Skip to content

How to Choose an Office Chair

    It’s not just a chair.

    This is the piece of furniture supporting you for 8+ hours a day. As a desk worker, your chair is an essential tool for your job.

    With millions of options to choose from and no regulating body policy the label of “ergonomic”, selecting the right office chair can be a daunting task. The last thing you want to do is make an impulse purchase you come to regret later as your back is aching and you’re dreading having to buy yet another replacement chair.

    Below is a breakdown of the essential features and chair sizing to look for as well as a variety of available options you can expect to come across in your search.

    This chair will likely be second only to your bed as the piece of furniture where you spend the most time. You need the best chair your money can buy!

    Hydraulics

    Step one is to keep your height at the forefront of your mind throughout your selection process.

    When seated in your new chair, you should be able to achieve a seat height that allows your hips to rest slightly higher than your knees. If you’re 5’7″ or taller, ensure the seat height reaches to at least 20″ as some may only have a max height of 17″ which will be too low.

    Seat Pan

    Again, consider your body dimensions when reviewing a chair’s seat pan width and depth.

    It’s best to grab a tape measure, and while seated in any chair, measure the widest part of your hips as well as the length of your thighs from the back of your bottom to the back of your knee.

    When seated with your back against the backrest, you should be able to fit four fingers from the back of your knee to the front edge of the seat pan. A seat pan that is too deep can impinge on the nerves and blood vessels behind the knee, while a seat pan that is too shallow can increase the pressure on your hamstrings and sciatic nerve.

    Some chairs will come with a seat slider feature which allows for an adjustable seat pan depth. This is useful but not essential if you’ve taken the time to compare your measurements to the chair’s dimensions.

    Material

    Mesh-back chairs have risen in popularity and availability in recent years. Possibly due to the mesh complementing more modern chair designs. Possibly because it’s much cheaper to manufacture. Mesh-back chairs are only appropriate in a boardroom setting – used temporarily and in potentially stressful situations where some breathability might be useful. Instead, look for something with more substantial and uniform support.

    Lumbar Support

    Never buy an office chair without built-in lumbar support. Maintaining the natural forward curve of the lumbar spine is essential for preventing pain and dysfunction. The space between the top of your pelvis and the bottom of your ribcage is where your back curves forward the most. The height of this relative to the seat pan will differ for everyone, which makes having a height-adjustable backrest an essential feature of a truly ergonomic office chair (be wary of unibody chairs where the backrest and seat pan are fused).

    There are two common mechanisms for adjusting the height of a backrest/lumbar support. While the knob system is a more obvious external locking system, the ratchet system is easy to miss as there are no external components. While seated in the chair, the ratchet system allows you to use both hands to lift the bottom of the backrest up while a series of clicks indicate the various setting levels. There are typically 7-11 height adjustment options before the backrest will slide all the way back down again.

    Height

    In order for your office chair to do its job of supporting your body in a healthy posture, the top of the backrest must reach at least the top of your shoulder blades. Ensure the top of the backrest does not curve away from your shoulder blades.

    Using a backrest that is too low or that curves away from you will cause you to feel like you’re doing an uncomfortable backend, and will therefore go unused. You might as well sit on a cheap stool.

    Angle

    The ability to lock the backrest at a reclined angle between 95-110 degrees is an essential ergonomic feature. It allows for gravity to help keep you flush with the backrest to prevent slouching and hip flexor muscle tightness. Being reclined while seated also decreases the compressive load on your spine as outlined in this article.

    Tilt

    The ability to tilt the chair as a whole forward or backward is not important. Do not confuse this with the ability for the backrest to tilt away from the seat pan, which is essential.

    Armrests

    Your armrest needs depend on the nature of your work. If your hands are exclusively on the keyboard and mouse, then you do not need armrests (your ribcage should hold up your arms). If you take frequent conference calls/meetings or read hard-copy items, then you may find armrests useful.

