How To Pick The Right Office Chair

how to pick best office chair top desk furniture ergonomic chairs

Advice On How To Choose & Types Of Chair 

A lot of people are currently on the market for a new office chair. With the outbreak of COVID-19 and the resultant Work from Home trend, investing in a comfortable chair should be a top priority. There are a few general tips to remember when picking a new office chairs: 

1. Read The Reviews 

Companies promise a lot, but they often don’t live up to the hype. The best bet to avoid disappointment is to check reviews and review pictures posted on Amazon. 

2. Try Before You Buy 

If possible, try sitting in the chair before you decide to purchase. If that’s not possible due to COVID-19 restrictions, see if someone you know has a chair from the same brand for you to test. 

3. There’s No One Size Fits All 

Even with an ergonomic chair that can be adjusted, different chairs are better for different people. Your requirements – your weight, height, health issues and working style – are the most important considerations when choosing an office chair. 

Features to Keep in Mind When Choosing Your Office Chair 

1. Seat Depth 

You should be able to sit with your back up against the seat back, and have 2 inches between the edge of the seat and your knees. 

2. Seat Width 

The seat should be wide enough for you to fit comfortably, but not so wide that you have to stretch your arms for your elbows to reach the armrests. 

3. Height 

Ideally, your chair will be adjustable, so that you can use it with desks of different sizes. When sitting at a desk, your elbows should be level with it. 

4. Seat Back 

When sat upright, your shoulders should reach the top of the seat back. 

5. Lower Back Support 

Especially if you have lower back pain, consider a seat with lower back support. Look for padding that is ergonomically designer to fit the natural curvature of your spine. 

Types Of Chair & Associated Benefits 

Kneeling Chair 

Pros: 

These seats are great for users with lower back problems. Normal chairs often cause us to bear too much weight on our hips, but kneeling chairs change the angle of your hips, taking pressure of the lower back and pelvis. Another positive of kneeling stools is that your feet don’t need to be on the ground, so it can be adjusted to any table height. 

Cons: 

You need to wear trousers when you’re using these seats, and you shouldn’t use a kneeling chair if you have knee problems. 

Saddle Chair 

Pros: 

Often used by medical professionals, saddle seats are ergonomically designed to position your spine in the optimum posture. If you spend a lot of time sitting, this is a great option to avoid associated spine issues. 

Cons: 

You have to wear trousers with this seat, and you will also need a relatively high desk. If you already have spinal issues, saddle chairs can be too exhaustive on your spine muscles. 

Exercise Ball 

Pros: 

Exercise balls have risen in popularity over the past decade, and for good reason. They can be used to improve spinal posture and strengthen your spine muscles. 

Cons: 

They’re exercise balls, not seats. They’re designed for short-term use, as they can cause spinal shrinkage, and they get uncomfortable, fast. 

Ergonomic Chair 

You can find out all about ergonomic chairs here. They’re essentially adjustable office chairs, designed for you to adjust them to optimize your posture and productivity. 

Pros: 

Today’s ergonomic chairs come with a huge variety of adjustable features, including: 

• Adjustable lumbar support 
• Adjustable headrest 
• Adjustable seat width 
• Adjustable seat depth 
• Adjustable armrests 
• Adjustable back rest 
• Adjustable height 

This list of features mean ergonomic chairs can be adjusted to comfortably sit almost anyone. 

Cons: 

Ergonomic chairs are usually very expensive. 

BONUS OPTION: No Chair 

That’s right, you can also go chair-less, with a standing desk. 

Pros: 

Avoid the risks of sitting-related ailments, like blood clots and hair loss, altogether. Standing burns more calories than sitting, and users report more energy and less back pain. 

Cons: 

It’s pretty obvious. Who likes standing up all day? Plus, when used for prolonged periods, standing desks can be too tiring for people with existing conditions. However, alternating between sitting and standing can alleviate these problems but still allow you to reap the benefits.

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