Typist Chair Buying Guide
Looking to buy a swivel office chair? You might start by Googling something like “what is the best chair for back comfort?”, and soon find yourself faced with a wonderful array of options from different suppliers, all at various price points. It can be a bit overwhelming! Are you planning to do typist work? Probably not, unless you happen to love that nostalgic feeling of using a vintage 1975 IBM golf ball typewriter! So now you might wonder if you really need an ergonomic typist chair to help with your back problems, or if it’s better to swing by Makro and grab a budget-friendly option. Check out this article for some insights: Cheap office chairs – what do they REALLY cost me?
Times have changed…
Not only has the era of typewriters and traditional typist chairs moved on, but so has our awareness of the ergonomic requirements of a seated person at work.
Instead of typewriters, most of us spend the majority of our day on a computer that performs many different tasks.
We also now know that incorrect sitting, especially for long periods, is detrimental to our health, the quality of work and overall productivity.
The 'Typist Chair' goes ergonomic...
The chair you sit on today didn’t always look this sleek, supportive, or smart. What you know as an ergonomic chair actually began as something far simpler - the typist chair.
Its historic journey from a basic swivel seat to a finely tuned piece of ergonomic design says a lot about how work, technology, and human needs have changed.
The concept of office ergonomics changed everything. No longer are typist chairs uncomfortable pieces of furniture without armrests, adequate back support or limited adjustability. The modern ergonomic office chair has a host of features that help reduce back pain by allowing you to adjust the chair to suit YOUR body and working environment.
If preventing back problems and long-term health and wellbeing is your priority, popping out to buy a typist chair at the lowest price may not the best option. Unveiling the True Cost of Ergonomic Office Chairs: Are they Worth the Investment?
Today’s ergonomic chairs build on the typist chair’s foundation but go far beyond it. They include:
Adjustable seat height, depth, and tilt. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Computer Chair
Lumbar support that moves with your spine. Back support for an office chair – why it’s important
Breathable mesh or foam designed to reduce pressure points. Modern office chair with mesh backrest – Good or Bad?
Armrests that align with your posture, not work against it. Office Chair Armrests Explained
All of this is aimed at one thing:
Keeping your body supported and comfortable, no matter how long you’re sitting.
With so many options available, how do you select a typist chair?
Today we are fortunate that our choice of available office chairs for different work applications is huge. Ergonomic typist chairs with and without a headrest, gaming, heavy-duty, industrial and orthopedic office chairs for back problems, are just some of the choices! In trying to select a typist chair, you are now faced with further questions, some of which are shown below. Once you have answered these questions, selecting your new typist chair becomes a whole lot easier!
If you spend more than 6 hours a day sitting at your desk, you should consider buying an ergonomic typist or office chair that has more features and greater adjustability. Alternatively, if you only use the chair for an hour each day, then a less expensive chair with fewer options might be a better choice.
All office chairs have a weight rating which is the maximum user weight they are designed to support. For warranty and safety purposes, it is important that your weight does not exceed the weight rating of the selected chair. Standard office and typist chairs are designed for individuals weighing up to 120kg. The Ultimate Guide to Office Chair Weight Limits
If you weigh more than 120kg, you should consider a chair with a higher weight rating.
These office chairs have a weight rating above 120kg.
Office chairs equipped with a seat slider empower you to fine-tune the seat depth, enabling you to move the seat pan backward or forward to align with the length of your thighs. When you are seated comfortably with your back against the backrest of the chair, there should be a 2-3 finger gap between the front edge of the seat and the back of your knees.
- Best Office Chairs for Tall People – A Comprehensive Guide
- Choosing the Right Office Chair for Short People
If you are tall with longer legs, a seat slider allows you to increase the seat depth, thereby maintaining a correct ergonomic seated posture. These office chairs have a seat slider.
If you have chronic lower back pain, you may want to consider a Wellback orthopedic chair that has more adjustable features. What is an orthopedic office chair?
A Wellback orthopedic chair has multiple adjustment features to address chronic back ailments and is typically dedicated to a single user.
Office chairs are available in all shapes and sizes. Some, like the Nika, are physically smaller and will suit a study area with limited space. Others, like the OrthoGrande, are suitable for large office spaces.
Mesh office chairs “mould” themselves into the shape of your back which makes them more supportive and comfortable than an upholstered chair. By doing so, they can help to improve posture and reduce aches and pains associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Modern office chair with mesh backrest – Good or Bad?
In addition to moulding themselves to suit the shape of your back, the mesh is ‘breathable’, which is a great attribute in a warm climate, particularly if your office isn't air conditioned.
The final question. While we provide a wide range of desk chairs across different price points, we don't cater to the lowest end of the market in South Africa. Our emphasis is on offering high-quality products.
Having selected a new typist chair, how to correctly adjust its height to suit your body and workstation?
Did you know?
The correct way to adjust the height of any office or typist chair is by doing so AWAY from your desk.
Watch the short video to find out more!
A Final Word....
When you are at Makro or any other office furniture dealer looking to buy a “typist chair”, don’t simply buy the first option and hope it solves your back problems. Get answers to the above questions and consider all the ergonomic options available. Finally, select the office chair that best meets your needs and budget. Contact us for more information or see our FAQ's.