    Armrests become detrimental when they block your ability to get close enough to the desk for your elbows to be at your sides while your hands are on the keyboard. If you’re 5’7″ or taller, be aware that sometimes even the lowest adjustable armrest setting might still be too high to fit under your desk as you’ll likely need your chair set to the highest hydraulic setting. Sometimes armrests can be removed with a screwdriver if needed, but that isn’t always possible.

    Headrests

    This is a non-essential feature but can be helpful for those who have a difficult time staying back against the backrest (ie. not slouching). The more you can recline your backrest, the more gravity can help keep you in good alignment and reduce compression on your spine. However, you will reach a point where your neck muscles will have to start preventing your head from falling backward – enter the headrest. While a headrest will allow for a greater reclining angle, keep in mind you will also need to raise your monitor(s) significantly higher.

    More Resources

    Now that you’re equipped with knowledge about the ergonomics of office chairs, it’s time to start shopping!

    If you don’t have the time or patience for comparing hundreds of office chair options, then we’ve already done the grunt work for you here: The Top 5 Office Chairs On the Market to Suit Every Budget

    If you have lower back pain, you might also be interested in our roundup of 3 Unique Chair Designs to help ease your pain.

    As always, if there are any features you think we’ve missed or could elaborate on further, please let us know in the comments section below.

    222 thoughts on “How to Choose an Office Chair”

    1. Pingback: Best Ergonomic Executive Office Chairs for 2023 › ergofied

    2. My brother recommended I might like this web site.
      He was entirely right. This post truly made my day.
      You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for
      this info! Thanks!

    3. It is the best time to make some plans for
      the future and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I want to suggest you few interesting things
      or tips. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to
      this article. I desire to read even more things about it!

    4. Good day very nice site!! Man .. Excellent .. Wonderful .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I am happy to seek out numerous useful info here in the post, we’d like develop extra strategies on this regard, thank you for sharing.

    5. I do agree with all the ideas you’ve offered for your post.
      They are really convincing and can definitely work. Still, the posts are very brief
      for starters. Could you please prolong them a little from next time?

      Thank you for the post.

      my website – vpn coupon 2024

    6. Somebody necessarily help to make seriously posts I would state.

      That is the very first time I frequented
      your web page and to this point? I amazed with the analysis you made to
      create this particular publish amazing. Magnificent job!

      My web-site – vpn coupon 2024

    7. Good article and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is truly the best place to ask but do you folks have any thoughts on where to hire some professional writers? Thanks 🙂

    8. I like this blog very much, Its a real nice billet to read and get info . “There are two ways of spreading light to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” by Edith Newbold Jones Wharton.

    9. Good post. I learn something more difficult on completely different blogs everyday. It would at all times be stimulating to learn content material from other writers and observe a bit one thing from their store. I’d favor to use some with the content material on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your net blog. Thanks for sharing.

    10. hi!,I love your writing very a lot! percentage we keep in touch more about your article on AOL? I need an expert on this area to unravel my problem. May be that is you! Taking a look forward to look you.

    11. It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I want to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article. I desire to read more things about it!

    12. I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Excellent work!

    13. Hello there, I found your web site by means of Google even as searching for a comparable matter, your web site got here up, it seems good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    14. Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.I will make certain to bookmark your blog and will come back very soon. I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great posts, have a nice holiday weekend!

    15. obviously like your web site however you have to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very bothersome to tell the reality nevertheless I will definitely come back again.

    16. Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

    17. Aw, this was a very nice post. In thought I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make an excellent article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and not at all seem to get one thing done.

    18. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your site? My website is in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors would definitely benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Cheers!

    19. Great blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally confused .. Any ideas? Bless you!

    20. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!

    21. I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!

    22. Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

    23. Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you actually know what you’re talking about! Bookmarked. Please also visit my web site =). We could have a link exchange agreement between us!

    24. You actually make it seem really easy with your presentation but I in finding this matter to be really something which I feel I might never understand. It kind of feels too complex and extremely huge for me. I am taking a look ahead on your subsequent publish, I?¦ll try to get the hold of it!

