The market is chock-full of workplace chairs that you can buy on a normal budget but come with zero durability and comfort. A lot of chairs will also make you feel as if you're sitting on torturous metal or wooden seats with poor back support and plastic wheels. And unfortunately, it's getting difficult to differentiate between quality items and subpar knockoffs.
A good office chair is a staple of any corporate environment, big or small. It helps employees sit for long hours without numbing their bodies, helping them work productively. And there are plenty of things that may impact your decision on investing in the right chairs. For example, you're going to need to consider the average temperature of the city you are in and the total time an employee sits on the chair.
Sadly, many people fail to keep these considerations in mind and invest in the wrong types of chairs. But we're going to help you avoid that. This article is going to shed some light on the best types of chairs you should get for the office and the important factors you need to take into account.
Key Factors to Consider When Investing in the Right Office Chair
Comfortability
Before buying the chair, test it. Sit on it and feel the durability and firmness of the backrest padding. Check how comfortable and well-fitted the armrests are and see whether the chair comes with height adjustability.
Firm Lumbar Support
A quality chair will effectively provide premium lumbar support no matter how you sit on it.
Quality and Longevity
If the built and material quality of the chair feels a tad bit off, it's quite likely that the chair will be destroyed in a little over a year.
Long-Lasting Warranty
It's wise to go for products that come with at least a 5-year repair warranty. However, the longer the better.
Taking a Look at Suitable Types of Chairs for the Office
Chairs Built for Ergonomics
Ergonomic chairs are by far the best types of chairs you should invest in for a corporate environment. This is because ergonomic products are designed with comfort and wellness features that no other product has.
Sure, you may also find subpar ergonomic chairs on the market, but an easy way to differentiate between a quality product and a budget product is the price tag. Ergonomic office chairs are usually above a standard price range. And that's because these chairs are designed with the health and comfort of the user in mind. For instance, these chairs come with a multitude of incredible features such as:
ü Height adjustability
ü Durable and firm lumbar support at all angles
ü Well-fitted armrests
ü Comfortable headrests
ü Swivel control
And much, much more.
All these features provide a culmination of benefits that help prevent typical injuries that are commonly associated with employees sitting for long hours.
Basic Task-Oriented Workplace Chairs
These are standard operator chairs that are designed to provide basic comfort and functionality. For example, task chairs come with decent lumbar support, adjustable backrest, and good headrests. They are also more affordable compared to an ergonomic chair.
These chairs are well-suited for situations where you or your employees just need a good chair to sit on. Or if they don't need to sit on the chair for hours on end. However, if you do need to sit on a chair for multiple hours, you should go for an ergonomic chair.
Heavy Workplace Chairs
When it comes to size, robustness, and functionality, it doesn't get any better than heavy office chairs. These chairs are specifically designed for larger or taller individuals. The chairs are built with bigger back and lumbar support, a wider surface area, thicker and more durable materials, and can withstand a lot of weight.
Plus, heavy-duty products also feature stronger gas struts, which means you don't have to worry about damaging the height adjustability mechanism or the swivel rod (if there is one). These are more expensive and are built to last longer.
Mesh Office Chairs
These are ideal for warmer climates or offices that are typically hotter than usual. Mesh chairs feature durable mesh materials that have holes all over, maximising air ventilation and increasing the breathability of the product. So, if you tend to sweat a lot or if the environment is a bit humid, sitting on the chair is going to help you cool down thanks to continuous airflow.
In addition, mesh chairs are designed to be lightweight yet are built with sturdy materials. So, if you do a lot of creative work that involves wheeling around the office, it doesn't get any better than a mesh chair.
Bottom Line
So there you go. A detailed list of the most popular types of office chairs you should consider when replacing old chairs or getting a new one for your home office.
