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5-things-to-consider-when-choosing-an-office-chair

5 things to consider when choosing an office chair

If there is one item in your workplace that you should never compromise on it’s your office chair. Sitting incorrectly can lead to a number of musculoskeletal issues so it’s important to have a chair that will help you sit in the best position.

A good office chair follows the movements of your body, reduces the risk of strain injuries and helps you sit properly, no matter how long you spend sitting each day. However, no one size fits all and what works for one person may not work for another, even in a similar working environment. Here are 5 important things to consider when choosing an office chair.
Woman sits at adjustable desk and works with computer

1. How many hours do you sit down?

The most important question is the number of hours you usually sit down in a typical day. The more you use the chair, the better it needs to be. In order for you to easily find a chair that matches your needs, we have divided our range according to recommended sitting time: 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours. We have everything from simple chairs for those who rarely sit down, to more exclusive options that offer optimal comfort, even during those long work shifts.

4 hours: If you're often on the go and only sit down for short periods, a relatively simple chair will do.

8 hours: If you sit down throughout most of the working day, you'll need a quality chair with good adjustment options.

12 hours: Do you usually sit down for several hours straight? You should choose a chair with all comforts.

24 hours: Do you work in a control room or something similar and find it difficult to leave at times? You need a chair that meets extremely high demands on adjustment options and comfort!

Two people sitting in a relaxed manner at their separate desks in an office

Choose the mechanism that allows the right kind of movement

For an optimum working position, it’s important that the chair's seat and back follow your natural movements because your body needs to change position regularly. The mutual relationship between the seat and backrest is governed by the chair's mechanism: a higher quality mechanism allows for greater adjustability and a more ergonomic posture.

PCB (Permanent Contact Back): The backrest follows the movements of your upper body while the seat is fixed.

Lock tilt: A simple mechanism where the back and seat retain the same angle to each other even when rocking. The position can be locked in place or left in rocking mode. Resistance is set according to your body weight.

Synchro: The seat and the back interact in a 1:2 ratio, which means that the seat changes one degree to every two degrees that the back moves when rocking. The seat and back can be locked in fixed positions and you can also adjust the resistance to your weight.

Multi-synchro: Here too, the seat and back interact in a 1:2 ratio but you also have the option of decoupling the seat, which makes it easy to stretch the body from time to time and increase blood circulation to the legs and feet.

Asynchro: The tilt of the seat and backrest can be adjusted independently, and either be fixed in the most comfortable position or left to follow your movements (free float). This allows you to tailor your seating position completely to your preferences.
Woman sitting on an ergonomic office chair and resting arms on the armrest

3. Look for ergonomic features

In order for the chair to give you the right support, it must be able to be adapted to your height, weight and body shape. Since we are all different, you should look for a chair with several different adjustment options. Make sure to use all the functions of the chair and adjust it at regular intervals, and you will avoid a static sitting position.

Adjustable seat height: Controlled by your height. The correct height is to have the entire sole of the foot on the floor when the back is pressed against the backrest.

Adjustable seat depth: Ensures blood circulation down to the lower legs and feet. Adjust so that you get a fist between the chair and the knee when the sole of the foot is on the floor.

Adjustable backrest height: Makes the backrest follow the natural curvature of the lumbar spine and pelvis.

Tiltable seat: Provides a good posture by tilting the seat a little forward while your hips are slightly higher than your knees.

Adjustable armrests: Correct adjustment both vertically and laterally relieves the arms and the muscles in the neck, shoulders and shoulders.


What is ergonomics?

4. More choices and accessories

Your choice of chair may also be influenced by specific accessories or features. For example, a mesh back is a popular choice. Armrests and headrests are available as an option for more basic models while they are included as standard with more premium chairs.

High or low back: This is a matter of preference, but the basic rule is your whole back should be supported, so a higher back suits taller users.

Headrest: The support should be at neck height to relieve the neck and shoulders. It can be adjusted in height and angle to provide the best possible support.

Armrests: Armrests relieve the shoulders and should be adjustable so they are in the right position for you, so your forearms can rest comfortably either on the desk or on the armrests. They should be adjustable up and down, horizontally and sideways.

Breathable mesh back: This is not just about appearance; a mesh back also has a practical function. By letting air through, this is a perfect choice if you tend to get hot in the office.

Lumbar pump: This lets you inflate a support in the lower backrest to fit the natural S-shaped curve of your spine to alleviate back pain.

5. Colour, design and material

When you have narrowed down some chairs that suit your needs, the fun part starts: choosing the design of your chair. Traditional or modern look chairs are both available. Many of our models come in several different colours. As far as materials are concerned, you have a choice of fabric, artificial leather or genuine leather, depending on your preferences and budget.

The rest is up to you. Our wide assortment guarantees that you will find a chair that is right for you, no matter who you are. If you’re having trouble choosing, you are always welcome to contact us – we will be happy to help you!

