How to choose an office chair: 11 tips for choosing the best model

A properly selected office chair is comfort throughout the working day, functionality, reliability and practicality, which are combined with an attractive appearance. Probably everyone is familiar with the situation when, after several hours of sitting in an uncomfortable chair, the back hurts. If this repeats itself day by day, it’s not far from chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. When it comes to the manager’s office, along with ergonomics, design is also worth considering, because the workplace should emphasize status and solidity. Let's try to understand the issue of choosing a chair and understand what materials, designs and mechanisms will be preferred.

No. 1. Chair appointment

Office chairs, like office employees, must be subordinate. By purpose, they can be divided into:

• office chair for the head should be as comfortable as possible, because the working day for senior employees is usually longer than for subordinates. It should be regulated not only in height, but also in the tilt of the back, have comfortable armrests and a headrest. Since managers often linger at work, the chair should allow them to relax a bit, so the presence of massage zones or rocking functions will be helpful. The filler material is also important. In addition, the head chair should look solid, so expensive upholstery materials are preferred (leather, for example) and modern design;
• armchairs for staff should also be comfortable, because they have to sit on them for 8 hours a day, but at the same time they are not obliged to possess such a wide range of additional features as models for managers. The material must be high-quality, durable, but not necessarily as expensive as leather. Such models should be height adjustable. It is customary to divide staff chairs into computer and operator. The choice depends on the specifics of the employee. Computer chairs, for example, should be able to move easily and silently, rotate freely, and operator chairs should be adjustable in height, angle of inclination of the back and armrests, since they provide that a person is in one place for a long time.
• chairs for visitors and conferences - The simplest models in which the main thing is reliability and compliance with the general style. Since they will sit on them for no more than 2 hours, you can do without adjusting the height and tilt. The ability to swing, on the contrary, will distract and disperse both the seated and everyone around.

Separately, you can select child seats. In terms of functionality, they roughly correspond to computer chairs for employees, but differ in bright colors and low landing. There are even armchairs for gamers. They are characterized by a specific design and the presence of many adjustments. For equipment home workplace Suitable as ordinary computer chairs with basic functionality, as well as more advanced models that are more reminiscent of executive chairs.

No. 2. Seat base

Office chairs can be divided into mobile and stationary models. It is easy to guess that the former can be easily moved with the wheels, the latter are firmly on their feet or on the base.

Stationary chairs by design type are:

• with a “conference base” - these are chairs on four separate supporting legs or on a rectangular spring-loaded frame;
• armchairs “swivel podium” are a construction of a base stand and a rotating seat;
• “stationary pedestal” chairs resemble ordinary mobile chairs with a cross-shaped support, only they do not have wheels.

Stationary chairs are usually used in conference rooms, and they can also be used to organize workplaces for employees and to receive visitors.

Mobile models They rely on a base in the form of a cross or star with castor wheels. It's believed that more supports, the chair will be more steady, reliable and durable. The minimum is 4 supports, but in most modern chairs there are 5 of them, and they are made in the shape of a star. The frame can be made of metal or plastic. Most of us believe that metal will be more stable and durable, but we are not in a hurry to draw conclusions - modern furniture plastic is almost as strong as metal in strength. It is able to last without a deformation and damage for a dozen years, but it costs significantly less. The choice, of course, is yours.

No. 3. Office chair back

To remove the load from the back while sitting, you must take a chair with anatomical back. This means that its design is such that it most closely follows the shape of the back and comes into contact with it at as many points as possible. That is why it is better to give preference models with headrest and cushion under the lumbar deflection.

In advanced chairs back angle adjustable over a wide range. Doctors say that the optimal tilt is a little more than 90 degrees with respect to the seat - so the lumbar will normally relax when leaning back. In some models, adjusting the backrest angle and seat height are carried out together - this is very convenient. There are chairs in which you can adjust the height of the back.

Separately, it is worth noting models where the backrest is not made up of a rigid frame, but a grid. Its elasticity makes the design ergonomic and allows you to take the shape of the spine.

Number 4. Chair seat

The seat, to the same extent as the back, is responsible for comfort, health of the spine and blood flow. Its height is adjustable even in the simplest office chairs and allows you to adjust the model to a specific height of the workplace and the height of the seated. In more advanced models, you can adjust landing depth. We all differ in height, body proportions and body size, but for comfortable sitting it is necessary that the back rests on the back, and the distance between the outer edge of the seat to the inner bend of the knee is equal to the width of the palm. If it is smaller, the seated person will crawl, more - lean on his legs, which will lead to their constant tension.

It is better if the seat is round or rounded, somewhat concave in the middle. The edge should be compacted and have a bend so that the vessels of the legs are not pinched, and the blood flow in them is not disturbed.

By the degree of rigidity of the seat there are:

• tough. Not the most preferred option, made of dense flooring materials;
• semi-soft - a better option. Quality greatly depends on the type of filler;
• soft seats provide a large layer of filler and the presence of a spring block.

