Many people spend countless hours in an office chair. Due to that, it’s a surprise that so many of us use chairs that don’t offer the right level of support and comfort. This is especially important as sitting too long in an uncomfortable chair can cause many issues.
From lower back pain and pelvic pain to obesity and some heart conditions, health experts have discovered sitting in the wrong posture or on the wrong chair can lead to severe problems. You not only need the right posture to correct this but also a great chair.
A 2012 study on the effects of chair interventions showed that workers noticed reduced back problems with the right chair and sitting posture. This article walks you through some of the most important things to look out for when choosing a chair for your workspace.
Different types of office chairs
Before choosing an office chair, it is vital to know the types of office chairs available and the differences between them.
Saddle chairs
Saddle chairs are also referred to as saddle stools because they look like equestrian saddles. Sitting on these types of chairs puts you in a posture where your legs are apart, the pelvis is slightly tilted forward, and the knees drop below the hips. This posture is similar to when riding a horse. It is regarded as one of the most ergonomic for work.
It’s good to know the importance of correct posture and the saddle position is regarded as one of the best postures because it allows the spine to be in its natural position. This ensures that the body weight is evenly distributed, preventing extra strain on the lower part of your back.
Apart from this, unlike a traditional office chair that has the legs at a 90-degree angle restricting blood flow to the feet, saddle chairs allow for improved blood flow to the entire body. The chairs are also designed to encourage movement, thereby preventing you from being in a sedentary position for too long.
Kneeling chairs
Here we see another kind of chair that has started gaining popularity in several workspaces. The chairs have gained popularity because they help improve the aches and pains that come with regular chairs.
Kneeling chairs have an entirely different design from other traditional options as your feet won’t be flat on the floor. Sitting on a kneeling chair puts a person in a position where the thighs and buttocks are supported by one pad, and another supports the shins and knees. The chair helps achieve a more upright posture to improve the alignment of the neck, shoulders and back while working.
There are several opinions on the suitability of these chairs. However, one agreed point is that the chairs prevent you from being sedentary for too long. They also promote active sitting as they do not come with any back support, and the core muscles are engaged in the process of remaining upright.
Experts recommend these types of chairs for workspaces with many short-term tasks as they might not be suited for long-term operations.
Balance ball chairs
Using balance ball chairs in office spaces has also been said to help reduce lower back pain. While these chairs are more common in gyms for their use in specific routines, they are now being used more in office spaces. This is mainly because this kind of desk chair helps to engage the core when sitting.
Studies are still ongoing to affirm the suitability of balance ball chairs in the office as the chair does not always guarantee a good posture. Some professionals recommend having a balance ball chair in the office for short bursts for core workouts, but you should not use them every time at work.
Drafting chairs
Drafting chairs are a fantastic ergonomic chair option for offices and workspaces. If you enjoy working with standing desks or your job requires standing at a counter, this type of chair is one of the best options for you. However, users can also lower the seat height to work with regular desks.
Drafting chairs support the back and limbs as the user sits at an elevated height. The high seat height is sturdy to support most body weights, and it also comes with a footrest to prevent dangling. The seat design follows basic ergonomic principles to ensure optimal comfort while you work.
Ergonomic chairs
You should set up an ergonomic workspace and an ergonomic office chair is the most important step. They are designed with special considerations for all postural factors leading to musculoskeletal problems while working.
Ergonomic office chairs ensure your feet, lower back and neck are in the best positions while you work. Even when you have to sit for long hours, you are sitting actively.
Apart from their health benefits, an ergonomic office chair can also improve your work efficiency as you are comfortable all through your work day. You don’t have to worry about pains in your neck or lower back after working for long hours. There are several types of ergonomic chairs to choose from based on your specifications.
Mesh office chairs
These are another common kind of adjustable seat found in offices and workspaces. Their peculiarity is that apart from their ergonomic function, they allow for the circulation of air. This mesh back helps you stay well ventilated while you work for long periods of time.
Mesh office chairs come in several forms offering different extra features from the lumbar support, armrests, headrest, wheels etc. When choosing a mesh office chair, it is vital to ensure that the specifications of the chair suit what you need. Some mesh office chairs are specifically designed for a particular class of people, for example, tall or pregnant users.
Leather office chairs
Leather office chairs are similar to a regular office chair. The seats are covered with leather and are often more padded than some other forms of chairs. A leather office chair also comes in different forms and sizes, some offering more features than others.
While a leather office chair is a great option for offices and workspaces, it might not work for all kinds of spaces. For instance, leather office chairs are not suitable for workspaces that are not very well ventilated as they might cause you to sweat more than usual.
Executive office chairs
Executive chairs are premium types of chairs used in offices. They typically have tall-backs, providing optimal support and comfort for the upper body. Beyond their functionality, executive office chairs have superior aesthetics as they are often used to convey authority in most official settings.
In most instances, executive chars come with a headrest and all other ergonomic features. If you are looking for a chair that helps prevent lower back pain while giving your workspace increased aesthetic value and a touch of class, an executive chair is your best choice.
What you need to consider when choosing your home office chair
Before you choose a chair for your home office, it is important to look out for certain factors. Some of these include:
Lumbar Support
Before you buy a chair for your home office, you should ensure that the chair has support for your lower back. Some chairs even come with adjustable lumbar support that allows you to fit the chair to your lower back. Without lumbar support, you can easily get back strain.
Wheel and Swivel Base
Most office chairs come with a wheelbase. However, you should ensure the wheels on your chair are suitable for the floor of your home office. For example, not all wheels can be used with carpets. The chair should also swivel freely to allow you access to different parts of your desk.
Adjustability
Ensure that your preferred office chair has arm and height adjustability settings that work for you before buying the chair. Having adjustable armrests or being able to adjust the height allows you to customize the chair for a higher level of comfort quality.
Fabric
The fabric of your chair should be breathable. This helps ensure optimal ventilation while you work. Mesh chairs are fantastic options with respect to this. Many users like leather options but these need to be used in a cooler room or well-ventilated area.
Body and Activity Support
An excellent work chair should offer optimal body support while you work. Some chairs are more suited to certain body types. Apart from body support, the chair should also enhance your work. For instance, if you work with a computer, your work chair should offer optimal support in preventing any postural problems while you work.
Seat Depth and Height
You need to choose a seat that can support your body weight and allow you to sit comfortably. The seat depth plays a crucial role and before buying a chair, you need to know that it’s the right size for your frame.
The height of the backrest is another one of the important features. A high back can be great for offering additional support, especially for taller users. Having an adjustable seat can also be vital in this respect, especially if you’re particularly big or tall.
Where can you buy an office chair?
You can buy an office chair at most furniture stores. Some stores would even go the extra mile to help you find the most suitable chair for you based on ergonomic recommendations. Several people use this option because they can physically assess these seats before making a purchase.
However, if you’re looking to buy online, there are a vast number of places online to get one such as Amazon. It’s always a good idea to check out the reviews and ask any questions if you’re unsure. All you have to do is try to find the kind of office chair that works best for you and make the purchase.
We hope you now have a clearer idea of the options available for your new office chair. It can make a huge difference to your comfort and productivity, so will be well worth the investment.
