How to Choose the Best Office Chair: 10 Tips to Help You Decide

How to Buy an Office Chair: 10 Tips to Help You Choose

Approach your purchase the right way or you might live to regret not finding out how to buy an office chair.

By Darren Allan

Contributions from Rob Clymo

Last updated: 24 May 2023

Selecting the Best Office Chair

Choosing the best office chair for your needs is essential for staying productive. Whether you spend your days at a workplace or work from home, a top-notch office chair is vital. Surprisingly, many of us tend to overlook our seating arrangements despite spending so much time in front of our computers. Skimping on your office chair can lead to musculoskeletal issues, and apart from the health benefits, a comfortable seating position can improve your wellbeing and boost productivity.

If you want to improve your workflow and enjoy your days spent in front of your laptop, it's worth spending some time choosing the right office chair. In this article, we will provide you with 10 tips on how to choose an office chair.

1. How Long Do You Sit Down?

This is the best place to start when choosing an office chair. It doesn't matter how long you spend in front of your computer; even short periods on inferior seating can be detrimental to your health. If you sit in your office chair for shorter periods, up to four hours, you can consider purchasing a more affordable chair without many features. However, if you plan to work up to eight hours a day, which is a good average to consider, you should invest in an ergonomic chair with multiple adjustment features for a rested position while working.

If you work even longer hours, such as up to 12 or 24-hour periods due to shift work, you will need an even more robust office chair. Be prepared to pay a premium for a chair with optimum levels of adjustment and comfort in this scenario.

2. Adjustment is Essential

If you spend a lot of time in an office chair, you need to prioritize chairs with plenty of adjustment options. Being able to position your chair in different ways is critical, especially if you already have back or posture issues from years of sitting on the wrong type of chair. Look for chairs with features like Permanent Contact Back (PCB) to support your back while working, a lock tilt mechanism for added support, and synchro or multi-synchro seats for flexibility and improved blood circulation.

3. Ergonomic is Vital

Don't be fooled by office chair designs that only look good but lack ergonomic features. Consider your height, weight, and body shape when shopping for an office chair. Look for chairs with adjustable seat height and depth, adjustable backrest height for better comfort, and tilt-able seats for optimal positioning. Adjustable armrests complete the overall picture for the best office chair.

4. Additional Features

If your budget allows, consider adding extra features and accessories to your office chair. Chairs with high or low backs, headrests for neck and shoulder support, well-designed armrests for a rested position, breathable mesh backs for working in warmer climates, and lumbar pump features for additional lower back support can greatly improve your comfort.

5. Aesthetics Matter

While the main focus when choosing an office chair is comfort, it's also important to consider how it looks. If you have a home office setup, having an office chair that looks good can boost your productivity. Spend some time considering the design, colors, and materials used in the chair's construction to find one that matches your tastes. Vegan and faux leather options are also available for those who prefer not to use real leather.

6. Decide on Your Budget

The first step in buying an office chair is deciding how much you want to spend. Your budget will determine many other factors and decisions related to your purchase. While there are cheap chairs available, it's recommended to spend around $200 or more for a decent office chair. Consider buying a second-hand chair from a reputable retailer if you're on a tight budget. Second-hand chairs can offer good value for money and are built to last.

7. Type of Chair

Consider the type of chair that suits your workspace. Compact task chairs or stool-type seats are suitable for small spaces or standing desks. Decide if armrests and a headrest are important to you. Choose between fabric or leather chairs based on your preferences and the climate you work in. Luxury features like built-in heating pads are available in some high-end chairs.

8. Are Ergonomic Considerations Really Important?

Yes, ergonomic considerations are crucial when choosing an office chair. Look for chairs with multiple adjustment options that allow you to tailor the seating position to your needs and body shape. Ergonomic chairs often have clever design touches and technologies to enhance comfort, like self-adjusting backrests.

9. Don't Underestimate Lumbar Support

Invest in a chair with adjustable lumbar support. The positioning of your back is essential for a comfortable seat, so being able to change the backrest to accommodate your lower back is worth the additional cost. Some chairs even have self-adjusting mechanisms for the backrest.

10. Try Out Chairs if Possible

If possible, try out different chairs before making a purchase. Sitting in a chair for a few minutes can give you an idea of its comfort level, but using it for a full day will reveal its true suitability. Many online retailers offer 30-day money-back guarantees, allowing you to return a chair if it doesn't meet your expectations.

In conclusion, choosing the right office chair is essential for your productivity and wellbeing. Consider factors like the amount of time you spend sitting, the chair's adjustment options, ergonomic features, additional accessories, aesthetics, budget, chair type, ergonomic considerations, lumbar support, and the opportunity to try out chairs before buying. By following these tips, you can find the perfect office chair that meets your needs and enhances your work environment.