There are decent office chairs, and then there are great office chairs, but how do you know the difference?
Let’s break down the most important features of an ergonomic desk chair:
Adjustable Height and Adjustable Armrests
Adjustable seat height and armrests are critical for resting in an ideal sitting position. Armrests and an adjustable headrest should place your body in a relaxed upright position. The wrists should center comfortably on the same level as the desk or slightly below the elbows.
Correct chair height should position feet flat on the floor or on a footrest if you choose.
Lower Back Support or Adjustable Lumbar Support
Built-in lumbar support is a key component to back health, yet one study of at-home workers reflected 73% of home office chairs lacked lumbar support.
Your body type, how much back support you require, and your preferences all play a role in the amount of lumbar support you need. This is why we offer various options for lumbar support in our chair models.
If you’re unsure about your back support needs, consider a chair model that offers customizable lumbar support.
Here’s a summary of the lumbar support for our various chair options:
- Ergonomic Chair – Includes height-adjustable, firm lumbar support
- Verve Chair – Includes height-adjustable, cushioned lumbar support
- Task Chair – Includes height-adjustable, cushioned lumbar support
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Daily Chair – Includes built-in, non-adjustable lumbar support
Recline Functionality
Tilt and tension settings allow you to recline in your chair while maintaining your body's natural position and curvature of your spine. Ergonomic chairs are designed with this in mind because nobody expects you stay in the same position all day long. So, when you do switch up your position, you'll feel confident (and comfortable) that you're being supported.
Breathable Mesh Chair Components
Breathable mesh components provide ventilation to keep you cool and relaxed in your chair — a great feature if you live in an area with high temperatures (or if you simply are at your desk for hours at a time).
The Best Office Chairs for Your Home Office Space
Thoughtfully outfitting your home office with an ergonomic desk chair is an investment in your health and productivity, and considering how much time you spend sitting, it could be the single most important decision you can make for your home office workspace. If you’re still not quite sure which ergonomic office chair is right for you, take our Build Your Office quiz!
Sources:
Office Ergonomics: Your How-To Guide | Mayo Clinic
The Home Office: Ergonomic Lessons From the “New Normal” | Sage Journals
The effect of a lumbar support pillow on lumbar posture and comfort during a prolonged seated task | The National Library of Medicine: PubMed Central
How to Improve Posture For a Healthy Back | Cleveland Clinic