions. Before selecting a chair out of the thousands of options available to you, you’ll want to ensure the desk chair you select meets your needs.
Look for a desk chair of the right height that provides full support and allows you to sit in a neutral position. According to OSHA, the ideal sitting position is with hands, wrists and forearms straight and roughly parallel to the floor. Your head should be level, your shoulders relaxed, your back fully supported and your hips and thighs parallel to the floor. If you’re struggling to sit up straight at your desk, consider a posture-correcting brace.
To determine what type of chair meets your needs, consider what you’ll use your desk chair for most often and weigh which features are most important to you.
Executive desk chairs are tall-backed chairs that provide premium support for the entire upper body. These chairs are ideal for long hours spent at a desk.
Drafting chairs are designed for surfaces above an average desk height, such as drafting tables. Designers and architects often use them.
There are many ergonomic desk chairs, such as backless chairs, that require you to sit up straight. These chairs are great for strengthening your core while you work for relatively short periods.
You’ll generally want to opt for durable materials that are easy to clean, like vinyl and leather. Keep in mind that these materials tend to become hot in the summer. Mesh keeps you cool and is breathable so that it won’t retain odors. Mesh seats typically don’t offer as much support as sturdier, solid seats, however.
You should choose a chair with seat height adjustment to promote a neutral sitting position. This is especially important if you plan to share your chair with other household members.
Adjustable backrests are a nice feature to have in a chair because different tasks might require different proximity to your desk. Be sure to select a chair with a locking mechanism that holds the backrest in place once adjusted. Otherwise, you might find yourself tilting backward unexpectedly.
Lumbar support refers to anything that provides support to the lower back. To prevent back pain, be sure to select a chair with ample lumbar support. A backrest designed to match the contour of your spine ensures adequate support and minimizes strain on your lumbar discs.
Select a desk chair that is wide and deep enough to allow you to sit without feeling constrained. Be sure to consider your height. If you’re tall, you’ll want a deeper seat. You should be able to sit firmly against the backrest with a couple of inches between your knees and the seat.
Armrests reduce soreness by relieving the strain on your neck and shoulders. Look for adjustable armrests. Your armrest should be at a height that allows you to align your arms without slouching your back and shoulders.
You should be able to reach and operate the controls to adjust your seat height, backrest and armrest without getting up from a seated position and without straining.
Office chair prices vary from around $100 to $1,000. A basic, comfortable chair will generally cost $150-$200 but will not offer as many features as higher-end options. A midrange desk chair will cost $300-$500. A high-end desk chair will cost $800-$1,200 and include many features, excellent comfort and support and high-quality materials and manufacturing.
A. The average height of a desk chair is between 15-21 inches. You should choose the height of your desk chair based on your height. Taller people will want to choose a chair with larger overall dimensions.
A. To protect the hardwood or carpet under your desk chair, lay down a floor mat designed for mobility and protection of the floor underneath your chair.
Another option is to use an area rug in your work area. This will not only protect your floor but will add to the overall aesthetics of your workstation.
What you need to know: This chair is designed for maximum comfort. It’s highly acclaimed and widely considered one of the most ergonomic chairs on the market.
What you’ll love: It offers exceptional lumbar support and a backrest contour that provides premium comfort for the spine. It is comfortable enough to use all day.
What you should consider: Some don’t like the feel of the fabric or the material used for the back adjuster and seat bottom.
Boss Office Products High Back “No Tools Required” LeatherPlus Chair
What you need to know: This is an ergonomic, well-padded executive-style chair with a good price, which makes it your best option for the money.
What you’ll love: It’s very comfortable and well-padded, with a high, supportive back. The material is easy to clean.
What you should consider: The arms cannot be adjusted, which may cause you to slouch if the chair isn’t adjusted to your height.
Ergohuman Eurotech Mesh High Back
What you need to know: A highly adjustable chair with comfort-first features from a reputable manufacturer.
What you’ll love: It’s got great lumbar support. The mesh back is easy to keep clean and doesn’t retain odors.
What you should consider: Shorter people may find the minimum seat height too tall to allow for an ergonomic posture.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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