How to Choose the Best Office Chair: 5 Tips to Help You Pick

FAQ

• What is the best office chair for back pain?
  If you suffer from back pain, it’s best to choose an office chair with ergonomic features as it will provide proper lumbar support and encourage a healthy sitting posture. When buying an office chair, look for one with adjustable lumbar support, seat depth and backrest height so it can be tailored to fit you.  

  
  A synchronised or tilt mechanism can also help by allowing the chair to move with you, ultimately reducing pressure on your lower back.  

  
  When sitting at your desk, try to adjust your chair regularly to avoid sitting in one position for too long.  
• How do I choose the best office chair?
  To choose the best office chair, start by considering how long you sit down each day and the level of support you need. For occasional or short-term use, a simple chair may be sufficient, but if you sit for up to 8 hours a day, or more, an ergonomic office chair with adjustable lumbar support and a synchronised mechanism is usually the best choice.  
• What is the best office chair for sitting for long hours?
  The best office chair for long hours (8+ per day) is an ergonomic chair that designed for extended use. It should include adjustable seat height, lumbar support, armrests and a suitable chair mechanism to support movement throughout the day. Breathable materials such as mesh can also improve comfort during extended use.

  
  Our best office chair types for long hours include Crookham, Chichester and Liverpool models. 
• What are the benefits of an ergonomic office chair?
  An ergonomic office chair is designed to support your body, distribute your weight more evenly and promote a healthier way of sitting. The main benefits include: 

  • Improved posture  
  • Reduced back pain 
  • Less strain on the neck 
  • Reduce fatigue 
  • Increased comfort over longer periods  
  • Improved focus  
• Which type of office chair mechanism is best?
  The best desk chair mechanism depends on how you work, but a synchronised mechanism tends to be the most popular. This type of office chair allows the seat and backrest to move together, helping you recline without losing proper posture, offering a balance of comfort and support. 

  
  Multi-synchronised or asynchronous mechanisms provide greater control over your seating position if you sit for longer periods. Simpler mechanisms, such as permanent contact back or tilt functions, can still be suitable for lighter use. 
• Are expensive office chairs worth it?
  Expensive office chairs tend to offer a greater range of high-quality ergonomic features and advanced adjustability, which can be worth the investment if you spend long hours sitting at a desk.  

  
  While budget chairs may be suitable for occasional use, investing in a comfortable well-designed ergonomic office chair can help prevent discomfort and reduce the risk of strain if you spend more than 4 hours sitting at a desk each day.  
• How high should an office chair be?
  Your desk chair should be adjusted to a height that allows your feet to rest flat on the floor, with your knees level with, or slightly below, your hips. This helps maintain proper posture and reduces pressure on your lower back. 

  
  Your back should be fully supported by the backrest and arms should rest comfortably at desk height. If your chair includes a headrest, it should be set at a level that supports your neck, rather than pushing your head forward. 
• Gaming chair vs office chair: which is better?
  Gaming chairs and office chairs are designed for different purposes. Gaming chairs are engineered to support short bursts of focused activity and often feature deep recline and bold styling. However, they may lack the ergonomic adjustability needed for long working days. 

  
  Office chairs, particularly ergonomic models, are designed to support posture, reduce strain and provide comfort over extended periods. For daily desk work, the best choice is an ergonomic office chair.  
• What is the difference between adjustable lumbar support and inflatable lumbar support?
  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.
• What is active furniture?
  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.