Choosing the right office chair for you

Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin…

Choosing the right office chair might not seem like the best use of your brain power – but it is important! If you, like so many of us, spend a lot of your working day chained to a computer desk, it’s important to have a chair that is comfortable and provides enough support for your back.

So what makes a good office chair?

Everyone is different, so everyone needs a different chair. This means that often the most suitable office chairs are ones that are fully adjustable, in terms of their height, back position and arm rests. The seat height should be adjustable so that you can sit so your eyes are level with the top of your monitor. In terms of posture, it is important to keep your back in a position that is comfortable and not slouched to prevent back problems in later life. Sitting up straight, despite being the most often-heard call for posture, isn’t necessarily the most effective. You need an office chair that supports the natural curvature of your back. This means one that supports your lower back sufficiently to prevent you from slouching. Arm rests are often overlooked but are also important. Your arms should be able to rest parallel to the floor, without putting too much pressure on your wrists and elbows.

Now you’ve got your position right, what about the material your office chair is made from? Breathable fabric is important if you will be sitting on your office chair for hours on end, as it helps prevent you from getting too hot and uncomfortable. Durability is also an influencing factor. There’s not a great deal of point in splashing out on a fancy office chair that’s only going to last two weeks. Choose a chair with long-lasting, stain-resistant fabric if you can.

And now onto the base of your office chair. A swivel base means that you can reach all the various parts of your expansive desk with relative ease. Of equal importance is a wheeled base. Wheels mean office chair is easier to move around when it comes to office reorganization, or if you’re popping over to chat to a colleague for a while – not to mention those all important races across the office floor. Consider the surface your chair will be used on, as some wheel designs will work better on carpets, for example, than others.

Looking for the office chair of your dreams? Have a look on the Friday-Ad and see what you can find.