In today's fast-paced work environment, where we spend hours on end seated at our desks, choosing the right office furniture is super important. And while it might not sound like the most exciting decision you’ll ever have to make, selecting the right chair for your desk can make a significant impact on your comfort, productivity, and overall well-being.
Yet, with so many options available on the market, it can be pretty overwhelming to know which is best for you. From ergonomic design to adjustable features and materials, there are several factors to consider when investing in an office chair that will support you throughout your workday, whether you're at home or in the commercial office.
5 things to look for when buying an office chair include:
1. Lumbar Support
If you’re sitting for long periods of time, you’re going to want a chair with proper lower back (lumbar) support, to help maintain the natural inward curve of your spine. Without this support, there's a high likelihood of experiencing back strain and adopting poor posture like slouching or hunching over.
For proper lower back support, you want to ensure that your lower back is always slightly arched, which is why an ergonomic chair with lumbar support is so beneficial.
What Actually Is Lumbar Support?
Lumbar support is any apparatus that supports the lumbar region of your back (lower back) while seated, and typically consists of a contoured cushion or an adjustable mechanism positioned at the base of the backrest to ‘fill in the gap’ between the lower back and the chair.
At Friska Desk, most of our ergonomic office chairs come with the option to add lumbar support, such as the Viasit Toleo Mesh-Back Ergonomic Chair.
Other ergonomic office accessories that can help with back and posture support are desk footrests. Discover whether you should use a footrest at your desk here.
2. Customisation and Movement
While a one-size-fits-all approach may suffice for certain products, customisation and adjustability is essential when it comes to office chairs, especially if you spend a considerable amount of time sitting in them.
Everyone's body is different, so having adjustable features such as seat height, armrest height, lumbar support, and tilt tension allows you to customise the chair to your own body's specific needs. Also, what feels comfortable for one person may not be suitable for another, so it’s really important to find a chair that you can fully tailor to your preferences.
Chairs with these adjustable features are particularly valuable in settings where multiple individuals might use the same chair across the working week, such as dynamic office environments or communal home workspaces.
Also, if you tend to move around a lot while at a desk, you want to be looking for a chair with a reclining or tilt mechanism to allow you to lean back and relax when need be.
Our Viasit Toleo NPR Upholstered-Back Ergonomic Chair has been specially engineered to provide optimal seated comfort with clever lateral support and unique torsional movement, so as you move, your chair moves with you, supporting every posture.
3. Quality Material and Comfortable Padding
Another important factor to consider when buying an office chair is material and padding.
In an ideal world, the material on the office chair seat and back should be padded enough so that it’s comfortable and supportive when sat on for a long period of time.
It’s also important that you opt for a chair with durable materials such as high-quality fabric, leather, or mesh upholstery that can withstand daily wear and tear. Because let’s face it, if something is sat on for hours on end, it will need serious durability.
Breathability is also an important element of a good office chair, as you want something that will help to keep you cool and comfortable, especially during warmer months or in environments with limited air circulation, such as chairs with mesh backrests.
Check out our extensive range of mesh ergonomic chairs here, and if you need a bit of help choosing the perfect one for you, feel free to get in touch with one of our friendly experts today at sales@friskadesk.com or 020 8064 0600.
4. Aesthetics
While the primary consideration when selecting an office chair is typically its comfort level, for many, it's also important to think about its aesthetic appeal and style, too.
The great news is that there are lots of different styles of office chairs on the market, so you’re bound to find one that suits your taste and office aesthetics, whether it's for a commercial or home office.
At Friska Desk, our chairs are available in a plethora of different colour variations, from green to blue to pink to black.
5. Generous Warranty and Reliable Customer Service
Last but not least, you want to make sure that the company you purchase your office chair from offers a generous warranty period and reliable customer service.
This is because a warranty provides assurance of the chair's quality and durability, i.e. it serves as a guarantee that the manufacturer stands behind their product. Without warranty, how can you have peace of mind that you’re investing in a high-quality chair?
In the event of manufacturing defects or malfunctions, a warranty also ensures that you can have the chair repaired or replaced at no additional cost.
It’s also super important to opt for a company that will offer responsive and helpful customer service, should you encounter any issues or have questions about your chair.
At Friska Desk, we’re proud to say that there is a 10 year warranty on all of our products, including chairs, standing desks and accessories, and our customer service representatives are available 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday via our enquiry form or 020 8064 0600. We also offer a live chat on our website operated by real people, yes REAL people!
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We hope this blog has provided you with valuable insights and considerations to guide your office chair decision-making process. Check out our wide range of ergonomic office chairs on our website, as well as our award winning standing desks and accessories.
For more tips and insights into the world of office furniture, check out our standing desk news page.