    25. I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back later on. Many thanks

    26. Howdy very cool website!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds alsoKI’m glad to search out numerous helpful info here in the submit, we need develop extra techniques on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

    27. My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!

    28. Lottery Defeater Software: What is it? Lottery Defeater Software is a completely automated plug-and-play lottery-winning software. The Lottery Defeater software was developed by Kenneth.

    29. What Is Wealth Signal? the Wealth Signal isn’t just a financial tool; it’s a new way of thinking about and achieving wealth. Unlike traditional methods that focus on external strategies, Wealth Signal emphasizes changing your internal mindset.

    30. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

    31. I’ve been surfing online more than three hours nowadays, yet I by no means discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours. It?¦s pretty worth sufficient for me. In my opinion, if all website owners and bloggers made excellent content as you probably did, the web shall be a lot more helpful than ever before.

    32. Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently fast.

    33. A large percentage of of the things you claim is supprisingly legitimate and it makes me ponder why I had not looked at this in this light previously. Your article truly did switch the light on for me personally as far as this particular subject goes. Nonetheless at this time there is actually just one point I am not really too cozy with and whilst I make an effort to reconcile that with the actual core idea of the position, allow me see just what all the rest of the subscribers have to say.Well done.

    34. obviously like your website but you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very bothersome to inform the truth nevertheless I will certainly come again again.

    35. Generally I don’t read article on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to take a look at and do so! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, quite nice post.

    36. Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; many of us have developed some nice practices and we are looking to exchange solutions with other folks, why not shoot me an email if interested.

    37. With everything that seems to be building throughout this specific subject matter, your perspectives happen to be somewhat radical. Nevertheless, I appologize, but I can not subscribe to your entire plan, all be it exciting none the less. It appears to everyone that your comments are actually not completely validated and in fact you are your self not totally confident of your point. In any case I did take pleasure in looking at it.

    38. Great ?V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task..

    39. Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and all. Nevertheless imagine if you added some great pictures or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and videos, this blog could undeniably be one of the best in its niche. Very good blog!

    40. Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

    41. My developer is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on numerous websites for about a year and am concerned about switching to another platform. I have heard great things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into it? Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!

    42. I am really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays..

    43. Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.

    44. Good article and right to the point. I am not sure if this is actually the best place to ask but do you folks have any ideea where to hire some professional writers? Thank you 🙂

    45. Hi! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird when browsing from my iphone4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to fix this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. Many thanks!

    46. The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!

    47. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn anything like this before. So good to find someone with some original thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this website is something that is needed on the web, somebody with a little bit originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the web!

    48. Wonderful paintings! That is the kind of information that are supposed to be shared around the internet. Shame on the seek engines for no longer positioning this put up higher! Come on over and visit my web site . Thank you =)

    49. Thanks for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do some research on this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more from this post. I’m very glad to see such excellent info being shared freely out there.

    50. I carry on listening to the news bulletin talk about getting boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the top site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i acquire some?

    51. Aw, this was a really nice post. In idea I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and precise effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and by no means appear to get one thing done.

    52. Thank you, I’ve recently been searching for information approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the best I’ve came upon till now. However, what in regards to the bottom line? Are you sure in regards to the source?

    53. In this awesome pattern of things you actually receive an A just for effort. Exactly where you confused everybody was first on the particulars. As people say, details make or break the argument.. And it couldn’t be more true at this point. Having said that, permit me reveal to you just what did give good results. Your article (parts of it) is pretty convincing which is possibly the reason why I am making the effort in order to opine. I do not really make it a regular habit of doing that. Second, despite the fact that I can certainly notice a jumps in logic you come up with, I am not necessarily convinced of just how you seem to connect your points that produce the conclusion. For the moment I shall subscribe to your issue but hope in the near future you link the dots much better.

    54. Nice post. I learn something more challenging on totally different blogs everyday. It will all the time be stimulating to learn content material from different writers and apply slightly one thing from their store. I’d desire to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a hyperlink in your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *