How to Buy a Good Office Chair: 11 Tips
Every day, we spend long hours in an office chair. Needless to say, it’s important to buy a good office chair.
This ensures your back is taken cared of, as you take care of work.
Here are seven tips to help you buy a good office chair:
1 – Go for Breathable Upholstery
Sitting on a chair for long hours will make your back sweat. Depending on the material used, it can also be itchy or abrasive.
Chose an office chair that’s made of breathable upholstery.
2 – Find an Adjustable Office Chair
It’s important for your chair to be adjustable in any direction. Being able to adjust it to your comfort and height is essential.
Experts suggest sitting with your thighs horizontal to the floor.
3 – Check for Backrest Lumbar Support
Find an office chair with an adjustable backrest that tilts forward and back.
A contoured backrest will give you the most support and comfort. But not just any backrest will do. Pick one where it matches the natural contour of your spine.
Your lower back needs to be arched slightly to support your lower back.
4 – It Must be Easily Adjustable Without Tools
Office chairs must be easily adjustable for any user. Sometimes you’ll need to adjust your chair, several times a day.
Before buying an office chair try adjusting it on your own.
5 – Opt for Those with Armrests
Armrests are not only there to add to the design. But they’re there to take the strain off of your neck and shoulders.
The armrests should be adjustable so it could follow whatever position is comfortable for you.
6 – Feel Your Arms and Shoulders
A good office chair must not only be able to fully support your back but your arms and shoulders too.
If you shrug your shoulders when you put your elbows in the armrest, this chair is not for you.
Buying an ill-fitting chair can develop shoulder, elbow, and wrist pain.
7 – You Should Sit Comfortably at 90 Degrees
Your hips, knees, and ankles should feel comfortable when they are at a 90-degree angle. If they’re not, this means the chair is not a good fit for you. It’s either too short or too tall for you.
8 – Find a Chair with Sufficient Padding
Sufficient padding makes a chair comfortable. You won’t last long sitting on a hard chair. Having ample cushion allows you to work comfortably even after long hours.
9 – The Seat Must Fit You and Allow You to Lean
A good office chair lets you sit with enough depth and width when you sit against the backrest.
Ideally, there should be about 2 – 4 inches between the back of your knees and the edge of the chair.
10 – You Should be Able to Move
A good office chair allows you to move as they support your body.
It’s important for the body to move so blood and oxygen can flow naturally.
11 – Check if They Have a Waterfall Front
Ideally, the front of the seat should curve down. This design is not only aesthetically pleasing but it lets you sit more comfortably.
Because of this, compression of the thighs and buttocks can be avoided.