Working in an office setting usually means spending long periods of time sitting in your office chair. Sitting for extended periods of time adds stress to your body and can lead to back or other health problems. It is important that you have an office chair that is best suited for you and your body. It should also be noted that no two people are alike, so their ideal office chairs may be very different. We are going to review how to find the right office chair for you.
How to Find the Right Office Chair for You
There are some features you should be looking for when you buy an office chair. You should look for a chair that makes it easier to do your job while not adversely affecting your back or health.
- Adjustable Height: We are all different heights, so finding a chair that adjusts in height levels is key. For ideal comfort, you should be seated with your feet flat on the floor and so that your thighs and arms are horizontal and even with the height of your desk. A seat height that ranges from about 16 to 21 inches off the floor should work for most people.
- Modifiable Backrest: Having an adjustable backrest, allows you to position the backrest to suit your various tasks. Find a backrest that you can move forward or backward and has a locking mechanism that holds it in place. A backrest that is separate from the seat should allow you to adjust the height and angle to support the natural curve of your spine.
- Proper Lumbar Support: Lower back support is a very important feature to look for in an office chair. The lumbar spine has an inward curve, and sitting for long periods without support for this curve, tends to lead to slouching (which flattens the natural curve) and strains the structures in the lower spine. The right office chair should have a lumbar adjustment (both height and depth), so you can get the proper fit to support the inward curve of your lower back.
- Adequate Seat Width and Depth: The right office chair seat should be wide and deep enough to allow you sit comfortably. Usually 17 to 20 inches wide is the standard. Ideally, you should be able to sit with your back against the backrest and have approximately 2 to 4 inches between the back of your knees and the seat of the office chair. The tilt of the seat should be adjustable forward or backward depending on how you prefer to sit.
- Material and Padding that is Right for You: Everyone has their own preference when it comes to material and the amount of padding that is comfortable for them. Find a chair that fits your needs. Sitting on a hard chair for long periods of time may not be ideal.
- Armrests Intact and Movable: You should find an office chair with armrests. This will take some of the strain off your neck and shoulders. The armrests should be adjustable so you can set them so that your elbows and lower arms rest lightly, and your forearms are not on the armrest while typing.
- Easy to Move and with a Swivel: Finding the right office chair for you means finding a chair that lets you easily move and rotate around your desk without straining.
Selecting an office chair should be a fun experience once you know how to find the right office chair for you.
It’s important to know all your options when buying a new or used office chair for the workspace. Purchasing an office chair for a home office versus a business space can mean something entirely different. Office Furniture Warehouse offers a large collection of new and used office chairs that meet each shopper’s budget and needs.
Contact us today to find the office chair of your dreams.