The office chair is a crucial part of your workstation. It determines how comfortable you feel at work and how productive you can be. Choosing the right office chair can be a daunting task.
To make it easier, we have explained different types of office chairs and their ergonomics.
Different Types of Office Chairs
According to research, prolonged sitting is responsible for muscular and joint pain. The good news is that chairs help reduce musculoskeletal disorders.
The list given below is based on these ergonomic measures:
- the best chair for office work
- chair suitable for computer task
- chairs meant for sitting long hours
Executive Chair
Executive chairs are designed to give an upright posture, reduce backaches, increase productivity, and offer better comfort.
They have a backrest with an adjustable angle which can be adjusted to suit the user’s height. Executive chairs are perfect for those who sit at their desk for long hours, or for those who sit in front of a computer.
The armrests can be positioned to support the user’s arms while using the computer. They are made of leather or mesh. But classic managerial chairs have leather upholstery.
Mesh back Chair
The mesh back chair is a good choice for those who work in an environment that has high temperatures and humidity.
These chairs are designed to offer comfort and are made from breathable material. They have a firm seat and are also available in various colors. These chairs look great and are affordable.
They have an adjustable back, height, and seat depth. They feature removable headrests and flip armrests.
Ergonomic Office Chair
It is a perfect solution for your back and neckaches. It has an ergonomic design and good back support. It can be used by yourself or in a team, it will be comfortable for your body.
It has a 360-degree rotation function. The office chair is suitable for all types of workplaces because you can choose the height of the seat according to your needs. The office chair has a metal frame with fabric, mesh, or PU leather seat.
Saddle Stools
Saddle chairs are suitable for active sitting and maintaining a neutral posture for hours. They are ergonomically designed chairs.
The best thing about saddle stools is that they are available in a variety of styles and colors. There are many different designs and materials used to make them, including wood, metal, leather, plastic, fabric, and vinyl.
The material that you choose will depend on the style that you want. For example, if you want to have a casual or rustic look, then you should choose wooden or metal stools. If you want something more modern, then you can get leather stools.
Drafting Chairs
The drafting chair is used to draw, sketch, and write. It has a signature foot ring and a five-star castor. The right drafting chair will keep you comfortable and prevent back neck, and shoulder pain.
People choose this chair for standing up easily and often. It has high-quality construction and is made to last for many years. It also has a computer table top that can be tilted up and down. This allows the user to work on a laptop while sitting in a chair.
Conference Chairs
Conference chairs are recliners with a swivel base. They are adjustable and offer a restful sitting experience.
They are perfect for seminar halls, conference rooms, meeting rooms, etc. Leather and fabric materials are used to cover the metal or wooden frames of these chairs.
Kneeling Chair
The kneeling chair is very comfortable for the user to sit on as it has a soft cushion that helps to relieve pressure on the backside of the knee. It is an active sitting office chair. And is famous for use in prayer and meditation.
The kneeling chair is also good for people who are at risk of developing arthritis, as it allows for proper posture and easy movement.
Lounge Chair
A lounge sofa is the best option for the waiting area in your office. The seat cushion is made of a thick micro-fiber material that will wick moisture away from your body. And the legs are wooden.
The backrest is covered in durable fabric twill that will withstand the elements. These chairs are comfy and plush. They add elegance and style to the office space.
Sit Stand Chair
The sit-stand chair combines the benefits of a chair and a stool. It also has a height adjustment feature. They offer an ergonomic posture while keeping pressure off of your spine and legs.
It is made from hardwood, which makes it sturdy and durable. It is used for reading, writing, working on the computer, playing games, and eating. It also has a black powder coat finish to make it easy to clean.
Yoga Ball Chair
The ball allows you to easily roll from one pose to another. It also works as a seat for you to sit on. This yoga ball chair is easy to use and can be adjusted to fit all types of bodies.
It can be used at home, in the office, or in your living room. The ball helps you stretch your body and relax your mind by allowing you to move through different sitting poses.
Folding and Stackable Chair
They are used in offices as visiting room chairs. They’re non-adjustable and are made of steel with a cushioned seat.
Foldable chairs are perfect for auditoriums and conference rooms where you attend meetings and seminars.
Pro Tips on an Office Chair Design
When you buy an office chair, it’s advisable to know the dimensions for seat height, seat depth, armrests, backrests, and recline angle.
Scientists at Cornell University reviewed the ergonomics of sitting posture and how the anthropometric measurements add to the comfort levels of your chair.
Office Chair Height
The recommended height for a chair is 17 inches. Although the standard chair height is debatable. An optimum height is essential as it prevents foot swelling, maintains healthier blood flow, reduces nerve pressure, and supports the pelvis. It’s important that your chair is comfy and doesn’t wobble.
Seat Pan Depth
To ensure that your chair isn’t putting pressure on the lower back and buttocks understand the seat depth. An ideal measurement is between 14 to 18.5 inches.
Your chair’s padding and contour should be designed for prolonged sitting. To minimize knee pressure, manufacturers are making waterfall contour seats. Cushioning and seat pan depth determine the quality of a chair.
Armrest Measurements
Flippable and adjustable armrests are indispensable for your office chair. Ideally, armrests should be 17.2 inches apart to give you enough room for sitting.
Also, it is recommended that the padded armrests must support the plump part of your arm and not the bones. Contemporary chairs feature a padded armrest with a 4-inch gap from the backrest to help you sit for hours on your computer.
Backrest
Lumbar support and shoulder rest are signature features of modern office chairs. Preferably, your chair should have a backrest height of 26 inches.
Angle
A reclining chair is a must-have for the workplace. There is a variety of chairs with varying recline angles. Ergonomic experts suggest that an angle of 100 to 110 degrees is the best for a good posture.
Best Material for an Office Chair
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an office chair is the type of fabric and material used in its upholstery. Traditionally, offices only had leather upholstered chairs until the mesh chairs took over.
Although plastic chairs are also used they’re unsafe for the environment and your back.
Mesh
Mesh fabric is made up of interwoven threads. The threads are tightly woven together to form a tight, uniform fabric. Mesh chairs are light and comfortable to sit in. It keeps you cool by dissipating body heat. Mesh chairs are known to prevent your skin from irritation.
Leather
Leather is a natural material that provides comfort. Leather chairs are known to last longer than mesh chairs. It is very strong and durable. It is a common material used in manufacturing furniture. Leather chairs are classic and they match the decor of any room.
Conclusion
Office chairs are inevitable and important component of daily life. Research suggests a strong link between spine health and a chair’s height and adjustability. The different types of office chairs should fulfill your needs. You should choose one based on your body type, physical requirements, budget, and the kind of work you do. Also, keep in mind these standards:
- Comfort
- Ergonomics
- Durability
- Stability
- Style
We hope this article helped you choose the right chair!
FAQs
1. What is the difference between a swivel chair and a tilt-back chair?
Swivel chairs are for people who need to move around a lot. Tilt-back chairs are for people who want to relax while working.
2. What is the difference between a height-adjustable chair and a fixed-height chair?
Height-adjustable chairs can be moved up or down to different heights, depending on what you need. Fixed-height chairs are good for people who need to sit at a specific height.
3. Which office chair is best for me?
There isn’t just one office chair that’s the best for everyone. It depends on your height, weight, and how you work. You should also consider how comfortable the office chair is, what it looks like, and whether or not it has a warranty.
4. What are the advantages of a good office chair?
It will make your workday more productive and help you stay in shape.
5. What type of chair is best for office work?
An ergonomic chair is the best because of its sturdy lumbar support, adjustable seat height and depth, and armrests.
