Office Chair Buying Guide

Buying an office chair isn’t the sexiest of purchases, in fact, it might be one of the most benign. This is a chair that you’re going to sit in and work at, meaning it’s more functional than glamorous. However, that doesn’t mean that the purchase of an office chair doesn’t warrant some consideration. After all, you will be sitting in this chair for a pretty significant amount of time. If you are going to be intimately acquainted with this office chair, you might as well take the time to choose a chair that meets all of your unique needs. This office chair buying guide will outline all of the factors you should consider before purchasing. 

Material

This office chair buying guide prioritizes comfort above all else. The first thing you notice when you sit in a chair is how comfortable it is. If it’s not comfortable in the first 15 seconds of sitting, it surely won’t be comfortable for 5+ hours of sitting. This initial comfort judgement depends largely on the padding and material structure of the chair. The pressure points in your knees, hips, back, and neck all rely on the support of the chair. No one wants to feel the boning of the chair they’re sitting in. Thus it’s important to consider the type of material the chair is made up of before purchasing. Consider what material suits you best.

Office chairs are typically upholstered with leather/faux leather or have a mesh structure. Upholstered chairs offer varying degrees of support depending on the firmness or plushness of the cushion. They also offer different looks and colors that allow for some styling versatility. On the other hand, mesh office chairs offer more breathability and airflow to your back. The increased ventilation could be beneficial if you work in a warm environment or are prone to overheating. 

Dimensions

The dimensions of your office chair are important considerations as well. Every body is unique in size and stature. This means you have to ensure that your office chair is compatible with your body type. For instance, if you have longer legs, it’s important to ensure the seat of your office chair is deep enough to support a 90 degree angle at your knees. However, too deep of a seat could result in slouching and bad posture. Additionally, too wide of a chair could lead to improper arm support due to your arms not being able to comfortably rest on the armrests.

 If you have a larger stature, you should consider getting a deeper and wider seat. If you are smaller, you should ensure that your feet can comfortably reach the ground, and your arms easily reside on the arm rests. Taking your body size into consideration when purchasing a chair will ensure that your chair is best positioned to support you. 

Adjustable Back Rest

Everyone has had the unfortunate experience of a stiff back. Often times, this can be the result of extended period of sitting with inadequate back support. Therefore, an adjustable back rest is a crucial feature to include in your office chair purchase considerations. Your back and core muscles are the primary muscles at work while you’re sitting, so back support is a necessary feature to explore.

 According to researchers, a slightly reclined position is the best angle to sit in to reduce back strain and support your spine. Therefore, opting for a chair that has an adjustable back allows you to find the sweet spot and provide the most comfort throughout the workday. Look for a chair like this one, with a 100 – 110 degree adjustable backrest option. Your back and neck will thank you later. 

Armrest Mobility

There’s a reason sitting at a sports game in bleachers is never comfortable. Outside of being made out of metal or plastic, bleachers offer no arm support. While seated at a desk, the elbows should be at a 90 degree angle. Improper arm support results in slouching forward. When you have poor posture and slouch forward you are putting additional strain on your neck and back. This is why arm support is just as important as supporting your knees, hips, back, and neck. 

Don’t leave your arms hanging and purchase a chair that has adjustable arm rests. Purchasing an office chairs that have armrests that move both forward and vertical is key to avoiding overexertion of your neck and back muscles. This features also promotes wrist support as well, reducing the likelihood of carpal tunnel syndrome — a debilitating condition that’s caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist.

Adjustable Chair Height

The ability to adjust the height of your office chair is equally important, especially for your hips and knees. Experts suggest a 90 degree angle at your knee, that your thighs are level with your hips, and that both feet are comfortably resting on the floor. When you are seated too high, you find yourself scooting forward to be able to touch the ground. This results in poor posture and back pain. Similarly, if you are seated too low, you will lose the desired 90 degree angle at the knees and hips. With a height adjustable chair, you ensure that all of these demands can be met and improve comfort throughout the day.

Ergonomics 

All of the aforementioned considerations are factors that make up ergonomics. Ergonomics is “a science that aims to learn about human abilities and limitations, and then apply this learning to improve people’s interaction with products, systems and environments.” Unsurprisingly, the ability to be productive is dependent on the comfort one has in their work environment. Ergonomics extend to your work desk, your office chair, and even the distance between you and your monitor. Ergonomic studies have found the optimal body positioning for productivity and even developed new products that promote greater productivity — like the standing desk. You can read more about home office ergonomics here.

Longevity

Naturally, with any purchase, you want to ensure that you invest quality products that will withstand the tests of time and wear. You’re going to be spending a lot of time in this chair, so it has to be able to withstand long hours. This office chair buying guide strongly recommends to look for BIFMA certification to ensure that your office chair is up to the test by looking for BIFMA certification. BIFMA is the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association. The mission of this nonprofit organization is to create voluntary standards that promote safe working environments. BIFMA ensures” healthy, comfortable, and productive workspaces by creating infrastructure of engineering and materials standards. These standards are founded on centuries of craft and enhanced by ever-advancing science, and embody the best of our knowledge on safety, ergonomics, and sustainability.”