Another morning, another working day, another cup of freshly-brewed coffee with cookies, another day of tasks and duties – you rush towards the desk, settle into the chair, and…can’t just settle. Primarily, chairs provide support for our body and arms when we are in a sitting position, however, it’s not as simple as it seems. Having a good chair is not just a whim, it’s rather a necessity – as it is proven by the constant lower back aches.
A proper sitting position isn’t just about comfort, but well-being overall. If you feel uncomfortable and in pain, it will also be detrimental to the quality of your work.
Healthy posture can be provided by lumbar and pelvis support. While the majority of chairs support the lumbar, even the branded ones, it’s essential to concentrate on the pelvis. With proper sitting support, you can have a better posture, better breathing, and more energy. Here’s a guide to office chairs, for your next purchase.
How to choose your office chair?
The size of the office chair
The length, height, and width make the first and foremost options to consider when choosing the right chair. The best way to check is is to settle in and listen to your body. If something is missing, you will feel it straight away. If there’s no way to try it, compare its measurements to the chairs around you. When being in two minds about the size, go for a bigger one.
Material
Leather, mesh, plastic, velvet – the upholstery materials offer a great deal of choice. Depending on the material the level of support can also vary, as well as the overall aesthetics and comfort. Every material has its benefits and downsides regarding price, quality, and convenience. Plastic chairs are the most affordable and easily moveable, however, the comfort can suffer. Leather looks stylish and classy, yet it’s quite uncomfortable during the hot season. You need to consider comfort, functionality, ambiance, season, and price, in order to satisfy your needs.
Mobility
Mobility is about adjustability, however, it can significantly increase the price. This function is provided by wheels, hydraulic lifts, and handles. Mobility depends on the function of the chair and job position, as some workers need to move between locations like screens, desks, canvases, etc.
The height of the office chair
The height of the chair defines its functionality and comfort; besides, it makes a good value for money. With adjustable heights, you can easily change the position depending on the desk, type of furniture, or the working location – numerous functions are provided by one chair saving you money.
While adjustable height is an optional feature, it’s crucial not to buy a short chair. It may possibly save some money, however, the discomfort you are going to feel will make this benefit rather doubtful.
Adjustability
Adjustable chairs create a personalized ‘mode of usage’. They include numerous details that can be loosened, tightened, fastened, or expanded. The most common are – the swivel, armrest, support cushions, and lifts. Such ergonomic chairs can be shared by several people, as they can be adjusted to the needs of everyone. However, keep in mind – the more additional features offered – the higher the price to pay.
Lumbar support
The Lumbar is the lower-middle area of the back; it’s the first one that suffers from sedentary office work. Non-fitting chairs develop serious issues with the lower back or deteriorate the existing ones. When choosing the chair it’s important to choose the one with extensive lumbar support, and thus, prevent potential issues.
Photo by ergonofis on Unsplash
Types of office chairs
Depending on the purpose, we can distinguish the most common type of office chairs:
1. Ergonomic chairs
Ergonomics is about comfort and efficiency – head-rest and leg-rest, lower-back support, memory foam paddings – every detail makes you feel comfortable while performing work duties. As long as the posture has constant support, you don’t feel tired even after hours of work. An ergonomic chair has the highest hour-rate – possible unstoppable usage without risk to health – 24 hours, which makes it an absolute leader among others.
2. Drafting chair
Quite a common type to use in the office. Initially, they were designed for architects or workers who need to move freely while working. They lack armrests but have bars to let your feet rest. Drafting chairs can sometimes be taller than others, which makes them adjustable for different types of furniture.
3. Executive chair
Executives are about image and luxury – leather upholstery, polish accents, big cushions – Big-Boss-Chair. They include some ergonomic parts, and are high-quality functionally; however, they are more image-makers – the central and most recognizable part of the workspace. It definitely catches the attention of everyone seeing it.
4. Task chairs
The most common choice for the office, as they are quite multitasking. Typically, these chairs have high backs, sturdy wheels, and few adjustable features. There’s no general look, as the materials used are different. These chairs are quite functional and affordable, that’s why they often become the office choice.
5. Accent chairs
Accent chairs come in various forms and sizes. The most distinctive feature – is aesthetics. They help to create a more comfortable atmosphere and look in the working space. Depending on the upholstery used, it can also reveal the personality of its owner. Accent chairs are often used in photo zones or meeting rooms, as they add visual interest to the room.
6. Stackable chairs
Every meeting and event requires a great number of sittings, and stackable chairs will make the best choice for this purpose. They can be easily collected and used at any moment when it’s necessary. They are also space-saving, as when stacked – take the minimum space, and money-saving as well.
Choosing the right chair is not always easy, as there are plenty of options to consider. A chair is an element of design and a work tool. When spending hours in the office it’s vital to provide support for your lower back, to avoid any type of health issues. Therefore, the chair’s look is an important, yet less significant characteristic. Luckily the market offers a great variety of chairs which can satisfy any needs and requirements. ‘Your’ chair will always find you, just have a sit and feel it.
Cover photo by Collov Home Design on Unsplash
