If you’ve spent a period sitting at a desk, you’ll know that a comfortable and supportive chair is the difference between a productive day’s work and hours of pain or discomfort. Finding the proper chair for your home office setup takes a little bit of research, but it will be well worth it in the long run.
When it comes to choosing a desk chair, there isn’t a one-size fits all approach. The settings and functionality of a desk chair is determined by a person’s physical attributes — like height, weight, and additional support needs. Learn more in our guide below.
Narrow your search by considering the functions you need your chair to serve so you can be comfortable and easily complete tasks. Do you plan to spend a full eight-hour workday sitting in this chair? Is your work computer-heavy with multiple screens? Is the ability to change between sitting and standing throughout the day important? Here are some initial factors to consider before you start your search.
Frequency of Use
Those who work remotely or have a hobby that requires them to sit at a desk for several hours a day should carefully and thoughtfully decide what chair to buy. If you’re simply looking to add a seating element at a desk that will get light use, you can focus more on aesthetics than function.
Budget
Desk chairs come in a range of prices. Additional features and customized elements increase the price of the chair, but it's worth the investment if you’ll be using it daily.
Physical Stature & Mobility
Consider your size when investing in a chair. Taller individuals will need a different setup than those who are petite. There may also be injuries and mobility limitations that will require more custom, adjustable elements to ensure optimal comfort and function.
What does "Ergonomic" Mean?
The term “ergonomic” relates to the science of designing objects to be used in a way that is most efficient and comfortable for the human body. Carrying out unnatural tasks can put a strain on our muscles and joints. Research has correlated chronic neck, shoulder, and low back pain with extended periods of sitting, so it is worth exploring ergonomic options for optimal comfort.
Ergonomic desk chairs are more common in the last decade as people spend more time seated during the day working on computers. These types of chairs typically come with features that are adjustable or customizable. If you spend a lot of time seated, this is well worth the investment.
Modifications should be made to suit your specific height and anatomy. Here are some features to consider when seeking out an ergonomic desk chair.
Seat Pan
The seat pan is the surface area of the seat part of the chair. Look for customizations in depth (distance from the back of the chair towards the knee), height (distance from knee to floor), width (distance between armrests), angle (the tilt or recline), and contour (shape of the seat — from flat to sloped).
Armrest Height
Armrest height is the distance between bent elbows and shoulders. Your hands should naturally rest level to the next when your elbows are placed on armrests.
Armrest Width
Armrest width is the distance between bent elbows and the sides of the body. This can be configured wider or narrower depending on the individual.
Lumbar Support
Lumbar support is added pieces or padding that support the natural curvature of the spine to allow sitting upright without straining.
Casters
Casters are the small wheels on the bottom of chairs that allow a range of movement without picking up the seat. Consider purchasing a chair mat to protect wooden floors or to move with ease over a thick carpet.
Swivel
Swivel is the ability to rotate the chair in a range of directions without standing up or twisting your torso.
Headrest
A headrest is added neck support that extends the height of the chair.
Types of Desk Chairs
There are endless styles of desk chairs to browse, all with slightly different purposes. Let’s explore some of the popular options here to help you narrow in on a potential choice.
24/7 Chairs
As implied, 24/7 chairs are designed for long-term sitting. They're popular within offices where all work is conducted seated at a desk.
Computer Chairs
Computer chairs are designed for individuals seated at 90 degrees with a screen at eye-level height.
Drafting Chairs & Stools
Drafting chairs are typically built with an elevated seat to match the height of a tall table, often with a foot bar. Popular amongst architects, artists, and any other profession that includes a lot of sketching or drawing.
Conference Room Chairs
Conference room chairs are available with or without arms. They typically focus on comfort and are found in meeting rooms. They're not intended for sustained, all-day use.
Executive Chairs
Executive chairs have a formal, dramatic appearance with a tall seat back. Their mix of function and design usually comes at a higher price point.
Armless Chairs
Armless chairs are seen as a space-saver and allow free range of arm movement.