The quality and comfort of your office chair affects your health and productivity. With so many options, though, picking the right one for you isn't easy. This graphic from Office Chairs Unlimited can help. Most of the pointers are ones we've noted before in our guide to ergonomically optimizing your workspace: Arm rests should keep your elbows bent 90 degrees, seat height and back rest height should be adjustable, etc. The graphic lays it all out visually so you can see what you need to look for in an office chair at a glance (or even print this out and take with you when chair shopping). In addition, I found this guideline on proper seat depth helpful: A good guideline is while seated to have three- or four-fingers width distance between the back of your knees and the front edge of the seat. Seats that are too long for you could make you sit forward, straining your legs and back. Seats that are too close to your knees, on the other hand, can cause circulation problems, Lifehacker reader nacoran notes.
So be like Goldilocks and find the "just right" office chair for you (or take a look at the five most popular office chairs): Infographic: Looking for a New Office Chair | Office chairsComfortable office chairs mean more time concentrating on the job in hand rather than the pain in your back. Our swivel chairs come with features like armrests, height-adjustable seats and tilt functions that your body will love. And the different styles mean they fit in wherever you want to work in comfort. In compliance with California Title 20 regulations, product prices and features may vary in the state of California. Please see your local store for detailsIf you find yourself tired and achy after a day of work in your home office, don't reach for a cup of coffee. Instead, look down at your office chair. People are sitting down more than ever, and having an ergonomic and comfortable chair at your desk could totally improve the way you feel after a day at the desk. Whether you're shopping for a new task chair or examining the one you've got, here are 6 must-have features to ensure your day at the desk doesn't become a nightmare.
Adjustable HeightDepending on your desk, the optimal height for a desk chair varies, so make sure your chair offers adjustable height. A seat height that ranges from about 16 to 21 inches off the floor should work for most people. A Reclining Seat BackThis ain't grade school, and you don't need to sit up in class anymore. According to the experts, sitting at a reclined 135° angle puts the least strain on your back. Make sure your backrest has a little room for slouching back in your chair. ArmrestsThe reccomended arm position to reduce strain is to keep your upper arms close to vertical and your forearms close to the horizontal plane. So buy a chair with armrests and vow to use them. A Deep Seat DepthTo keep your knees in great shape, you need a seat with the right depth for your body. Sitting with your back against the backrest, a proper seat depth should leave between 2 and 4 inches between the seat of the chair and the back of your knees. Proper WheelsNot all rolling chairs are created equal.
If your desk is on a hard surface, find a chair with soft rubber wheels. If your workspace is carpeted or sits on top of a rug, hard wheels will help you navigate best. Adjustable Lumbar SupportSitting for long periods without support for your curvy lower back will strain your spine and lead you to slouch, so make sure you find a chair with lumbar support. Make sure the lumbar support is adjustable in both height and depth; you want to keep the lumbar support of the back rest in your lumbar region (around the waistband). MORE ON HOME OFFICE CHAIRS FROM APARTMENT THERAPY:• 5 Ways to Make Your Office Chair Suck a Little Less• How to Pick the Perfect Home Office Task Chair• Reasons Why Sitting Down is Killing You• What's Wrong With Your Home Office... and How to Fix It• The Importance of a Good Office Chair• How to Choose Your Perfect Office Chair (Image: Herman Miller Aeron Chair) Clay Mid-Back Mesh Desk Chair Baxley Mesh Desk Chair High-Back Mesh Desk Chair
Dora Mesh Desk Chair Mid-Back Mesh Desk Chair Serta Leighton Mid-Back Desk Chair Ried Mid-Back Desk Chair Cruz Mid-Back Desk Chair Murrin Fairport Bankers Chair Prim Mid-Back Desk Chair High-Back Exercise Ball Chair Winport High-Back Executive Chair Veon Series Leather Executive Chair Linon & Linon Rug Event Heath Mesh Desk Chair Vegan Leather Desk Chair Ripple Mid-Back Desk Chair Montgomery Mid-Back Desk ChairArmrestsIf you use armrests, look for a pair that are contoured and cushioned and have adjustable height. Otherwise you may end up with poor posture from leaning to one side, or with muscle tension from raising your shoulders. HeightWhen you sit, your soles should rest on the floor. The chair height should adjust for multiple users (or if you wear high heels and flats). If your feet dangle, it’s harder to maintain the S-shape of the spine and your posture could pay the price. BackrestYou should be able to adjust the backrest recline by at least 15 degrees for different sitting positions.
Look for lumbar support to maintain your lower back’s curvature. (If the chair you want doesn’t offer lower-back support, you can use a pillow.) Seat PanSit back on the seat: If you can slide your hand in between the front edge and the backs of your knees, it’s the correct size. Also make sure the edges are rounded so the seat doesn’t dig into your legs. BaseCount five legs on the base; any fewer might not provide enough support (and the chair could tip over). Casters should move freely so you don’t have to bend or reach to move about.The best office chair has: be in your office chair for much of the day, you should be able to control your seat height, backrest tilt and armrest height; for other tips on minimizing weight capacity and seat size. Most chairs are adjustable enough to accommodate a variety of shapes and sizes, but workers with smaller or larger frames should see whether there are special versions that will better suit them. type, a chair should allow for at least some airflow and resist stains.
Stitching should hold up to wear and tear, and seams should be placed where they won't irritate skin.Office chairs have to stand up to daily abuse, and companies should stand behind the product with a fair, straightforward warranty -- the longer and more inclusive the better, particularly for high-end models. Some warranties may not cover standard wear and tear, while others are more generous. Know before you goChoosing the best chair will take more than a few minutes on a showroomCheck the retailer's return policy; you may be able to test the chair for a couple of weeks and send it back if it's not the right pick. you use the chair? If you're going to spend hours in your office chair without a break, it makes more sense to splurge on a chair with as many ergonomic adjustments as possible. If you're buying for a home office that you may only use an hour or two every day, other factors such as budget and style might influence your decision as much (or more) than adjustability.
work will you be doing? If you'll be moving around a lot, or you work in a highly collaborative space, you may want a smooth-rolling, scuff-resistant task chair with a smaller footprint. Arms might not be necessary, and you may not need very plush padding if you won't be sitting forHowever, if you'll be sitting in front of a computer without many breaks, you'll want a deeper seat with a higher back and lumbar support to ward off aches and pains.If you tend to lean forward, certain task chairs that allow a more forward tilt might be a wise pick. On the other hand, if you like to recline while working, you'll want to check your chair's tilt limiter to make sure it allows for your preferred range of motion. If you prefer an unconventional position, such as cross-legged with a keyboard in your lap, you'll want a chair with width- and depth-adjustable armrests that won't get in existing aches and pains? If your lower back gets sore, make