Best office chairs in 2023

Do you need help choosing the right office chair? We've got you covered! Here are our top picks for the best office chairs in 2023:

  1. STIRLING, our bestseller for a reason! A comfortable, supportive, and adjustable office chair.
    - Its thickly padded seat, backrest, and the neck support provide ample comfort.
    - The adjustable backrest and neck support ensure you get the perfect ergonomic position for your spine.
    - A synchronised mechanism allows the backrest and seat to move in unison, keeping you comfortable as you work.
    - Height-adjustable armrests give you the freedom to position them where you need them.

  2. STANLEY, a great value option which delivers plenty of features for your money.
    - Its adjustable lumbar support provides extra comfort for your lower back.
    - A breathable mesh backrest allows for comfortable airflow, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the day.
    - The synchronised mechanism ensures a smooth transition between sitting and leaning, reducing strain on your back.
    - Height-, lateral-, and angle-adjustable armrests give you complete control over your comfort zone.

  3. LINCOLN, designed for ergonomic comfort!
    - A high, adjustable backrest and a wider seat.
    - Its large, sculpted headrest provides additional support for your neck and shoulders.
    - A reclining mechanism with five lockable positions allows you to adjust the seat angle to your preference.
    - The adjustable lumbar support ensures your lower back gets the support it needs during long workdays.

  4. LANCASTER comes in a variety of colours to match your workspace.
    - Its durable fabric, made from 100% recycled PET bottles, is both stylish and environmentally conscious.
    - A synchronised mechanism ensures a smooth ergonomic transition between sitting and leaning.
    - Its narrow seat and backrest provide a sleek, modern look.
    - Molded foam padding in the seat and backrest provides superior comfort.

  5. RAMSEY, for ultimate comfort and functionality.
    - Certified for 24-hour use.
    - Its inflatable lumbar cushion provides customiSable support for your lower back.
    - A weight-adjustable rocking mechanism ensures a personaliSed fit based on your body weight.
    - Height-, lateral-, angle-, and fold-up-adjustable armrests give you complete control over your comfort zone.


Our wide range ensures that you will find an office chair that suits you, no matter who you are. If you have trouble choosing, you are always welcome to contact us – we will be happy to help you!

FAQ

The best office chair is the one that fits you and your conditions. The chair should be adapted to you, not the other way around!
The key factors to consider when choosing an office chair include the amount of time you spend sitting, the mechanism that allows the right kind of movement, ergonomic features, additional choices and accessories, and the color, design, and material of the chair.
The PCB (Permanent Contact Back) mechanism allows the backrest to follow the movements of your upper body while the seat is fixed. The lock tilt mechanism is a simple mechanism where the back and seat retain the same angle to each other even when rocking. The synchro mechanism allows the seat and back to interact in a 1:2 ratio, which means that the seat changes one degree to every two degrees that the back moves when rocking. The multi-synchro mechanism also allows the seat and back to interact in a 1:2 ratio, but it also has the option of decoupling the seat, which makes it easy to stretch the body from time to time and increase blood circulation to the legs and feet. The asynchro mechanism allows the tilt of the seat and backrest to be adjusted independently, and either be fixed in the most comfortable position or left to follow your movements (free float). This allows you to tailor your seating position completely to your preferences.
Ergonomic features that are important in an office chair include adjustable seat height, adjustable seat depth, adjustable backrest height, tiltable seat, adjustable armrests, high or low back, headrest, armrests, breathable mesh back, and lumbar pump.
The benefits of using an office chair with ergonomic features include reduced back pain, improved posture, and increased productivity.
Office chairs with a high level of adjustability are essential for people who spend a lot of time sitting at their desks. This means that the chair should have adjustable seat height, backrest height, armrests, lumbar support, and tilt. Additionally, chairs with features such as a rocking mechanism or a swivel base can help to keep you engaged and prevent you from sitting in one position for too long.
Mesh back is a type of upholstery that is made of a mesh material. This material is breathable and allows air to flow through, which can help to keep you cool and comfortable, especially if you tend to get hot while sitting. Breathable upholstery is a more general term that can refer to any upholstery that is made of a material that allows air to flow through. This could include mesh, fabric, or leather.
Adjustable lumbar support is a type of lumbar support that can be adjusted to fit the curvature of your lower back. This can help to provide better support and reduce back pain. Inflatable lumbar support is a type of lumbar support that can be inflated or deflated to adjust the amount of support it provides. This can be helpful for people with different levels of lumbar support needs.
You should always be able to reach the ground with your feet, otherwise your chair is too high. Make sure your back is in contact with the backrest and that the headrest is at the height of your neck, not your head.
Active furniture is furniture that is designed to encourage movement and reduce the risk of sitting for extended periods of time. Active furniture includes chairs with features such as rocking mechanisms, adjustable seats, and swivel bases.

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