Choosing The Right Office Chair

When choosing a chair for work or home office, not every chair is created equal.

In addition to the tasks you attend to in your chair, other factors such as age & physical attributes suggest that what works one, may not work for another. Your goal should be able to work without fatigue or discomfort. Finding a good office chair starts with determining your own unique needs. Consider what type of work you do, your own height, weight and physical features.

  • Seat Height usually dictates how much effort a person needs to actually get in and out of a chair. Seats that are too high lift your feet of the ground. The lack of lower body support will cause serious discomfort over time.

    A seat that is too low will have your knees higher than your pelvic, and likely create problems in trying to get in and out of it, making the user vulnerable to strains.

    When standing and facing your chair, the height of the seat pan should be at, or roughly at, your knee caps. . (Note: this may need to change based off your height and the height of the desk but start with this height). Calculate your ideal height by measuring up from the floor and then to the back of the knees. Have someone squat next to you to take the measurement.

    There needs to be a 90 degree bend at the waist the entire time.

  • Chair Seat Width should be the width of your hips from left to right. Then you need a few more inches equally on both sides.
  • Chair Seat Depth is measured from behind the back of the knees.
  • Armrests should support the entire forearm. It should do this without you raising or dropping the shoulders is attempt for comfort.

    Put these considerations together, and you’ll be on track buying the office chair that improves your work, protects your back and keeps you healthy throughout life.

Put these considerations together, and you’ll be on track buying the office chair that improves your work, protects your back and keeps you healthy throughout life.

Adjustable Chairs

If there is more than one user for your office chair, use a chair with adjustable height, tilt, backrest etc.

  • Adjust your chair height so you can use the keyboard with your wrists and forearms straight and level with the floor. If your chair is not adjustable and is too low, try sitting on a cushion to get the correct height.
  • Place your feet flat on the floor or use a footrest. Ensure there is about 2 inches of space between the edge of the seat pan and the back of your calves.
  • When seated, if any pressure is felt on the back of the knees, the seat pan may need to be adjusted. Tilt the pan forwards or backwards, or slide the pan forwards or backwards as needed.
  • If possible, tilt the back rest forward or back as needed. Keep the angle between 90 and 110 degrees. Adjust the backrest to fit in the ‘hollow’ of your back (where your spine naturally curves inwards). A rolled-up towel or small blanket can provide lower back support as well.
  • If your chair has armrests, ensure that your elbows sit comfortably at 90 degrees and are close to your sides. Remove armrests if a 90-degree angle is not attainable, or if the armrest elevate your elbows/shoulders as this will create tension in the neck and shoulders.

Our knowledgeable staff is happy to help you find the perfect fit for your workspace or home office!

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