Guide to Picking a Home Office Chair

When working from your home, it is essential to have a comfortable and ergonomic home chair. Such chairs support your back and prevent bad posture. Most office chairs are designed to support your body, so you are not hunched over when you sit to work. Instead, these chairs help you adopt a healthy position when working at your desk. They also help reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal pain.

You must choose a high-quality chair that will support your entire back, as you will most likely spend an extended time sitting and working on it. There are many different options available on the market. Still, since everyone has different needs, you should purchase one that supports your back and enables you to sit correctly.

Why Should You Get a Home Office Chair?

female sit at workplace on ergonomic chair use pc

Having a dedicated office chair can help prevent back problems and other issues if you work from home. These issues mainly arise from hunched over your laptop for hours on end. Here are a few reasons why you should get a home office chair.

Uncomfortable Seats Make It Difficult to be Productive

The most important factor of a chair is how comfortable it is. The more comfortable it is, the longer you can sit there and work. Although some chairs may seem comfortable initially, they may be unsuitable for prolonged periods. Most office chairs are designed to follow your body’s natural shape, allowing you to sit comfortably.

Office chairs are ergonomic and designed to be highly adjustable. You can change their height and other features to tailor them to your body and needs. The best home office chairs have multiple flexible features that enable you to make the chair as comfortable as possible. When your seat is comfortable, you will be able to sit in it for extended periods and work in peace without any pain.

To Look After Your Lumbar

One of the most significant benefits of choosing an ergonomic home office chair is that they are designed to offer lumbar support. Most regular chairs have a standard build that does not provide much lumbar support. On the other hand, office chairs are designed to prevent your body from contorting into an unnatural position. This allows you to sit however comfortably. This helps you feel more relaxed and, therefore, more productive when you work

For Improved Posture

Home office chairs are excellent for correcting your posture. They allow you to naturally sit correctly, which helps train your body to correct its posture. Home office chairs enable you to keep your foot flat on the ground or on a footrest which helps straighten out your legs. When adjusted, it also helps position your knees to be below your hip level, which is an excellent way to improve posture. You can also easily change your position in these chairs so you aren’t stuck in the same position for extended periods. 

Different Styles of Office Chairs

Home office with big window

Office chairs come in various shapes, sizes, and styles. It is extremely important that you know all the types available on the market to choose the one that fits you best. Here are all the different styles you can choose from for your home office. 

Ergonomic Office Chairs

An ergonomic office chair is a highly versatile chair that can be used by most people. They are usually designed to be comfortable, supportive, and adjustable. These chairs also have a modern look to them, which can help make your home office look sleek and clean. 

These chairs are often made using soft, breathable materials attached to an S-curved frame that offers optimal back support. Additionally, you have complete control over features such as the backrest, armrest, seat, headrest, and lumbar support. These are excellent for keeping you comfortable if you plan to sit at a desk all day.

Office Task Chairs

An office task chair is the most common kind of office chair. It is incredibly functional and compact, so you can easily slide it under your desk. These chairs come in a variety of frames and seat materials. They usually have a basic ergonomic design with adjustable features. If you are searching for a more budget office chair for your home office, an office task chair is the best possible option. To make them more comfortable, you can also add a seat cushion

Drafting Table Chairs and Stools

Drafting table chairs and stools are designed to be taller than typical office and task chairs. They feature a foot ring around the cylinder so you can sit in an elevated position and still have a place to rest your feet. 

These chairs are perfect for you if you work on high tables, such as counters, standing desks, and drafting tables. They also allow you an easy transition from sitting to standing if you get tired or want to work on taller surfaces. Drafting chairs and stools usually have a minimal design and allow around 30 to 22 inches of sitting height. 

Big and Tall Chairs 

Big and tall office chairs are premium versions of task chairs. These chairs have a broader seat and seat back, making them highly spacious to sit on. Such chairs also have higher weight capacity and can handle over 300 lbs with ease. You will also find increased cushioning and lumbar support on these chairs.

Big and tall chairs are the best option for sitting comfortably at your home office desk for long hours. They give you the wiggle room to easily change your position. 

Executive Office Chairs

An executive office chair is the best option if you want a luxurious chair for your home office. They are standard task chairs with added design elements like cushioning with memory foam, tufted leather, padded headrests, a high chair back, etc. These chairs are also made using high-quality materials, such as fine-grain wood or stainless steel.

