4 Best Office Chairs for Long Hours

These days, buying office furniture has become as standard as furnishing your bedroom or living room. With many folks now working from home or working a hybrid schedule, having a proper ergonomic setup within your own space has become critical to staying productive and comfortable on the days you aren't going into the office.

Selecting the best chair for those long working hours can be a tough decision, especially since ergonomic chairs can be a little more technical than most furniture items. We're here to help you make the best choice for a chair that can support you throughout your entire workday.

Given that ergonomic chairs are as important to our work as mattresses are to our sleep, this article will take a close look at the four best office chairs for sitting all day.

For workers, gamers, creators, and anyone else in search of a stylish and functional chair to use for long periods of time, look no further than the Ergonomic Chair. It is built to last and integrate into every aspect of your professional life and personal aesthetic.

Offered in an array of colors, including Black, Light Blue, Pebble, Sand, Graphite, Poppy, and Baltic, there’s a style that can adapt to anyone’s workspace. Besides meshing with your home decor, this model meets rigorous testing standards like BIFMA to make it contract-grade certified.

This particular mesh chair, with its ultra-comfortable supportive cushion and adjustable seat height and depth, has a maximum weight capacity of up to 275 pounds and is a perfect fit for anyone between 5’2” and 6’2”. All manner of industry experts have chosen the Ergonomic Chair as a top pick for professional use like CNN, Wired, New York Magazine, and Gear Patrol.

The double-layered breathable mesh back is perfect for not only comfort and support the natural curve of your back, but it’s also very breathable and provides airflow to your back. The mesh material reduces the chance of potential odors.

Although many of us would like to stand at our desks as much as possible, some of us need to sit for specific lines of work. That’s why the Ergonomic Chair is rated for eight hours of sitting or more. It also has excellent and firm lumbar support to help the lower back and encourage a comfortable upright posture.

Designed in San Francisco, the Verve Chair is as stunningly beautiful as it is practical. The 3-D knit back mesh upholstery design will surely catch the eyes of your coworkers, whether you’re in the office or in a virtual meeting.

The Verve Chair comes in six distinct colors: Galaxy, Coral, Mist, Mint, Cobalt, and Lunar. No matter what color you choose, that beautiful pattern will always catch the light.

Verve is certified Greenguard Gold for VOC emissions and also meets the BIFMA standards for commercial use. It has six points of adjustment to give you a custom-feeling fit, while its contoured seat and adjustable lumbar support keep you comfortable for hours on end.

The Verve Chair is perfect for almost all body types by being able to comfortably accommodate anyone from 5’0” to 6'0” and has a weight limit of up to 275 pounds.

When you’re searching for a budget-friendly option that delivers on what you want (and need), rely on The Task Chair. This seating option boasts an intuitive design with five points of adjustment.

You can adjust the height, armrests, lumbar height, tilt, and tilt tension. The high-back nylon weave provides support while still being incredibly breathable, and its adjustable lumbar support is padded for extra comfort.

The Task Chair is also certified Greenguard Gold for low VOC emissions and provides a simple and cost-effective ergonomic option for people between 5’4” and 6'3” with a weight limit of 275 pounds.

While this chair is only available in Black, its sleek and modern design can perfectly pair with both team and home offices.

Every home office needs a quality chair for everyday life. The Daily Chair fits in just as much at home as it does in an office environment. Not only is it comfortable and visually pleasing, but it’s also budget-friendly.

The Daily Chair comes in a wide variety of colors and materials. The Nylon Mesh version is available in Sky Blue, Slate, Linden Green, and Black. The Vegan Leather version features a choice between Limestone, Dune, Mahogany, and Black. It’s crafted from more than 70% recycled materials, and 96% of this chair can be recycled when you decide it’s time for an office revamp.

This particular chair is rated to provide simple ergonomic support for people ranging from 5’0” to 5’11” and can support up to 225 pounds.

Proper armrests allow certain back and shoulder muscles to relax and not fatigue as easily throughout the day. Ideally, the arms should be relatively close to your body while sitting; you shouldn’t have to cock your arms outward to rest them or lean forward to type.

Like padded seats, high-end supportive armrests should have padding as well, especially because hard ones are generally uncomfortable and will discourage you from using them. Plus, people are unique — most of us aren’t the exact same size and height as each other. That’s why we made sure that our adjustable armrests can move back and forth and up and down.

Your armrests should be high enough that your elbows rest at the same level as your desk. If your armrests are too low, they can cause you to inadvertently shrug your shoulders which could cause soreness and an uncomfortable pinch at the end of a long day.

Adjust both your chair height and armrests together for the most optimal position for your particular ergonomic needs; each is dependent upon the other to succeed in propping you up for success.  

A lumbar support system can only be utilized when you have to maintain a proper sitting position. When you hear the terms “good posture” and “sitting upright,” everyone has a slightly different perception of what that actually means.

For optimal healthy posture and comfort level, first, sit all the way back in the seat of your chair. Allow the lumbar support to cushion the natural curvature of your spine. Next, lean slightly back by about five to ten degrees from the completely upright position.

It is imperative to have a quality chair that features lower back support in conjunction with adjustable support capabilities that allow it to conform to your unique body.

