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 | 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 for
However, 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 sure your chair has adjustable lumbar support. If you're prone to aching legs, make sure the seat has a sloped front (sometimes called a "waterfall edge") to allow adequate blood circulation -- and be sure your feet can comfortably rest flat on the floor. However, keep in mind that while a good chair can keep pain
to a minimum, no chair can cure chronic pain -- and experts agree that it's best to alternate long periods of sitting with standing or walking around. may even benefit from a standing or walking desk, both of which we cover in our separate report on standing desks. workspace have solid floors or carpet? Most casters will roll smoothly on hard surfaces, but that might not be the case with carpet. You may want to consider a chair mat in that case -- it will also save your carpet.Mesh promotes airflow and helps keep you cool -- potentially a good pick if you sit for hours at a time. Leather can offer a plush, luxurious feel, but it can also retain body heat. Vinyl is easier to clean than leather, but has the same breathability problem. Fabric is comfy for most, but is also most prone to stains. Higher-end fabrics will likely be more breathable and stain-repellent, however. Buying tactics and strategies While a large employer might view costly
office chairs as a necessary investment, it's harder for individuals to stomachOne way to snag a quality chair for less? sites like Craigslist might be worth a look, also check office furnitureThese resellers buy retailers' excess stock and used chairs from defunct businesses, and they're likely to have a better variety than you'll find using person-to-person classifieds. Just be sure to check out any used chair thoroughly, testing all functions and examining parts and upholstery for excess wear. Sticking to well-known models will also make it easier to order a spare part if the need arises.Consider getting the best office chair for yourself, especially if you will be spending a lot of time in it. A good office chair should make it easier for you to do your job while being easy on your back and not affecting your health adversely . Here are some features you should be looking for when you buy an office chair.You should be able to adjust the height of your office chair to your own height.
For optimal comfort you should be seated so that your thighs are horizontal to the floor. Look for a pneumatic adjustment lever to let you bring the seat higher up or lower.You should be able to position your backrest in a way that suits your task. If the backrest is attached to the seat you should be able to move it forward or backward. A locking mechanism that holds it in place is good so that the back does not suddenly tilt backwards.A backrest that is separate from the seat should be height adjustable, and you should be able to angle it to your satisfaction as well.A contoured backrest on your office chair will give your back the comfort and support it needs. Pick an office chair shaped to match the natural contour of your spine.Any office chair worth buying will offer good lumbar support. Your lower back should be supported in such a way that it is slightly arched all the time so that you don’t slump as the day progresses. It is best to try out this feature so that you get lumbar support at the point you need it.
Good lower back or lumbar support is essential to minimize strain or compression on the lumbar discs in your spine.The office chair seat should be wide and deep enough to let you sit comfortably. Look for a deeper seat if you are taller, and a shallower one if not so tall. Ideally, you should be able to sit with your back against the backrest and have approximately 2-4 inches between the back of your knees and the seat of the office chair. You should also be able to adjust the tilt of the seat forward or backward depending on how you choose to sit.A material that lets your body breathe is more comfortable when sitting on your office chair for extended periods. Fabric is a good option, but many new materials offer this feature as well.The padding should be comfortable to sit on and it is best to avoid a seat that is too soft or too hard. A hard surface will be painful after a couple of hours, and a soft one will not offer enough support.Get an office chair with armrests to take some of the strain off your neck and shoulders.