Why Your Office Chair Makes All The Difference
You deserve to take a seat – but not just any seat.
The best office chair can change how you experience your workday. It can boost both comfort and output. A 1997 study revealed that 67% of workers report that having an adjustable-height chair had positive effects on their neck and back, for example.
The connection between seating and wellbeing runs deeper than you might think. The best ergonomic office chairs help maintain natural spine alignment, reducing strain throughout your workday.
Office Chair Features for Different Body Types
To get the best out of an ergonomic chair, you must consider your body shape and size.
Office Chairs For People With Petite Frames
An office chair should let your feet rest flat on the floor while keeping your thighs parallel to the ground. This can be a challenge for shorter individuals. Look for chairs with seat depth adjustment and height ranges starting from 15 inches. The armrests should adjust inward to naturally support your elbows.
Average Builds
Mid-range adjustability serves most body types well. Focus on office chairs with two or three inches of height adjustment range above and below your ideal setting. This flexibility accommodates different tasks and postures throughout your day.
Larger Builds
Weight capacity matters, but so does seat width and depth. Select an office chair rated for your body weight plus 50 pounds to ensure durability. Wider seats – 20 inches or greater – provide proper support without restriction. Look for reinforced bases and heavy-duty casters designed for continuous use.
Making Sense of Office Chair Adjustments
The best ergonomic office chairs are adjustable to fit your body’s geometry. Consider each of these adjustments when shopping for task seating.
Seat Height
While seated in your office chair, your knees should bend at roughly 90 degrees when seated. Sitting too high or low forces awkward positions that strain your legs and back. Most quality chairs offer pneumatic height adjustment for easy modifications. The ideal seat height should allow you to keep your feet firmly planted on the floor or a footrest.
Lumbar Support
Your lower back has a natural curve, so your office chair should support it. Adjustable lumbar support lets you position the backrest precisely where you need it.
This small detail makes a massive difference in comfort over long periods. The support should sit right in the curve of your lower back, typically between six to 10 inches above the seat. Chairs with dynamic lumbar support respond to your movements in your seat.
Armrests
Proper arm support reduces shoulder and neck tension. Multi-directional adjustable armrests accommodate different desk heights and working styles. They should allow your shoulders to stay relaxed and elbows to bend naturally at 90 degrees. The width between armrests should match your body frame for optimal support.
Tilt
The best office chairs support freedom-of-movement, so you don’t feel as stiff after a day in the office. Synchronous tilt mechanisms help maintain proper posture as you recline, keeping your feet on the ground and your screen at eye-level.
Office Chair Materials Matter
The materials used in your office chair affect both comfort and longevity.
Mesh backs offer superior ventilation, making them ideal for warmer environments or long sitting sessions. Because they’re breathable, they help you maintain a comfortable body temperature.
High-density foam maintains its shape longer than standard foam, providing consistent support year after year.
Commercial-grade fabrics resist wear and staining better than residential materials.
Make Your Investment Count With Used Office Chairs
Inexpensive task chairs from big box stores are tempting because of their reasonable price tags, but they aren’t meant to support you for eight hours a day. If you want something more durable, long-lasting, and better for your body, you’ll need to shop for office chairs designed for long-term sitting and daily use.
For small businesses and start-ups, high-quality office chairs are budget-busters. Shopping for used office chairs will save you money, and you’ll still be getting supportive seating that maintains their core benefits even after years of use.
Find Quality Used Office Chairs For Your Kansas City-Area Business
Quality pre-owned office furniture pays dividends through improved comfort and productivity. Santa Fe Office Interiors is your local source for new and gently used options from top seating manufacturers.
Stop by our 13,000-square-foot showroom in Overland Park to test different models and find the best ergonomic office chair for you. We can help you make proper adjustments so you can work in comfort. We have a selection in-stock for every body type and budget.
Call us at (913) 901-8800 to check current availability or to schedule a consultation. Your perfect office chair awaits in our showroom, located at 8106 Santa Fe Drive in Overland Park.