If you work in an office environment you know all too well the challenge of finding the right office chair. Between personal preference and our diverse body shapes there is no such thing as a one size fits all office chair. The tasks you perform at work can also influence the type of office chair that is best for you. Combine all of this with the thousands of office chairs available on the market, and finding the right chair suddenly becomes an overwhelming mission.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be so complicated.  With a basic understanding of some of the key chair features you can better navigate your options. Our helpful tips below will guide you on your way to finding the right office chair to maximize your happiness and productivity.

 

Chair Height

You should be able to rest your feet flat on the ground (or a footrest if necessary) with your legs at a 90 degree angle for comfort and proper body alignment while seated in your office chair. A chair too high can cause pressure on your sitting bones and increased swelling in your ankles. While a chair that is too low can limit blood circulation.

Many office chairs have adjustable heights that allow you to raise and lower the chair for a better fit. An easy way to find your perfect chair height is to adjust the chair so the seat hits just below your kneecaps. You can also play with the adjustable lever as you work to find the best spot for maximum comfort.

Get the right height with the Space Seating 5200W. The pneumatic seat height adjustment feature allows for quick and easy height adjustment. With a range from 16.75” to 19.5” the 5200W works for a variety of heights making it easy to outfit an office space.

 

Backrest & Lumbar Support

A backrest can be your best friend when spending long days working at your desk. The support of a good backrest with proper lumbar support can help reduce strain on your spine and lower back. While there is much disagreement as to the best
posture while working – upright, forward-leaning, or reclined – the best position for you will depend on what tasks you are performing and what comes naturally to your body.

For example, computer intensive activity requires a more upright position, while taking phone calls or having a meeting allows for a more relaxed position. Choosing a chair with adjustable lumbar support and tilt makes it easy for you to change your position and find your comfort zone as you switch between activities throughout the day.

 

The Space Seating 829-R11C628P features adjustable lumbar support and auto adjusting synchro tilt. Move the lumbar support brace up or down the back of the chair to find the most supportive position for your needs. Want to work in a reclined position? Simply lift the tilt lock lever to adjust the back tilt to one of five positions. The self-adjusting control uses your body weight to balance the force needed and control tension.

 

Armrests

The armrest is a feature that helps to reduce muscle strain and fatigue while sitting for long periods of time. It is especially beneficial to the neck and shoulder region, and can help reduce stress in these sensitive areas. However, it is important that the arm rests do not interfere with the work surface, which can increase muscle strain as you reach further to access your work space. Choosing a chair with adjustable armrests can help reduce this interference and still provide you with the benefits when performing non-computer based tasks or during break periods.

Make the most of your armrests with the new 4-way adjustable arms featured on 14 different Space Seating models. The adjustable arms allow you to flip them back, adjust the height, extend the arm pad forward or backwards and adjust the arm pad width. It’s the best of both worlds, arm rests when you need them, out of the way when you don’t.

The Space Seating 327-66C61F6 Light Air Grid Seat and Back Chair with 4-Way Adjustable Flip Arms, Optional Headrest and Platinum Coated Nylon Base is an excellent option for those seeking versatility in their arm rests.

 

Headrests

The one feature of an office chair that causes much debate is the headrest. Many people love them, others think they are unnecessary. While it is often a matter of personal preference, headrests may provide extra support to those with neck pain and those who work in a reclined position. With an average weight of 10 pounds, the human head can create added strain on the neck and shoulder area, especially when working in a reclined position. Try an office chair with a headrest to alleviate the muscle strain.

The Space Seating 36806 Executive Chair features not only a supportive headrest, but it is also made from top grain leather making it a top of the line choice for the accomplished professional.

 

Fabrics

The modern office chair now comes in a wide range of fabrics and colors to match a variety of office interiors and personal styles. Some of your fabric options include:

• Leather – A classic fabric option with a luxurious look and feel. Known for its comfort and durability, leather is a top choice for executive seating, board rooms, and reception areas.

5700E Air Grid® Back and Black Bonded Leather Seat Managers Chair

• Colored Fabrics – You are no longer confined to the standard black office chair of the past. A colorful office chair that matches your style and personality makes the workplace more cheerful, and can help boost productivity and creativity. Colored fabrics work in nearly any office space where basic black just won’t do.

86-M66C625R Self Adjusting Kiwi SpaceFlex® Managers Chair

• Mesh – The latest mesh technology offers breathability, comfort and style. Its unique design permits air circulation helping to keep the body at an ideal temperature. Mesh is also known for its durability, making it a top choice for high-traffic work areas such as: call centers, communal work spaces, and offices utilizing hot desking.

5500® Air Grid® Office Chair

 

Weight Capacity

Be sure to choose a chair that can comfortably support your weight. This maximizes your comfort as well as the longevity of the chair. Most office chairs in the Space Seating series support up to 250 pounds, while the big and tall models support up to 400 pounds.

The Space Seating 839-11B35WA Breathable Mesh Back & Seat with 2-Way Adjustable Arms, Adjustable Lumbar, Deluxe Control, Anti Kick Back and Black Finish Base offers a weight capacity of 400 pounds.

---

Long hours spent sitting at work require a supportive and comfortable chair that can take you easily through the day. Even if you have a standing desk, you will most likely still spend a portion of your day sitting to take a break from the standing! It is important to do your research when looking for a new office chair and remember it is an investment in your health, well-being, and productivity.

What is the most important feature for you when shopping for a new office chair? Let us know in the comments below.