If you’re like most people, you spend a lot of time sitting in your office chair. The right chair can make you more comfortable, make you feel better about your office environment, and even stave off chronic pain in some cases. But what qualities should you be looking for when you’re shopping?
The Importance of Finding a Reputable Vendor
Your highest priority should be buying an office chair from the right vendor. Look for a well-reviewed office furniture company that sells a variety of reputable brands. Big brands with strong reputations in the office furniture space have decades of expertise and genuinely care about their customers; you can usually rest assured that all of their chairs have something valuable to offer.
Similarly, if you buy from a customer-favored office furniture vendor online, they’ll likely work hard to ensure your satisfaction. If you’re not happy with your chair, for any reason, you can likely return it for a full refund – and get a recommendation for a chair that will suit your needs better.
The Most Important Aspects of an Office Chair
Assuming you’re shopping at the right office furniture store, what are the most important aspects of an office chair to consider?
1. Height. First, you need to make sure your office chair is set at the right height. You’ll need to be high enough off the ground that you can easily reach your computer and desk, but not so high that you have to strain to reach down. Also, your feet should be resting comfortably on the floor throughout the workday.
2. Material. You’ll also need to consider the material for your office chair. Leather (or something similar to leather, like vinyl) is great because it’s easy to clean and provides a protective barrier – but it can also get hot. Mesh provides a more breathable, comfortable material, but it’s not always the best. Different chair materials have different pros and cons, so choose the best material for your needs.
3. Arms. Next, think about the placement and shape of the arms of your chair. Ideally, your chair will have some kind of arms in place, so you can rest your arms comfortably when working. However, they shouldn’t be obstructive, nor should they force your arms to be in an uncomfortable position.
4. Backing. What type of backing is offered by this chair? Is there a short, simple back, or is there something longer and more robust, capable of offering more support?
5. Lumbar support. Speaking of back support, is there a lumbar support feature that provides your lower back with more support? If you’re a chronic sufferer of back pain, this is an especially important feature.
6. Rolling and movement. How much movement is allowed while sitting in this chair? Are there easy rollers that allow you to move around the office conveniently? Can you quickly swivel from side to side and rock back and forth?
7. Adjustability. Generally speaking, the more adjustable your chair is, the better. You should be able to easily adjust the height of your chair, the placement of the arms of the chair, and possibly even its maneuverability.
8. Posture support. Does this chair support healthy posture habits? If you’re sitting in this chair 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, this is a more important question than you might realize. Chronic poor posture can lead to a lifetime of discomfort and pain.
9. Head rest. Does this chair offer any support for your head? Though not as vital as some of the other aspects on this list, it’s still worth considering.
10. Personal comfort. Functionally, the chair might check all the important boxes – but how do you feel about it, personally? Are you comfortable when sitting in this chair? Is there anything about it that distracts you or makes you feel uncomfortable?
11. Aesthetics. Though superficial, you may want to consider the aesthetics of your chair as well. If you’re looking for a professional appearance, plain black or a neutral color is best, with a professional, unique design.
12. Durability. You’ll also want to consider the chair’s durability. Was this piece of furniture made to last for years? Or are you going to need to buy a replacement after a few months of use?
On the surface, buying an office chair may seem like a simple, straightforward decision; after all, you just need a place to sit. But there are many variables to your office chair that will affect your comfort, and even your quality of life – so it’s not a decision you can afford to take lightly. Treat your office chair as an investment, do your research, and make the best-informed decision you can.