Many of us are now lucky enough to work in the comfort of our own home. However, you may not have been already set up with a functioning home office space, so it is important that when you do shop for home office furniture and decor, you make sure that you are not only considering form over function.
Of course you want your home office space to look great, but you will need to choose furniture with your comfort in mind, too! A home office chair is one of the most important pieces of furniture you could select, as this is going to be your seat for 8 hours or so every day!
Below, we take a look at some of the features you should be considering when shopping for a home office chair.
Height Adjustability
Adjustability is a key feature in a comfortable office chair. Being able to adjust the chair’s seat height can allow you to find the most comfortable position for you, regardless of your own height or the height at which your desk or computer sits.
It is recommended that you seat yourself in a position where your thighs are horizontal to the floor. When looking at your options for home office chairs, look for a pneumatic adjustment lever that will help to bring the seat both higher or lower, as the need arises.
It’s also important that your seat height is at a level where your office chair seat allows your feet to be flat on the floor. With the proper height you should be able to keep your feet on the floor and your elbows are at a 90-degree angle with your arms close to your sides. Your arms should be hanging in a relaxed position.
Adjustable Backrests
Another adjustability feature is that of the backrest. Not all home office chairs offer the adjustable height feature, but the best home office chair will let you adjust the backrest to suit the task and your comfort level, by moving it either forward or backward.
If the backrest on your chair of choice is separate from the seat should be height adjustable as well, so that if you adjust the height of the seat itself, you can adjust the backrest accordingly, and you should be able to angle it to your comfort level, too. A locking mechanism can be a good feature, so that you do not run the risk of the backrest suddenly tilting backwards while you are working or sitting in the chair!
Armrests
It is key that you choose a chair that has armrests, too. Chairs that do not have attached armrests may be cheaper, but they will not be as comfortable for the long haul, so will not be a good choice if you work in your home office full time or have a 9-5, for instance. You may not realize, but armrests actually take some of the strain off of your neck and your back.
Adjustable armrests are also preferable, because they will allow you to adjust the configuration to let your arms rest comfortably and prevent you from slouching.
Seat Depth and Width
Not all home office chairs are built the same– and this is why ensuring that you choose a chair with sufficient seat depth and width is so important! The best depth and width will also depend on your size and height, so what works for your co-worker might not work for you. You’ll want to choose a chair that has a seat that is wide and deep enough for you to sit in it comfortably.
For instance, if you are on the taller side, you will want to look for a deeper seat, and if you are shorter, a shallower seat will be best. When you are sitting in the chair, you should be able to sit with your back against the backrest and have about 2-4 inches between the back of your knees and the seat itself.
Lumbar Support
Look for an office chair that has ergonomic support and contoured, because it will be a better fit for your body and keep you comfortable throughout the day. If you choose a chair that matches the natural contour of your spine, it will be able to give your back the support it will need when you are in the chair all day. Good lumbar support will keep your back slightly arched so that you do not begin to slouch or slump as the day wears on.
The reason that lumbar support is so important is that it helps to minimize strain and compression of the lumbar discs in your spine, which could lead to back and health issues or injuries. The right ergonomic office chair can make a world of a difference when if comes to having better posture and how you feel after working for 8 hours. You can sit comfortably while having the proper back support for your lower spine.
Swivel and Casters
Swivel and casters can be convenient features, as they allow for movement, which increases your efficiency. They can help you to rotate your chair to reach different spots or objects as you work, and can offer you easy mobility. It is important, though, that you do your research and choose casters that are designed for your floor in your home office.
For instance, there are casters that are better for carpets vs hard floors. If you do find a chair that you love, but realize that the casters may not work on your floor, you can also purchase a floor mat for under your chair instead.
Fabric and Padding
The fabric and padding on your home office chair can also make or break it– both can have a huge effect on the comfort levels of the chair. You will want to choose a fabric that is aesthetically pleasing, of course, but you will also want to be sure that you are choosing a fabric that is breathable, because it will be more comfortable for your body when you are sitting in this chair for long periods of time. Typically a cloth fabric would be the most breathable option.
Padding is something you will want to take a look at as well– not all chairs have the same amount of padding, or the same quality of padding. You will want to choose padding that is not too soft, but not too hard, either. Padding that is too soft will not offer enough support, but padding that is too hard will be uncomfortable after a few hours of sitting. This is why it is easier to shop for a home office chair in person, because you can then sit on the chair and try it out the seat cushions for yourself!
Upcycling a Home Office Chair
Another option is to up-cycle an existing chair to fit your needs, rather than buying a new home office chair. This can be more environmentally friendly and can make the chair more of a personalized piece in your home– especially if you cannot quite find what you are looking for in the current market. If you have a home office chair that you like, but it is out of style or too worn, you can have it re-padded and re-upholstered with the padding and textiles of your choice!
An upholsterer will be able to consult you on how best to move forward with the chair in question and how to make it best fit your unique needs. You can design it to match the existing decor of your home office, or to match your personal aesthetic and current trends.
Upcycling a home office chair can be a fun and creative way to custom design your home office chair, so that you have a chair that you truly love in your workspace, day after day! If you are the type of person who likes to frequently change up your furniture or home decor, this can be an easier way to do so, instead of buying a whole new home office chair. It can also be a more cost effective option if you are working on a budget when looking to outfit your home office space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a home office chair?
If you are in the market for an office chair for your home office, you will want to be sure to pay attention to some of its key characteristics, so that you are not choosing form over function, or ending up with a chair that will not be comfortable to sit in for long periods of time.
Look for options that are height adjustable and have adjustable backrests. You will also want a chair that has sufficient padding, seat depth, and seat width.
What should I consider in an office chair?
When choosing an office chair, it is best to shop in person, if possible, so that you can pick a chair that you feel comfortable in. You should consider features like armrests, swivel and casters that make movement easier, and lumbar support. A good ergonomic office chair will not only support your lumbar region but should provide good upper back support as well.
Making sure that the amount of padding is sufficient for the amount of time you expect to spend in the chair is important, too.
What is the most comfortable work from home chair?
The most comfortable work from home chair is going to vary depending on your needs– for instance, how long you expect to sit in the chair every day. However, some of the recommended brands include Hbada, Laura Davidson, and Rimiking.
There are great, comfortable options for many different requirements, as well as for different budgets. You should always be sure to look for adjustable chair options, as well as chairs that are contoured and offer good lumbar support. We hope these tips will help when it comes to you buying an office chair that will be a good fit for you.