Leaning back periodically during the workday helps you relax and takes some of the pressure off of your back. However, there is a pretty notable difference between reclining and slouching.

Sometimes, it might feel like we’re leaning back, but we’re actually just slouching. How do you know if you’re slouching?

Here’s a handy checklist. You might be slouching if you:

• You don’t have both feet flat on the floor
• You aren’t in the triangle: Body weight should center over the pubic bone and buttocks evenly. The flat feet, evenly spaced, are the last piece of the puzzle.

While slouching isn’t ideal, reclining in a supportive chair is a fantastic way to give your body (and brain) a bit of a break. Reclining in a home office chair allows you to relax while still giving your spine the support it needs. This feature is especially important for those working with stacked monitors who need to lean back to view them.

Considering the fact that much of our work life is going to be at a desk and in a chair, it’s important to think about the things you have to support you while you work. The most comfortable office chairs can completely change the way you get things done.

Office ergonomics are a critical factor when considering workplace necessities, as should the perfect quality desk. Standard desks are great canvases to work on and collaborate with, but standing desks can seriously help you step up your game.

As awesome as the best computer chairs can be, you still need to take breaks from sitting: Standing desks allow you to keep working effectively. Standing desks are fabulous, but Adjustable Standing desks are even better. Adjustable Standing Desks help you sit and stand as your workflow and physical needs demand.

Seat cushions have Goldilocks zones in terms of seat depth. Some can be too soft and wear out too quickly. Many are too high-density and can cause discomfort. The most comfortable seat cushions have irregular shapes that meld to you for optimal support.

Materials that breathe well will ensure that you don’t get too hot or start sweating, and the materials on these office chair models make it an ideal executive chair for comfort and productivity.

Many of us have extended work hours that have us using our chairs for many hours at a time. Headrests (compatible with our Ergonomic Chair) and backrests are a good way to stave off neck pain, back pain, and fatigue. These are simple and a breeze to add to our chairs.

Headrests are great for relaxing on breaks, too: Leaning back on a supportive headrest relieves tension.

Adjustable height is a critical feature in desk chairs that plays a pivotal role in ensuring ergonomic comfort and support. The ability to adjust the height of a chair allows you to customize your seating position to suit your unique body dimensions and workspace setup.

This feature is particularly beneficial for accommodating people of varying heights and preferences, as well as for promoting proper posture and reducing the risk of discomfort or strain during long periods of sitting. One of the primary advantages of adjustable height in desk chairs is its ability to align your body properly with your workstation.

By raising or lowering the chair to the appropriate height, you can ensure your feet rest flat on the ground, your knees are at a comfortable angle, and your hips are level with or slightly higher than their knees. This alignment helps distribute weight evenly across the body and minimizes stress on the spine, improving comfort and reducing fatigue throughout the workday.

Adjustable height also accommodates different desk configurations, such as standard desks or standing desks. For users who alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day, having a chair with adjustable height ensures seamless transitions between positions and consistent ergonomic support. It allows you to maintain optimal posture regardless of whether you’re seated or standing, promoting overall well-being and productivity.

In addition to enhancing comfort and posture, adjustable height in desk chairs offers versatility and adaptability for various work environments and tasks. Whether working at a traditional desk, collaborating with colleagues in a shared workspace, or attending virtual meetings from home, you can easily adjust your chair to suit your immediate needs and preferences.

This flexibility contributes to a dynamic and ergonomic workspace that supports your physical health and productivity over time.

Footrests are another often overlooked but essential feature in desk chairs, providing additional support and promoting ergonomic comfort during extended periods of sitting. While you may not initially consider the importance of a footrest, incorporating this accessory into a desk chair can significantly enhance overall comfort and posture, particularly if you spend long hours at your desk.

One of the primary benefits of a footrest is its ability to reduce pressure on the lower back and legs by allowing you to elevate your feet slightly off the ground. When seated for prolonged periods, you may experience discomfort or fatigue in your legs and feet due to prolonged static posture and reduced circulation.

A footrest helps soothe this strain by providing a stable platform to rest your feet on, relieving pressure on the lower body and supporting blood flow. Footrests can also assist in maintaining proper posture by supporting the feet and legs in a comfortable position.

When feet are properly supported, it encourages you to sit with your knees at a relaxed angle and your spine in a neutral alignment, reducing the risk of slouching or leaning forward. This promotes a more ergonomic sit

When searching for the best chair for sitting all day, it's essential to prioritize features like adjustable height, comfortable footrests, and lumbar support to promote proper posture and reduce discomfort during long work hours.

Look for chairs with high-density foam padding and ergonomic design, like our Branch chairs above. Consider adjustable chairs that cater to individual preferences, including armrest height and chair back recline.

For those on a budget, explore more basic options that offer quality and comfort without breaking the bank. Investing in the right office chair is crucial for maintaining productivity and well-being in the workplace, making it a worthwhile investment in long-term health and comfort.

Sources:

BIFMA Standards Overview

3 surprising risks of poor posture | Harvard Health

Effect of Upright and Slouched Sitting Postures on the Respiratory Muscle Strength in Healthy Young Males | NIH

Office ergonomics: Your how-to guide | Mayo Clinic