How to Pick the Right Office Chair for Comfort & Support

Five days a week, up to 8 hours a day – most of us spend the majority of their lives sitting in their office chairs. Since we dedicate so much time to this furniture piece, we should at least get the comfort and support we deserve, right? After all, there are so many great benefits a good, ergonomically-correct office chair can have. So, without further ado, here are some helpful tips to help you pick the ideal work chair.

Make Sure It Supports You

First of all, your office chair should be built for your body. This means it should support the natural curve of your back, as well as your height and weight. There are several steps to ensure the chair has you covered. For one, it should have an economic design that promotes proper posture and keeps your back straight and supported. Furthermore, it should be height-adjustable so that you can tweak it to fit your height, even when you’re wearing different shoes, like for instance heels. Additionally, if you’re very high, make sure that the back rest is high enough to support your entire back as well as lower neck.

And finally, don’t forget to make sure that the chair can properly support your entire weight. When the chair is built to support your weight, not only will it last longer, but it will also help you stay comfortable and pain free by evenly distributing your weight. If you’re a heavier individual, you may want to look for a heavy duty office chair with an ergonomic design that can prevent back pain and reduce the stress on your knees.

Pay Attention to Materials

Besides looking for a model that’s ergonomically-correct and built for your body whether it’s a heavy duty office chair or not, you should also pay attention to the materials it’s made of. It’s crucial to pick a material that will help you stay comfortable and resist the daily wear and tear. Usually, office chairs have seats and backrests that are made of either vinyl, leather or mesh. Leather chairs are definitely the most attractive-looking and are easy to clean. However, they aren’t very breathable which can be a nuisance in the summer and can be very expensive. On the other hand, vinyl chairs look similar to leather ones, with the difference that they are less expensive but also less durable.

Currently, the most popular material for office chairs is mesh. Besides being the most affordable material, mesh is also designed to encourage breathability which can increase your comfort, especially when it gets hotter. It’s also very durable. However, it can be difficult to maintain due to the fact that dirt and debris can get caught inside the tiny holes. So, if you’re going for a mesh design, make sure to give it a regular and thorough vacuuming.