Office Chairs - A Buyer’s Guide
Cost
Office chairs can run anywhere from tens to hundreds of dollars. Decide on a price range before you begin shopping. This helps limit your choices and staves off buyer’s remorse.
Do keep in mind that your office chair may be a place where you spend a significant portion of your day. A comfortable, well-designed office chair improves efficiency, productivity, and wellness; for these reasons, many buyers think of their office chairs as an investment in themselves. If you plan on keeping your chair for some time, it may be better to spend a little more to get that perfect model. No matter your budget, there are models in most price ranges that offer great features like extra padding, lumbar support, and adjustability.
Length of Use
How much of your day do you spend in your office chair? Users who work long hours sitting down, like dispatchers and programmers, should consider an intensive use chair. These types of chairs include 24 hour use chairs, dispatch chairs, and call center chairs. Intensive use chairs offer incredible endurance and support.
24 Hour Use Executive Chair
If you spend the majority of your day sitting, consider an executive office chair or deluxe task chair. These chairs feature highly adjustable ergonomic designs and generous padding that make them suitable for heavy use. Choosing an office chair with a high back will help support the neck and shoulders over the course of a long day.
High Back Ergonomic Task Chair
Those who spend a moderate amount of time sitting should look for office chairs with at least a comfortable level of padding, basic adjustability, and lumbar support. Look for computer chairs, task chairs, or desk chairs. Also check for features like good quality casters that will allow you greater mobility.
Adjustable Swivel Computer Chair
If you spend much more time on your feet than in your office chair, you may want to investigate lighter fare, like bungee chairs or mesh chairs. Bungee chairs use flexible bungee cord to give your chair bounce. Mesh chairs are supportive and comfortable without the bulk of a standard office chair.
Mesh Chair
Sitting Style
The way you sit now can help determine the features your perfect office chair needs. Do you prefer to recline? Recliners should be on the lookout for a chair’s ‘tip factor.’ When leaning back in a chair, do you ever feel you might tip over? Unless you’re a thrill seeker, steer clear of chairs with narrow rolling bases coupled with high-set, heavy backs. Do you like to tilt back and forth or swivel from side to side? Swivel and tilt mechanisms are a must. Do you tend to sit forward? Look for back angle and seat angle adjustment features to make sure your back remains supported.
Super Ergonomic Task Chair
Size
Your size is another important factor. A smaller person may have trouble adjusting a large chair for proper support. A long seat can put pressure behind the knees and restrict circulation, and a curved back designed for someone larger can put a smaller person in an uncomfortable position. Smaller users should consider selecting a chair with adjustable seat depth and back angles.
Larger users with too small a chair may strain their bodies by not getting proper leg and back support. Most standard office chairs only accommodate weights under 275 lbs, and best support a specific range of heights. Luckily, many manufacturers offer big and tall chairs designed to better meet the needs of larger users.
400 lb Capacity Air Grid Ergonomic Office Chair
Upholstery
The most common kinds of office chair upholstery are mesh, fabric, vinyl, and leather. Each has its own specific characteristics you should bear in mind when selecting your chair.
Mesh will conform closely to your body while remaining breathable. For warmer offices, this can be a definite plus. This material is a great choice for those who want a chair with a modern feel.
Fabric is often a cost-effective upholstery choice, and the wide array of fabrics offered allows you to match your chair with your décor. It also breathes well, but can be more difficult to clean than other materials.
Vinyl upholstery gives you a professional look with less cost and care than leather. Vinyl is very durable and wipes clean, but doesn’t breathe well and may trap heat.
Leather is a timeless upholstery material. It is breathable and may be available in many different shades. Leather does require occasional care to stay in good condition.