Executive chairs also include a recline and thickly padded armrests, which ensures a comfortable seating experience. The waterfall edge seats and contoured design also increase the comfort and support offered by these chairs. 

24/7 Office Chairs

24/7 office chairs are designed for intensive use. They are comfortable, durable, and designed to support those working long shifts. They have multiple adjustment points and can handle heavy loads. These chairs’ frames are usually made using high-quality materials like 10-gauge steel and thick cushioning to increase comfort and support.

Gaming Chairs

Some people also like to use gaming chairs as their office chairs. They are designed for users to spend long hours in them while gaming, which makes them excellent to use in your home office. These chairs usually have much more aesthetic features than regular office chairs. Gaming chairs are brightly colored and often adorned with creative graphics. Some also offer support for Bluetooth connectivity and have built-in speakers. 

How To Pick the Perfect Office Chair

Yellow office chair in yellow interior with space for text.

There are several critical factors that you should consider when you are searching for office chairs to buy. This step is crucial because a good office chair will help support your back and fix your posture. On the other hand, if you do not pick an appropriate office chair, you won’t be able to feel comfortable, and your productivity will suffer. Here are a few factors to consider when purchasing an office chair. 

Back Support

Back support is one of the most essential features you should consider when purchasing an office chair for your home. Aim to choose an ergonomic chair that provides multiple points for back support. These chairs guarantee that all the necessary bases of your back are covered for you to feel fully supported. 

Ideally, your chair should also have reclining options so you can set it to where your back feels comfortable. From a health perspective, a chair with ample back support will help correct your posture and alleviate preexisting pains that may affect the lumbar or back.

Breathable Upholstery

The material your office chair is made from dictates how comfortable your seating experience is across your seat, back and armrest. 

Since office chairs are designed to be sat on for long periods, you must find a chair that is upholstered using a breathable mesh material. Such materials allow you to increase the airflow within the seat. This mesh feature helps prevent the seat from becoming uncomfortably warm if you sit on it for extended periods. Additionally, if you live in an area with hot summers, any material other than mesh may become uncomfortable. 

Mesh is usually a lot smoother, less itchy, and overall softer than other kinds, making it the best choice for home office chairs. 

Waterfall Seat Design

A waterfall seat design usually has rounded front edges, which makes the seat aesthetically pleasing and helps maintain a good posture. 

Experts suggest that waterfall seat designs help improve your posture in two ways. Firstly, they are contoured and have a slightly downward-sloped shape, helping relieve pressure from behind your knees and offering extra support. Secondly, this design helps you distribute your weight across the whole seat pan, allowing a far more comfortable experience. 

Highly Adjustable

An adjustable seat design is crucial because it allows you to ensure that the seat can be personalized to suit you exactly. This also helps you reap all the ergonomic benefits. At the very least, your chair should have an adjustable backrest, armrest, and seat pan. 

When purchasing an office chair for your home, ensure that the backrest can tilt forward and backward. The chair should also have recline options for when you want to move closer to specific tasks. The seat pan should also be adjustable, meaning it can move up or down to be the perfect height for your table. 

Lastly, your armrest should have the option to be moved in multiple directions. Ideally, it should move up, down, forward and backward. 

Seat Width and Depth

The seat width also plays a vital role in your home office chair’s comfort. Ideally, your chair should be broad and deep enough to support you comfortably. The regular size of seats is around 17 to 20 inches. When purchasing an office chair, ensure the depth of your chair is such that you can rest your back against the backrest. While doing so, you should have 2 to 4 inches between the seat and the back of your knees. This sitting position is ideal as it allows you to have good posture. 

You should also check product descriptions to ensure that there is an option to adjust the forward and backward tilt of the seat.

Lumbar Support

Having lower back support in an ergonomic chair is essential for your posture. The lumbar spine has an inward curve that may lead to slouching, resulting in strain on the lower spine. To reduce this strain, it is essential that your chair is ergonomic and has sufficient lumbar adjustments so you can personalize it to your own needs.

Armrests

When purchasing an office chair for your home, you should ensure that the chair has adjustable and comfortable armrests. You should be able to rest your arms comfortably on the armrests and relax your shoulders. The most comfortable position is having the elbows and lower arms resting lightly on the armrests. You should not have your forearms on the armrest when typing, as that would be highly uncomfortable. 

