How to find the best Office Chair

Selecting the perfect office chair is more than just finding a comfortable seat; it's about enhancing productivity, supporting your health, and improving your workday. Whether you're setting up a home office or upgrading your office space, the right chair can make a world of difference. The right office chair will not only reduce back pain, it will also help improve your posture while standing and sitting, reduce hip pressure, and even prevent any kind of pain in the stomach and abdominal area.

In this guide, we'll explore the key factors to consider when choosing the best office chair. You can find your choice of brand new or pre-loved office chairs on Qatar Living Classifieds.

Seat Height

We all have different heights and so it is crucial for your office chair to be height-adjustable and fit you well. Most chairs have levers to adjust the seat height, usually between 16 to 21 inches from the floor, so your feet are flat on the ground and your arms match the desk's height. People of height from 5'0" to 6'4" can be comfortable with a seat height range of 15 to 22 inches. Remember, some chairs have limited adjustments, so make sure your feet can touch the ground with your knees at a 90-degree angle for comfort. Ideally, when you sit, your thighs should be parallel to the ground.

Seat Size

When it comes to the seat size of your office chair, ensure its deep and wide enough for your comfort. If you're taller, consider a deeper seat, but ideally, when you sit with your back against the backrest, there should be approximately 2 to 4 inches of space between the back of your knees and the seat. It's essential to choose a chair that comfortably fits you and the chair's size and shape match your body to prevent discomfort and maintain a proper sitting posture.

Backrest

When working, it's important to ensure your back is in the right position. Ideally get a chair that has full upper and middle back support, especially if you will be sitting for longer periods of time. The backrest should be adjustable in angle and height. Ensure the backrest can be adjusted or reclined, as this affects lower back pressure. If you'll be sitting for extended periods, reclining can ease pressure on your spinal discs and lower back muscles. Avoid chairs that can't recline. Most chairs can lock into a comfortable reclined position, with the best support between 110° and 130°, particularly helpful for those with lower back issues.

Armrests

Armrests are a helpful addition to an office chair as they can reduce strain on your neck and shoulders when using a computer. It's best to look for adjustable armrests to get the right height and positioning and avoid slouching. Armrests should allow your arms to rest comfortably and keep your shoulders relaxed. Your elbows and lower arms should rest lightly, and it's important not to have your forearms on the armrest while typing. However, keep in mind that armrests can sometimes obstruct the chair from getting close to the desk. If you prefer having armrests, adjustable ones are clearly the best choice.

Material

It's best to have a breathable fabric material on your office chair that absorbs heat and allows you to sit for hours without discomfort. When it comes to padding, aim for a balance between not too hard and not too soft, as an overly hard surface can become painful, while an excessively soft one lacks support. Improperly padded chairs can cause pain in the hip and back. The seat and back of your office chair should have adequate padding to ensure long-term comfort and support, with a breathable cloth fabric being preferable to a harder surface.

Swivel

Having a chair that's movable and can swivel is an essential feature. It enhances your efficiency as you can easily shift to different areas around your desk. When choosing an office chair, make sure it has castors that suit your floor type, whether it's carpet, a hard surface, or a combination of both. Chairs should smoothly rotate, allowing you to reach different desk areas without straining. To prevent unexpected rolling, opt for castors with self-locking mechanisms, especially on smooth, polished floors.

Lumbar Support

The lumbar is the lower back region of your backbone. Adequate lumbar support, provided by a contoured backrest, is crucial for your comfort and well-being. Proper lower back support is vital in an office chair as it maintains a slight arch in your lower back, preventing slouching and strain during long periods of sitting. Look for a chair with lumbar adjustment options for both height and depth to ensure a proper fit that supports your lower back's curvature.

Controls

Having controls to adjust the various aspects of your chair is great, but they need to be easily reachable. You should be able to tilt, raise or lower the chair, and swivel while sitting, avoiding muscle strain. It's a warning sign if you can't adjust the chair while sitting in it. Your chair should ideally have separate adjustments for armrests, seat, and back support, making it suitable for anyone who might use it. More adjustability means you can tailor the chair to fit your body, enhancing comfort and promoting proper sitting posture.

You can browse a variety of new and pre-owned chairs on Qatar Living Classifieds.

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