Let’s face it — we spend so most of our lives sitting down, especially if you work in an office (or from home!). And if you’re sitting down trying to get your work done, you want to be comfortable as you do it. But staying comfortable is hard to do if you’re sitting down for eight hours or more in a row.
So, what can you do? You need the right office chair type that fits your body comfortably and keeps your posture in a great position.
Finding the Right Fit
Before you go shopping for a new chair, you need to know how to determine the right fit for your body type. A good office chair will support your body for the long haul, but what does that mean?
- Seat Width: Needs to be wide enough to fit you comfortably and be an inch wider on either side of you.
- Seat Depth: Should let you sit with your back touching the back of your chair with a one-inch gap behind your knee.
- Seatback Height: Work best if they are just above shoulder height, but if it adequately supports your middle and lower back, that works too.
- Armrests: Need to be at a height and width that let you sit with relaxed shoulders.
Pro Tip: Look for office chairs with adjustable heights, so you can sit with your feet flat on the floor and keep up your excellent work posture.
Task/Operator Office Chairs
Now that you know how to find the ideal fit, it’s time to discover which office chair type will suit your work-from-home space. A task chair is the most basic type of chair you can find anywhere. And since they’re cost-effective, task chairs are a great solution if you need an office chair right away.
A task chair will provide basic seating and won’t typically feature the adjustable settings you might expect from an office chair. So, if you work longer hours, these chairs might not be able to provide the full-body support that’ll help you focus. But, if you work short hours or part-time, you won’t have any problems.
Leather Office Chairs
A leather office chair makes a standout statement of style and professionalism. And it’s pretty comfy too! Most leather chairs come with deep cushioning so that you can work longer hours in pure comfort.
Leather chairs are best used in cooler environments, as hot leather can cause discomfort and stickiness. And if kept out of the sun, these chairs can last for years, depending on the material. Plus, they’re easy to clean, too.
Mesh Office Chairs
But if you do live in hot climates, a balmy office space, or just run too hot yourself, a mesh office chair is your answer. The mesh fabric is breathable, so you don’t have to sweat the sweat as you work.
Mesh chairs typically feature a lightweight design, making moving it around your home office space ideal. And most will feature an ergonomic design so that you can feel well-supported as you get your work done.
High Back Office Chairs
High-back office chairs are specifically designed for taller people and can consist of any material (fabric, leather, mesh, etc.). The higher backs provide good back and neck support and help you avoid deep aches and pains from constantly sitting.
You can also find various styles, colors, and features with high-back office chairs. So, if you like the idea of a leather chair or gaming chair, you can still find the support you need.
Armless Office Chairs
If you’re the type of person who never uses the armrests on your chair or if you need to get closer to your work, an armless office chair is your ideal choice.
Armless office chairs take up less space, so if you have a compact work-from-home nook or a shared home office space, you’ll be able to move around comfortably. These chairs are also suitable for when you need to burn the midnight oil and finish a project.
Executive Office Chair
You work hard, so why not splurge on a bit of luxury? An executive office chair is a gift you’ll never regret buying for yourself. The sleek design comes with elegant backs, thickly cushioned armrests, and headrests, plus a premium build quality.
The plush cushioning helps improve your posture and will help you avoid back pain and body aches from staying in one spot for long periods of time. Most have forward and back tilt customization to enhance circulation and facilitate deep, even breathing.
And if you really want to splurge, you can find an executive chair with massage features for workday pick-me-ups.
Ergonomic Office Chairs
Ergonomic office chairs are the most popular because they are built with the user in mind. These come with multiple features that keep the user comfortable and well-supported throughout the day. You’ll also find that these chairs have various styles and sizes.
With an ergonomic chair, you’ll find multiple adjustable settings with the lumbar, seat, back, arms, headrest, and height so that you can prevent injuries from repetitive strain. You can work all day without feeling excessive pains anywhere.
If you’re truly concerned about your posture and the dangers of sitting too long, you can also look for kneeling chairs, saddle chairs, or even an exercise ball. Or you can even get a standing desk and avoid sitting altogether!
Out with the Old, In with the New
How do you know it’s time for an upgrade? Well, if your current office chair has more tape than cushioning, it’s probably time to kick it to the curb. Other signs that you need an upgrade include constant back pain, cracks or rips in the upholstery, or poor productivity.
So, if you’re ready to shop for a new office chair, check out what we have in our catalog or stop by your local Stucky's Furniture and Appliance! We have what you need to keep your focus going strong even with all those distractions you find at home. Have any questions? Give us a call! Our team is happy to assist you.