Working from Home: How to Choose the Perfect Office Chair

Home working is becoming an ever more popular alternative to heading into the office; it is something over half of all workers experienced during the recent pandemic. Many businesses have woken up to the benefits of working from home, and it seems that for many it is here to stay. 

If you’re likely to be working from home in the long-term, you’ll need to start kitting out your home working space with the right office furniture. Central to a good set up is the right home office chair as well as a well fitted home office desk. This guide takes you through everything you need to know about choosing a home office chair that brings comfort for long periods.  

What to Look for in a Working From Home Office Chair  

There is a lot to choose from – so how do you know what kind of office chair to invest in? Here are some things to keep in mind when browsing office chairs for working from home.  

Style  

From operator to draughtsmen, executive to conference, there are seemingly endless types of office chairs, each able to bring something different to your home office. 

You can learn more about all the different types of office chairs here, but for a home office you can narrow your search down to the following styles: 

• Operator Chairs 
• Executive Chairs 

• 24 Hours Chairs 

Three distinctive office chairs that bring three different things to the table. Operator chairs are the versatile, every day office chairs you see filling the banks of many office desks today. They’re comfortable, supportive and robust enough to sustain plenty of use. They’re also the most cost-effective office chair, making them a popular choice for home office spaces.  

Executive office chairs are a bolder and more expensive option. They’re bigger and bulkier than operator chairs, with high backs that often reach to the neck and beyond. They also come in premium materials like leather, adding to their high-end look and feel. If you’re willing to spend a little more for a superior product, look to executive chairs.  

Finally, a 24-hour chair will be more appropriate if you plan to work long hours each day. All office chairs are designed with ergonomics in mind, but a 24-hour chair will bring more robust ergonomic features that support your back, arms, legs and neck over long periods. 

Features  

Whichever style you go for, there are a few key features that you need to ensure are a part of your home office chair. Look out for the following: 

• Arm rests 

Your arms should comfortably rest on the chair’s arm rests while you operate your computer.  

• Lumbar support  

This is situated at the bottom of the back rest, helping to maintain the natural curvature of your back. 

• Height adjustment 

Adjust the height of the chair so you are in line with the top of your monitor and your knees slide comfortably under your desk. 

• Five-star wheelbase  

A five-star wheelbase allows for easy movement around your home office, with no strain on your body when reaching for things. 

With these key ergonomic features, you’ll feel more comfortable for longer as you work from home.  

Material  

Materials are also a vital home office chair consideration. Again, you are presented with a shortlist of options: 

• Fabric 
• Leather 
• Mesh 

Leather is more commonly associated with executive chairs. This premium material is more costly, but it’s great if you want a high-end look and feel. Just be wary that leather is subject to temperature changes. In especially warm environments this can lead to a sweaty, uncomfortable sitting experience.  

Fabric and mesh are cheaper than leather and therefore don’t have that premium feel. They’re similarly priced, but each material holds one significant advantage over the other.  

Fabric is available in a wide variety of colours, allowing you to select a product that fits perfectly in your home office. Mesh is the most breathable, and therefore comfortable, material. Fabric does some have a degree of breathability, but not to the extent of mesh. During the summer months, this can bring an extra degree of comfort.  

Price  

Cost is likely to be a major consideration in your purchasing decision. The material you choose is the only factor that will significantly affect cost. Fabric and mesh home office chairs are available at a reasonable price, while leather will cost a little more.  

Why you Need to Choose Ergonomic   

No matter the style and material of home office chair you go for, making sure it is ergonomic is essential.  

Be healthier  

Musculoskeletal problems such as back and neck pain are the second most significant cause of sick days in the UK. Not only does this effect your ability to start work every day, it’s a concern for your long-term health.  

Ergonomic chairs can help. A study from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries upgraded 4,000 workers to ergonomic furniture. Absenteeism was reduced by 75%.   

A 2012 review of five ergonomic chair studies in the BMC Musculoskeletal Disorder Journal also found positive results, saying that ergonomically designed chairs reduce the level of musculoskeletal symptoms among the workforce.  

Be more productive   

Throughout the day, an ergonomic home office chair can keep you free from distracting niggles in your back and neck. The same Washington-based study above also found a 40% increase in time employees were on task.   

Produce better work    

If you’re on task for longer and more focused in that time, you’ll inevitably produce better work. Ergonomics work for you on both a long-term and short-term basis.  

How to Get the Most out of you Ergonomic Chair    

Once you’ve taken delivery of your brand-new home office chair, how do you make sure you’re getting the most from it? Take these three tips into your home office setup.  

Sit correctly   

Your teacher and parents will no doubt have told you plenty of times not to slouch in your chair, but bad habits can easily set in. To keep back pain at bay, consider all of the following, or read our extensive guide on sitting correctly at a desk: 

• Both feet should be flat on the floor  
• Don’t cross your legs  
• Hips and knees at 90 degrees  

• Maintain the arch in your back  
• Don’t slouch  
• Position your monitor in line with your eye-level   

Ergonomics is more than just chairs   

Your chair is one aspect of a perfect home office setup. Your desk and monitor are other important factors to consider, each of them forming a part of a healthy, productive workspace. Follow our guide for building the ultimate ergonomic home office here.  

Take regular breaks   

Ultimately, sitting down for long periods is not ideal for your health. Keep the muscles moving and blood flowing by standing up and taking a break every 30 minutes or so. This will also help you remain mentally fresh throughout the day, able to stay focused on your tasks when you return to your desk.  

Now you’re clued up on exactly what you need, head over to the Furniture At Work site, where we have a wide array of home office chairs fit for every requirement.