If it is time for an upgrade to your existing office chair or if you are in the market for your first one, there are specific things you should consider when searching for the perfect chair. When looking at office chair choices, ensure that you are thinking about your needs first. Doing this will allow you to find a chair that fits your needs and is a perfect fit for your office.
You want to make sure that whatever office chair you pick out makes your job easy to do and does not hinder your capabilities. Another important factor to consider is comfort level.
Lastly, try to find a chair that promotes good posture and good health so that you experience little to none of the adverse health effects that come with a sedentary lifestyle. Below, you can read more about the top five things you should look for when selecting an office chair.
1. Lumbar Support
Lumbar support is essential for a comfortable office chair. It is a contoured backrest that provides support for your back along with comfort.
Most lumbar supports are shaped to match the curvature of the spine. Any office chair worth having will include lumbar support unless it is an active-seating chair that is specifically designed without a backrest.
Keeping your lower back slightly arched while in a seated position will prevent slouching and disc degeneration. This is a feature you should try out so that you can pick out an office chair with exactly the type of lumbar support you need. Getting proper lumbar support will minimize back strain and the compression of your lumbar discs.
2. Adjustability
Everyone is shaped differently, and you want to pick a chair that suits your body type. There are many adjustable features you can look for, including height, backrests, and armrests.
Ensure that your office chair can be adjusted up and down to fit your height. Ideally, your thighs will be horizontal with the floor to provide the most comfort.
You also want to confirm that the office chair has a backrest that can be positioned to suit the tasks you are performing. This means the backrest should be able to tilt forward and backwards. There should also be a locking mechanism to secure the backrest in position.
If the backrest is separate from the seat, it should also have an adjustable height to allow it to properly align with your back. The armrests on the office chair should be moveable. In the proper position, good armrests will take some of the strain off of your neck and shoulders and prevent slouching.
3. Materials
Office chairs can be made from a variety of materials, but not all of them are created equal. A high-quality breathable material is the best option for your new office chair. It will allow your body to breathe through the day, keep you cool, and be more comfortable.
A fabric or mesh-backed chair are the best options for this. You will also want to pay attention to the padding used in your potential office chair. Proper padding is key to staying comfortable throughout the workday.
Ensure that the padding is not too hard or too soft. If the padding is too hard, you are more likely to be in pain at the end of the day. If it is too soft, you will not receive enough support from your office chair.
4. Movement
The ability of your office chair to move is a very useful feature. Normally this is done through a swivel and casters on the bottom.
Rotating your chair allows for maximum efficiency since you can shift depending on what you need to access on your desk. You will not have to continually turn and twist your spine to reach things that are next to or even behind you.
Casters allow for easy mobility around the office. You can glide from your desk to a cabinet or back your chair away from the desk. You want to pick out casters that are right for your floor type, whether that is carpet, hard floor, or a combination of both.
5. Purpose
The last feature to keep in mind while looking for a new office chair is its purpose. Consider how long you will be sitting in the chair and if you will be writing, taking phone calls, having meetings, or typing at a computer for most of your day.
Each office chair is designed to fit a purpose. The design greatly influences the purpose. If you are going to have people coming in and out of your office, you might want a chair that looks nicer or more professional than others do.
You also need to think about your needs throughout the day. If you are lacking movement, perhaps an active-seating ergonomic office chair is the best option. This will allow your body to move and your muscles to stay engaged so you can shift away from being too sedentary during your workday.
Conclusion
There are many different things to consider when searching for the perfect office chair. These top five things to look for will allow you to choose an office chair that is designed to fit your needs.
Always keep yourself and your workday in mind when picking out a chair for your office. The chair should be functional for your job while providing you with comfort and back support.
If you have existing back problems, decent lumbar support is crucial for your well-being during work. Staying too sedentary is never a good idea, so ensure you are moving throughout your day or consider an active-seating ergonomic chair.
