An office is a place where we not only work, but spend some of our most engaged time. Many of us sit in what many deem as an uncomfortable chair for hours each day. Today, there are endless options when it comes to office chairs. Below are some tips and tricks on how to choose the right office chair for your needs.
1. Lumbar Support
The first thing to look for in an office chair is lumbar support. If you sit all day, you need a chair that can keep your back aligned while you type, call, or even just sit quietly at your desk. Your spine is a complicated structure that requires support and lumbar pillows in your chair can help reduce body ache and tension while providing support where it’s needed most. Some office chairs include lumbar pillows, but if yours doesn’t, don’t sweat it. These pillows are easily available online or at your local office supply shop.
2. Seat Size
The consensus is that you should be able to sit comfortably in your office chair, with a few inches between your knees and the edge of the seat, arms resting comfortably on armrests and feet firmly planted on the floor. This will help keep you comfortable as well as allowing you to use all your leg muscles without feeling like you have to strain one leg more than the other just to reach the floor. If a chair is too big for you, it could throw off your centre of gravity, causing tension in your body while sitting and making it harder to get up from a seated position when compared with a properly fitting chair.
Another thing to consider is if you want a large office chair or a small one. If you like to move around in your chair while working, such as shifting positions or rocking back and forth, a larger chair might not be ideal. Smaller chairs may suit this type of activity better because they are lightweight and easy to move around in. However, if you need more room to spread out, a large office chair will do the trick.
3. Armrests
The next thing to think about is the armrests. You don’t want your chair to have armrests that are too high or thin, as this can put pressure on your shoulders and force you to slouch while sitting. If the chair’s arms aren’t up to snuff, attach some gel pads or a cushioned pad over them so you won’t feel uncomfortable while sitting at your desk. The ideal positioning for your armrests will allow you to keep your elbow at a 90-degree angle, but keep in mind that armrests that are too high for you can actually impair circulation by cutting off blood flow in your arms and hands.
4. Seat Width
Since you’ll be sitting in this office chair all day, the seat width is definitely something to consider. You want to make sure your knees are pointing straight ahead with a few inches between them and the edge of the seat. If your thighs press up against the edge of the seat, its width is too narrow. Speaking of seats, most chairs have some sort of cushioning on them, but some people prefer resting their legs on a hard surface like a small foot stool that comes with their office chair purchase.
5. Back Support
The back support in your office chair is just as important as the lumbar support because it shouldn’t be too hard or too soft. It should also allow you to lean back and keep your head upright. This will help prevent your neck from craning forward or feeling stretched out while sitting in your chair all day. If you want to lean back in your chair, make sure you have a good quality back support that won’t give out behind you or put unnecessary pressure on the small of your lower back. It should also have an adjustable head rest that supports the weight of your head without causing pain in the nape of your neck.
6. Weight Limits
Office chairs come in all different shapes and sizes. The weight limit can be anywhere from 100kg and under to over 250kg. If you are a heavy person, make sure the chair you purchase can support your weight without wearing out or becoming unstable. In general, it’s important to know the weight limit before buying a chair because it will determine how much the chair will disrupt your workstation when you get up from your seat. Also, don’t forget to make sure the chair is sturdy enough for your work environment. Some chairs can easily become a trip hazard because of their materials.
7. Adjustable Height
Although you should already know about armrests and seat width, adjustable height is probably one of the most useful things to think about when it comes to buying an office chair. If you have short or long legs, purchasing a chair that’s adjustable will allow you to rest or sit in different positions depending on your comfort level.
You can also adjust your leg position how much or little you want it to affect your entire posture while sitting in your desk chair. This is especially useful for people who like to rest their feet on stools or the floor because the height of your chair will help keep your feet in the right position. Keeping your feet closer to the ground will help avoid foot, leg, and back pain by reducing the pressure that’s put on them while sitting.
In conclusion
Now know everything you need to know about buying a great office chair for your home office. The most important thing is to make sure the chair fits your body’s natural posture and biomechanical needs.
Reading the reviews and looking at feedback from other customers will help guide you in the right direction when choosing the best office chair out there because everyone is different. The next time you decide to replace your chair, take advantage of it by shopping around online.
