Get to Work with Home Office Chairs

If you’re one of the people who began working from home in recent years, you may have started out with a kitchen chair or a simple swivel chair. Now that your home office is here to stay, it’s time to upgrade to something more comfortable. You’ll want an office chair that looks good, feels good and makes sense in the space where you use it. Here are some tips on how to choose the chair that both you and your home office will love.

Office Chairs vs. Task Chairs

The terms “task chair” and “office chair” are often used interchangeably, and there is some crossover. However, with an ergonomic task chair the design emphasis is more on posture and comfort. Regular office chairs usually offer some adjustability in seat height and back angle, but task chairs will also give you depth adjustment, adjustable armrest and adjustable lumbar support. An office chair is more likely to be solid and heavy and to fit in with a formal office suite.

The Right Home Office Chair for You

If you work from home, you spend a lot of time in your office chair. On a weekday, you may sit for as many hours as you lie in bed. If that describes you, an ergonomic home office chair is as important for your spinal health as a good mattress. A chair may look great in your home, but if it doesn’t offer first-rate postural support, it’s not the right choice. Here are some features you should look for.

Support

Lumbar support is critical. A chair should match the natural curve of your spine. With a proper arch, you won’t slump as the day goes on.

Most people will be more comfortable with armrests. They minimize stress on your shoulders and neck. However, depending on your keyboard position and typing position, you might do fine without them.

Adjustability

You’ll want to be able to set the proper seat height. The most comfortable chairs have a lever or button that controls a pneumatic adjustment, or gas lift, for raising or lowering the seat. You need to be able to sit with your feet flat on the floor and your knees at a 90-degree angle.

An adjustable backrest easily moves to whatever position you like. It goes backward and forward and also tilts. If it’s separate from the seat, it can be adjustable for height.

Other desirable features are adjustable armrest and adjustable lumbar support. Also, all the controls should be within easy reach so you don’t stretch or strain to reach them.

Material

The seat and backing can be anything from leather to performance fabric to mesh. It’s best if it’s breathable. Padding should be comfortable and not too hard or too soft.

Size

The seat needs to be wide and deep enough so that you can sit comfortably. The taller you are, the deeper you’ll want the seat. There should be two to four inches between the seat and the backs of your knees.

Mobility

Nothing breaks your concentration like grabbing the sides of your seat and hopping your chair up to the desk because it won’t roll. Wheels should easily rotate and move in all directions. Choose casters that are made for your floor. If you have a hard surface or a carpet, you’ll find that you roll more pleasantly on a chair mat.

In some cases, a small, lightweight chair may be usable even if it doesn’t have wheels.

Massage

If you want to take your office chair to a whole new level, consider a chair that has a massage unit that can be purchased separately. Units may feature dual fans for cooling or offer gentle heating, so you can work at your ideal temperature, year-round. If the stress of your job is getting to you, take a break with a two-stage massage! These handy units may feature a wall plug and USB cord for easy operation.

The Right Chair for Your Home Office

Once you’ve narrowed down your search to chairs that fit you, then the fun begins. You get to choose a chair that you like as much as your desk accessories and your office decor. If you have an executive desk, a plush faux leather chair on a wooden base may suit. You can even find one with classic nailhead trim. If your workspace is contemporary, you might prefer metal legs and a modernistic shape, perhaps with a mesh back.

Black is the most widely used color for seats and backs, but gray or white delivers a more trendsetting look. If you’d like a splash of cheer in your workspace, a brightly colored chair might double as a work chair at the desk and an accent when it’s elsewhere in the room.

Home office chairs come in all sizes, and it’s important to choose one that fits the office. A huge chair looks out of place at a small desk and may not easily slide into working position. You’ll want the style to match the ambiance of the room: “office-y” in a dedicated office, and softer in a multipurpose room.

Oh, and don’t forget the chair mat. It protects your carpet or flooring and makes the chair roll smoothly. Also, they come in a variety of colors and design to add a dose of color.