How to Choose an Office Chair: The Ultimate Guide

When you get home from a long day at the office, how does your body feel? If you’re like most Americans, it might not feel great. Studies have shown that half of Americans feel back pain every year, with 31 million people feeling it all the time.

Sitting for extended periods of time is a huge contributor to back pain, which is why working in a comfortable office is so important. The right chair can make all the difference in the world.

But what sort of office chair is best?

Keep reading to learn about how to choose an office chair that won’t let you down.

Make Sure That You Can Adjust the Height

Most chairs should come with a lever that allows you to adjust their height. If you come across a chair that doesn’t offer height adjustment options, don’t buy it.

Being too high or too low can lead to discomfort and soreness as you work. Over long periods of time, this can lead to serious health problems.

Try and find a height that allows your thighs to be parallel with the floor. There should also be around two inches of space between your knees and the chair.

Look for Proper Lumbar Support

As mentioned, back problems are becoming more and more common as office workers continue to lead sedentary lifestyles. Aside from taking regular breaks and getting your blood flowing, look for a chair that provides you with proper lumbar support.

The lower part of the chair should offer enough support so that it causes your lower back to arch naturally. This prevents you from slumping over, allowing your back muscles to work as they should.

When choosing an office chair, try and sit in different models first to get a sense of how much support they offer. If that’s not an option, choose the chair that offers the most lower back support.

Choose the Right Size

Another benefit of sitting in an office chair before buying it is that you get a better sense of whether or not it’s the right fit. Inches and measurements that advertisements show are often hard for the human brain to conceptualize.

If you’re taller, make sure that you get a chair that has a deeper seat. This will keep you from feeling like you’re about to fall off the edge.

As mentioned, you’ll also want enough space for your knees and legs. Your legs shouldn’t feel cramped or tight as you’re sitting.

Get One Made From the Right Material

If you plan on sitting in your chair for most of the workday, make sure to get a material that is breathable. This will help you stay comfortable no matter how late your workday goes.

Make sure to do your research about the different chair materials, as each comes with its own set of pros and cons. Leather, vinyl, and fabric are some of your many choices.

Try to find a balance between materials that are too hard and too squishy. You don’t want to feel like you’re sitting on a block of wood, but you also don’t want to feel like you’re sinking into the depths of the padding.

Take Advantage of Armrests

Make sure that whatever chair model you’re looking at comes with armrests. You might think that you don’t need them, but the reality is that they can make a big difference in your comfort levels throughout the day.

Armrests take a lot of strain and tension away from your shoulders and neck. They also help keep you from slouching over long periods of time.

Make sure that you can adjust the armrests as well. You want to be able to put them into the position most comfortable for you.

Prioritize Adjustability 

Moving away from armrests, you want the whole chair to be adjustable and customizable. Regardless of what your body type is, the chair you choose should be able to accommodate it.

You should have no problem raising or lowering your chair, swiveling around, or tilting it back. If someone else uses your chair, they should also be able to feel comfortable while sitting in it.

You’ll also want to make a point to ensure that you can reach all of the chair controls from a seated position. You don’t want to have to stand up or strain your body each time you want to adjust something.

Consider What Extra Features You Want

In contrast with the chairs of offices past, modern chairs come with a ton of high-tech options. Although they might bump up the price a bit, some of them can be worth adding.

For example, some chairs come with massage options that can help alleviate tension and discomfort after a long day. Others come with USB charging ports, making them perfect for someone who surrounds themselves with different electronic devices

If you’re interested in getting a stylish white chair, check out Modern Digs for some of the best white office chair designs to #workit in 2021.

Wondering How to Choose an Office Chair? This Guide Should Help

Being the space you spend hours a day sitting in, you want to make sure that you choose the right seat for your office. If you’re unsure how to choose an office chair, make sure to follow the tips laid out in this guide. In doing so, you’ll find the perfect seat to keep you comfortable and happy.

Do you now have a better understanding of how to go about choosing an office chair? If you do, make sure to check out some of our other posts for more helpful guides and tips.