No. 5. Chair filler

Seat and back usually filled with such materials:

• foam rubber. With it, they make both the most budgetary seats and more expensive models. Foam rubber can be of different quality, and to make sure that it does not sell in the next two years, you can conduct a simple test when buying.It is enough to press a finger firmly in the center of the seat, and if it is strongly sold, then the simplest and most inexpensive foam rubber is used, which does not guarantee durability;
• polyurethane foam - the option is many times better, it is wear-resistant, resilient, does not push for years, provides comfort while sitting, but chairs with such a filler are more expensive.

No. 6. Armrests and headrest in an office chair

Armrests - a mandatory attribute of an office chair for the head. Models for staff can do without them. Armrests are necessary in order to facilitate the process of landing and rising, as well as to relieve stress on the arms and shoulders during rest and work.

The armrests should be located so that the angle of the elbow bend is 90 degrees, and since we all have different growths, as well as the complexion, it is important that the height of the armrests can be adjusted.

Headrest It is present only in premium chairs, it allows you to relax the cervical spine and the corresponding muscle group. In the most expensive seats, the angle of the headrest is adjusted to provide the person with the maximum level of comfort.

Number 7. Castors

Rollers are considered the most vulnerable spot for moving office chairs. Responsible manufacturers fulfill this detail honestly and declare that before the first breakdowns, the mileage of the wheels will be at least 15 km. If the office is not customary to arrange races on chairs, then this resource will last for ten years of use.

The wheels may have a soft or hard surface. The choice depends on what kind of flooring is used in the office: if it is tile, porcelain tile, parquet and other hard surfaces, it is better to take a chair with soft rollers, for comfortable movement on carpet solid wheels would be preferable. There are universal models that cope equally well with riding on soft and hard surfaces.

Some models provide for fixing the rollers in a stationary state. Pay attention to this option, if necessary.

Number 8. What mechanisms can be in an office chair?

A modern office chair can be equipped with the following mechanisms:

• seat height adjustment. In the simplest models, the piastra lever is responsible for this, which allows the seat to move only up and down. In more expensive seats, the height adjustment mechanism can be combined with other functions for more convenient and multidirectional chair control;
• backrest angle adjustment;
• synchromechanism allows you to adjust both the seat height and the angle of the backrest. It is present in more expensive models, greatly simplifies the choice of the optimal position and increases comfort;
• swing mechanism (top gun, tilt or anyfix) allows the seated to swing with a small amplitude, without fear that the chair will roll over. The mechanism allows you to choose the optimal coefficient of elasticity, which depends on the weight of the seated. The swing axis is shifted slightly forward, so it is impossible to fall, and the knees will not rise.

No. 9. Upholstery and body material

The basis and frame of modern armchairs advantage are made of plastic and metal, the tree is already a thing of the past and is used only for decoration. The stand is usually made of steel, but it can also be made of durable plastic, the lower support is also made of either steel or plastic. The wheels are made of plastic, and the frame elements are made of steel with a plastic coating. Tree can be used to create armrests, backrest trim, etc.

As for upholstery, then there are not so many options:

• leather and faux leather - materials that give a prestigious look to the product. Otherwise, it’s hard to imagine a manager’s chair. On the other hand, the skin requires specific care, so that the material does not lose elasticity, and is not cheap.As a rule, leather is used in black and brown colors, but if the interior requires it, you can choose a light shade and even a bright color;
• textile - A very popular option for decorating armchairs, provides a wide selection of colors and patterns. The main thing is that the fabric is durable, wear-resistant, hygroscopic and breathable, and it is no longer a problem to choose a pattern and shade. Textiles are a rather cheap version of upholstery, but it absorbs odors, is able to fade and wear out;
• grid - An interesting enough option that can turn a chair into an exquisite zest of the office. The rigid mesh supports the back well, is springy, allows air to pass through and looks great.

No. 10. Color and design

When choosing a chair, the main thing is not to delve into ergonomics enough to forget about the design. The appearance of this piece of furniture is extremely important for both the manager’s office and the home office. A win-win option - neutral shades. Black, brown, possibly dark blue are universal colors and, moreover, not easily soiled. If the study or room is made in bright colors, it is better to choose a chair in tone. A bolder decision is to make it a contrasting spot. The main thing is that the sense of taste does not disappoint.

When it comes to choosing a computer armchairs for home, then adhere to a strict office style is no longer necessary, you can give free rein to imagination and purchase a chair of unusual design. It can have the most unpredictable form, fits well into modern interiors, but it is important not to overdo it with designer refinements - the chair should provide several hours of comfortable work per day.

No. 11. What else to consider when choosing an office chair?

Without testing, it is better not to buy a chair. It doesn’t hurt to sit on it, assess the level of comfort and ease of adjustment - all levers should be located so that they can be easily reached without getting up from the chair. After you got up, a good chair should not creak and swing.

It is also better to check the ease of adjusting the height, angle of inclination of the backrest and other elements. The chair should easily and silently ride on the floor. If you choose an office chair for the head, you need to pay special attention to its appearance.