The Art Of Buying Your First Office Chair
Ah, the office chair. What a wonderful feeling it is when you finally get one. The truth is you deserve a nice upgrade no matter where you are at in your career. Whether you are just starting out and are facing the long journey of sitting at a desk, or you have been working in an office for a long time and have finally decided it is time to treat yourself.
Having poor posture while sitting all day long at work every single day can also lead to issues like arthritis in certain areas of your body like shoulders and legs over time. From an ergonomics perspective, it makes sense, as well.
Ergonomic Office Chairs: What Do You Need to Know?
Ergonomic chairs are specially designed seats that provide personalized support because they take into account the different sizes and shapes of human bodies. The ideal ergonomic office chair will provide adequate lumbar (lower back) support, facilitate movement, and minimize physical stress.
Besides the lumbar support that follows the natural shape of the lower back, ergonomic chairs also have contoured seats with rounded edges that provide more support for the hips and thighs.
How to Select the Right Ergonomic Office Chair?
By selecting the right office chair, you can avoid pain while working. Here are some things to look for when choosing an ergonomic office chair:
Thick Back Rest and Adjustable Lumbar Support.
Choose a thick backrest that has adjustable lumbar support. Ergonomic office chairs have a backrest that reaches from the top of the shoulders all the way down to the bottom of the lower back. The lumbar support is also adjustable, so you can adjust it according to your body type and size.
Look For An Ergonomically Curved Seat Pad.
To provide the best support for your hips and thighs, the seat pad should be ergonomically curved. This will prevent soreness all day from sitting in a straight-backed chair. A cushioning should be provided on the seat pad so that sitting on it for an extended period will not cause pressure points.
Should Be Able To Tilt & Lock In Place.
In order to be able to recline without getting up, the chair should be able to tilt back and lock into place. It will enable you to lean back while still maintaining good posture and help you to avoid muscle strains and other injuries caused by bending.
Armrests are a personal preference
It's not surprising that armrest-free chairs are becoming more popular. Most people find them distracting, especially if they're too high or low. Ideally, they should be adjustable so that you can move them up or down as you please. When you type or perform other computer-related tasks, your arms will be at a comfortable angle.
Headrests are beneficial depending on how you sit.
A headrest is also an important feature to look for. Supporting your neck this way will help if you are constantly looking down at your desk or computer screen. If you tend to tilt your head forward most of the time, a headrest might be beneficial for you.
What Height Is Your Desk?
You should make sure your chair can be adjusted to fit comfortably with your desk when it comes to the height of your desk. Otherwise, you will experience neck and shoulder pain while looking at your computer screen. Consider getting an elevated desk platform or choosing a different chair if your chair cannot be adjusted. Choose one with adjustable height options that line up with your desk height.
How To Find The Right Size Chair?
Here’s a 5-step guide to choosing the right size ergonomic office chair for your body. Every person’s body is unique, as are their needs for comfort and support when sitting for long periods of time.
The depth of the chair’s seat.
As you sit in your chair, your feet should be flat on the floor, your back touching the backrest, and your shoulders against the backrest. Your knees will point forward when you sit in a chair that is too deep, which will put pressure on your lower back. If it is too shallow, it will not provide enough support for your thighs and you will have to move forward to reach the footrest.
The width of the seat.
In an ideal seat, your thighs should rest comfortably against the seat, with a space of about 3 inches between the end of the seat and your knees. When you're tall or overweight, you know how it feels to not be able to touch the ground or to break a chair because it can't support your weight. There are Big and Tall Office Chairs that are designed for people who are tall and heavy.
The height from the casters to the seat pad.
Sitting straight in a chair, your thighs should be parallel to the floor and your knees should be level or slightly below your hips. A poor adjustment can result in pain or discomfort in the lower back area. A proper adjustment, however, can provide relief.
The range of height for the armrest.
The adjustable armrests are essential for the alleviation of neck and shoulder pain caused by hunching over while typing. You should be able to comfortably type while your elbows are at an angle of 90 degrees on the armrests.
The height of the backrest
It is recommended that the height of the back support will reach up to your shoulders at least. If you are tall, you will need a higher backrest than if you are short. So take this into consideration when choosing a backrest.
Ideal Seating Height For
Slim Body Type
Average Body Type
Large & Tall Body Type
How To Find The Perfect Balance Of Aesthetics, Durability?
Choosing an office chair that strikes the right balance between ergonomics and durability comes down to colors and materials. In addition, you do not want an office chair that does not fit in your working environment.
Search for a color that matches or compliments your current office theme
First of all, you should take note of the color of your chair. Research shows that red and pink office chairs boost productivity. If you want a chair that will fit into any space, go with a black or white office chair. Because these colors are versatile and add elegance to any design scheme.
Durability is key when it comes to office chairs
In today’s market, you will find a lot of options, and some may seem like a good deal at first glance,but they can end up costing you more in the long run because they are not built well and require frequent repairs. If choosing a chair, it is important to consider the texture of the material: something smooth and soft, like leather, would be more desirable than something rough and rigid, like plastic.
What Is The Difference Between an Ergonomic Chair and a Standard Office Chair?
The difference between standard office chairs vs ergonomic ones depends on what your needs are.
Office chairs are designed for 8-hour days, but ergonomic office chairs take it up a notch and provide adjustable features that make them even more comfortable.
Ergonomic office chairs are designed to help you maintain proper posture when sitting for long periods of time.
Adjustable ergonomics fit your body better and reduce fatigue. As well as providing comfort, they help reduce the stress that can occur on your body as you sit. Office chairs are typically one-size-fits-all with limited customization options.
Ergonomic chairs are often more expensive than standard office chairs. Some people may find them more comfortable than others due to their wide range of styles and materials.
Final Words
In conclusion, three important factors should be considered when purchasing your first office chair. First, think about your posture and make sure that the chair you choose would be able to help improve it. Consider the chair’s build quality and other mechanics to make sure that it will last for a long time. Finally, make sure that you won’t outgrow the chair in the near future—pick one that you can grow into!
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many different options out there, but we strongly recommend cross-legged chairs for their ergonomic design, comfort, and health benefits (no more varicose veins! ), as well as their ability to keep you focused on your work while allowing you to switch positions accordingly.
Looking for an item that will last a lifetime? Are you suffering from back pain? By answering these questions, you’ll be able to determine if you should buy an inexpensive, basic item ($100-$200) or an expensive, durable item ($300+).For those in start-ups or freelancers who work mostly from home, spending more than $200 might not be feasible. On the other hand, if you are working full-time for a company that provides desks and chairs, it wouldn’t matter so much.
Whether you’re sitting at the office or at home for long periods of time, you won’t feel any discomfort, since many chairs these days have a lumbar support system for your lower back. These chairs have wheels, making it easy for you to move around your workspace without getting up from your seat every time you need something else nearby. There are even some models that offer adjustable armrests that are ergonomically designed to ensure you are as comfortable as possible while typing on a keyboard or using a mouse.
