Breaking Down Office Chairs – What Should You Look for in a Good Chair?

Office workers are constantly being told that their chair is the likely cause of their back pain and other health problems. However, they’re not often told how to fix the issue. What’s the difference between a good and bad office chair? What should you look for? Here are a few starting points!

Lumbar Support

Often, people and businesses don’t take the chair-buying process seriously enough. This is the place where you’re likely to sit for many hours every single day. Therefore, the first thing you need is strong lumbar support.

What does this mean? Support for the lower back. Sadly, many ex-office workers are now struggling with health conditions like sciatica, and the cause was a lack of lower back support during the working years. Look for lumbar support in your new desk chair and prevent problems both now and into the future.

Adjustable Features

Experts always talk about ergonomic design, and this describes the relationship between comfort and efficiency. However, what’s comfortable for one person isn’t necessarily comfortable for another. You need to consider the different heights and weights of people, which is important for your office chair. Get your relaxing chair online now!

Back in the 1920s, the Air Force in the United States built a pilot’s seat based on the average of all US air force members. Unfortunately, during testing, the sit didn’t fit any of the 4,000 pilots. Why? Because the ‘average person just didn’t exist. The same goes for office chairs, and this is why you need adjustability.

In particular, look for adjustments in the arm and height. These days, it goes much further than this, though, because some have a dozen (and more!) adjustable features. While some allow tension control, others allow adjustable back angles, height, seat back width, arm width, and more. Consider the adjustable features most important to you, and then go from there.

Wheels and Swivel

You need wheels to enjoy races at the Christmas party, right? In reality, wheels and swivel bases are actually important because they allow the user access to all parts of the desk. Without a swivel base, you’re left extending to reach items, and your arms can grow tired and damaged through a long day.

Fabric

The hotter your location, the more important the material. In truth, it’s difficult to find the balance between cushioning and material, but some chairs master the art beautifully. You need enough cushioning but from a material that stays breathable even after long hours of sitting.

Armrests

Adjustability is critical, and part of this is with the armrests. However, some chairs don’t offer armrests at all, so this next suggestion is essential. You might think that armrests help the shoulders, and you’re right. Yet, armrests are also critical for the neck. With adjustable armrests, you can take pressure away from the neck and shoulders without slouching.

Carpet Wheels

Rolling across a hard floor isn’t usually a problem, but this isn’t the case for rolling on carpets. If you have carpets across the office, make sure you have wheels that accommodate free movement across the surface. The last thing you need is for one of the wheels to dig in and then tumble over (in front of the whole office!).

With all these in mind, you’ll find yourself a good chair not just for now but for the future too. Remember, arm and height adjustments are important, but the real value comes when you have several adjustment options. Test chairs, look for these features, and you won’t go far wrong!