Swivel

Ensure that the chair you choose should be able to rotate easily. This feature allows you to swivel around and reach different areas of the desk without straining yourself too much.

Chair Quality and Durability

An office chair should ideally last you for at least a couple of years, which is why you need to ensure that the chair you choose is made using high-quality materials. Sturdy materials can retain their shape and make excellent frames for office chairs. Additionally, the material used to upholster the office chair is also important. The material should be breathable. Otherwise, it will get quite hot during summer. 

Suitability for Working From Home

Ideally, your home office chair should have all the same features as a chair from an office would have because you will be using it as such. Ensure that the seat is comfortable and has ample support. Another feature that home office chairs need is domestic-grade fabric. 

Aesthetics

Other than all the valuable features, your home office chair should be aesthetic and fit your home office’s design and color scheme. If you want to add a pop of color, mesh and fabric upholstered office chairs are the best, as you can customize their color. Additionally, a waterfall-edge design adds to the chair’s look. 

Ideal Office Chair Height

Comfortable office chair near table with modern computer

The ideal office chair height changes with each person, depending on their height. If you get a chair that is too short or tall, you may feel uncomfortable, so having a chair with the correct height is extremely necessary.

Your Height Ideal Office Chair Height
4’11 15.6 inches
5’0 16.2 inches
5’1 16.4 inches
5’2 16.7 inches
5’3 17 inches
5’4 17.2 inches
5’5 17.5 inches
5’6 17.8 inches
5’7 18 inches
5’8 18.3 inches
5’9 18.6 inches
5’10 18.9 inches
5’11 19.1 inches
6’0 19.4 inches

How To Have the Right Posture in Any Chair

correct sitting position at desk with tablet

When sitting in an office chair, it is essential to have the correct posture. Otherwise, you may develop back problems and feel uncomfortable and unproductive. One of the first things you should do when you sit in an office chair in your home office is to keep the top of your monitor at either eye level or slightly higher. This depends on whether or not you wear glasses. You can also title the screen up to get the right level. Doing so gives you the correct head and neck posture, meaning your neck won’t tire after a while.

You should also keep your monitor at arm’s length. It is suggested that you should be 18 inches to 36 inches away from your monitor. 

The keyboard placement is also essential. Ensure that your keyboard and mouse are squarely in front of you and not off to the side. Your feet should also rest flat on the floor when seated in your office chair. If your feet dangle, invest in an ergonomic desk footrest

When sitting in an office chair, your keyboard and mouse must be placed approximately at elbow height. This position will mean that your arms will be near your trunk. When you are not using your keyboard or mouse, keep your arms on your lap.

Another thing you should note is how much clearance you have between the back of your knees and the front edge of the chair. Both should be at least one inch apart. Maintaining your knees at a 90-degree angle or wider is also vital for good posture. 

FAQs

Is it better to have your office chair lower or higher?

If you plan to use your office chair for prolonged periods, a low office chair may cause stress and pain to your joints. You should ensure that your seat is at an adequate height where you can easily place your feet on the ground and bend your hips and knees at a 90-degree angle.

What chair is best for sitting all day?

If you work in their office chair all day, opting for an ergonomic one is best. These chairs are incredibly comfortable and are highly adjustable. You can adjust the backrest, neck rest, seat height, and seat height. Therefore, you can personalize and adjust it to where you feel most comfortable. 

Is it better to have an office chair with or without arms?

You should always choose an office chair with arms because it keeps your body in place and prevents it from leaning forward. Chairs without arms can harm your back because as you lean forward, you will lose your lumbar support causing your spine to curve. This posture can produce back pain.

Conclusion

Having a comfortable office chair is a must if you work from home. Your office chair should provide you with ample support so that you can improve your posture and prevent back pain. So, choosing the right office chair is a must. 

When picking your office chair, consider the type of chair, size, adjustability, back support, upholstery, and how much lumbar support it offers. That way, you will be able to pick the perfect chair that will support your back and allow you to work comfortably.

Also, if you are thinking of setting up a home office under the stairs, you may check out our article titled Under-the-Stairs Home Office Setup for some tips and recommendations.