Design
What is the correct ergonomic height for my desk, computer monitor and office chair?
Correct height settings for sitting and standing at work
10 important features of a good home office chair
As more people work from home and question whether the office is still relevant, correctly setting up your remote or home office is critical for your long-term health and wellbeing. Remote Work – Pros and Cons. Unfortunately, many of us don’t have the right equipment, namely a comfortable home office chair, desk, lighting and monitor. Health experts have proven that your sitting posture can have a huge impact on whether you suffer from back, neck, shoulder and other health related issues. The 5 consequences of sitting on the wrong chair. Your chair is therefore the critical item in your home office and the setup of your work area must start with your chair. As Discovery Health posted in a recent article, protecting your back when working from home is essential, and your home office chair plays a CRUCIAL role.
A good posture is the key to avoiding and relieving back, neck and shoulder pain. How to adjust your office chair to create a healthy sitting posture.
Every desk chair has some adjustment features, but which ones are important to maintain a healthy posture? In this article, I will explain which features are necessary on a home office chair so that you can make an informed decision before making your purchase. Use our CHAIR SELECTOR to help you choose the most comfortable home office chair!
10 Features of the most comfortable home office chairs
1. Height adjustment
You should be able to adjust the height of your chair to suit your own height and the desk you will be using it at. 9 tips for setting up your study desk and chair.
Watch this video for a comprehensive guide on how to correctly adjust your office chair, desk and monitor.
What is the correct ergonomic height for my desk, computer monitor and office chair?
2. Backrest Angle Adjustment
Probably the most important feature of any chair is the level of back support. Everybody has a different shape back and each person will need support in different areas. Back support for office chairs – User guide.
You should be able to position the backrest of the chair in a way that suits your body shape and the way you prefer to sit while working. You must be able to change the angle between the backrest and the seat of the chair. By altering this angle from an upright 90 degrees to a more reclined position of approximately 120 degrees (for when you are talking on the phone or gaming), you activate the muscles in the lumbar region of your back. This is known as dynamic sitting. The activation of these muscles increases the blood flowing through them, which in turn prevents lower back pain often caused by long periods of static sitting. The chair should have a locking mechanism that allows the backrest to be locked into numerous positions.
If multiple individuals will be using the same office chair at home, a chair with a manual tension adjustment knob might be inconvenient and time-consuming. In such cases, it is advisable to opt for a chair featuring an automatic self-adjusting tension mechanism. This mechanism automatically customises the backrest resistance according to the user’s body weight, facilitating a swift and effortless transition between different users. Office Chairs with an Automatic Self-Adjusting Tension Mechanism.
When left unlocked (free-floating), the backrest should provide continuous support by remaining in contact with your back, and moving with you.
Our Ergonomic and Orthopedic office chairs all have dynamic sitting capability, and are ideal for any home office. What is an orthopedic office chair and how does it differ from an ergonomic one?
3. A MESH or UPHOLSTERED backrest for my home office chair?
Both mesh and upholstered backrests are popular, and really its a matter of personal choice.
Mesh chairs are more modern and are preferred by designers for their slim design and stylish looks.
A good mesh backrest like that on the Vera chair, moulds itself to the shape of your back and allows your body to breathe.
A chair with an upholstered backrest can be uncomfortable in a hot climate, especially if you don’t have an airconditioned home office.
Contact us for superior business furniture solutions for your home and office.
4. Lumbar Support
A comfortable home office chair should include a lumbar support that can be adjusted vertically as well as horizontally (depth).
The lumbar cushion should support your back in such a way that it is slightly arched and maintains its natural curvature. If you have back pain, you may need an orthopedic chair – what is an orthopedic chair?
Good lumbar support is essential to minimise strain or compression of the lumbar discs in your spine. Why lumbar support is one of the most important features to look for when selecting an office chair.
Office chairs with good lumbar support will keep your spine aligned in its natural elongated ‘S’ shape. What happens to your spine when you sit and how it effects your body.
5. Moulded Foam Seat
The seat must include High-Density injection moulded foam because it provides additional support, is longer lasting, and will not collapse after a short period of use.
Make sure that the moulded seat foam feels comfortable and fits the profile of your bottom. Don’t buy a chair with a soft foam seat as they quickly become uncomfortable. Just like your car, a firm seat ensures that you will be more comfortable on your home office chair.
All the desk chairs that we have for sale include automotive-grade moulded foam seats.
6. Seat Depth and Width
The seat on the most comfortable home office chair should be wide and deep enough to let you sit unrestricted between the armrests. If you are tall, look for a deeper seat, and a shorter one if you are not so tall. Office Chair Seat Depth Adjustment – What You Need To Know
When you sit properly in the chair, there should be a gap of 2-3 fingers between the front edge of the seat and the inside of your knees. If a number of people of different heights are going to use the chair in your home office, consider one that has seat depth adjustment. This feature allows you to make the seat shorter or deeper depending upon the height of the user. See our Office Chairs with Seat Depth Adjustment.
7. Armrests on my home office chair
If you have limited space in your home office, armrests may restrict your movement. However, if you do have sufficient space, consider getting a chair with armrests as they improve the overall ergonomics of your work space.
Armrests offer extra support as they take some of the strain off your neck and shoulders. Only consider armrests that are height adjustable.
Modern armrests may also have an adjustable arm pad that can slide backwards and forwards, and will often allow for sideways or angled adjustment. What are the best armrests for my home office chair?
8. Adjustment Controls
Make sure all the important adjustment controls on your home office chair can easily be reached from a seated position.
This includes, seat height, armrest height, lumbar support, and backrest angle adjustment. It is always easier to get all the settings ‘exactly right’ if you are sitting on the chair. How to adjust your chair for the perfect home office setup.
9. Castors or wheels
Chair castors give you effortless mobility, but make sure to get the right ones for your floor.
Nylon castors are suitable for carpet floors, while rubber or soft castors are suitable for hard surfaces like, tiles, wood and concrete. The castors should be at least 50mm in diameter. Larger castors improve manoeuvrability.
10. Headrest (optional)
A headrest is a good option if you need additional neck and/or head support.
Mid Back or High Back Chair? Which one is best for you?
Headrests are also popular for gaming or relaxing in the chair, especially when the backrest has been reclined. Is a Gaming chair better than an office chair?
Conclusion
In their article, this is what coronavirus will do to our offices and homes, the BBC shares their view of the future of working from home. In a nutshell, working from home is here to stay and we must prepare our home office accordingly. 15 ideas to help you create a modern home office. If you are sitting for 6 hours or more a day, you need a chair with more features and greater adjustability. What is the right home office chair for me?
By the same author:
Design
What is the best foam for an office chair?
At Karo, we improve the comfort of our chairs by including moulded foam in the design of all our seats.
FAQ's
What is Dynamic Sitting?
Office chairs fitted with either a Free-Float or Synchronous mechanism encourage Dynamic Sitting which is crucial for improved ergonomic comfort.
