If you have a desk job, you may be spending between eight to ten hours a day sitting. Purchasing a comfortable office chair might seem like a luxury, but when you consider how many hours you spend seated over the course of your career, it certainly can be a worthwhile investment. With so many options on the market, choosing the best office chair for long hours may be a challenge.
In this article, we explore some of the key characteristics you may want to consider when purchasing your next office chair.
Why is a Comfortable Office Chair Important?
Sitting for extended periods in an unsuitable chair may result in stiff muscles, back ache, poor circulation, and, over time, spinal discomfort. By choosing an ergonomic office chair, you could be saving yourself from significant discomfort down the line. If you perform most of your work on a computer, using a good computer chair with a variety of customizations can also help to prevent neck, eye, and wrist strain.
The Characteristics of a Good Office Chair
A good office chair should help you to maintain a neutral posture for an extended period. Generally, if the chair can be adjusted in several ways – i.e. the seat height, armrest height, and backrest angle can all be adjusted – it is likely to provide you with better support. A chair with a contoured backrest may provide good lumbar support. A chair that has a seat cushion made of durable, good-quality fabric and foam padding can be more comfortable.
Types of Office Chairs
When you choose your office chair, look for a chair that is ‘ergonomic’. Simply put, an ergonomic chair is a chair that has been designed to support the human body. Ergonomic chairs come in various shapes, styles, and sizes. Many come with a range of additional features, such as neck rests for extra support, memory foam for long-term comfort, and lumbar support for improved posture. Here are some chair types to consider.
Mesh Office Chairs
Mesh office chairs are popular because they are made of highly breathable, net-like material. This means that they can be a great option if keeping cool is a priority for you. Office workers who work in warm environments, may prefer mesh office chairs.
Reclining Desk Chairs
Reclining desk chairs allow the user to recline the back rest to maximize comfort and relieve pressure. These chairs can be a good choice if you want to be able to adjust the backrest angle of your office chair over the course of a long working day.
Big and Tall Chairs
As the name suggests, big and tall chairs are chairs that are designed for people with taller stature or a larger frame. They have wider and taller back rests and wider and deeper seats. Many big and tall chairs are made from heavy-duty materials and can handle weights of over 300 pounds.
Lumbar Support For Office Chairs
Cushions that provide lumbar support for office chairs are a great option if you need that extra support for your lower back. Lumbar support cushions are designed to fit the natural curve of the lower back and can be easily attached to your existing office chair.
Choosing a Suitable Office Chair
It is a good idea to test office chair options in person before you choose one. Paying a visit to your local Office Depot® or OfficeMax® store to explore the range of office chairs available can give you a good idea of which chair style you prefer most.
Whether you’re a home office worker buying a new chair for your workspace or an office manager refurnishing the entire office, our friendly personnel will be on hand to speak to you about your particular needs and show you available options.
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