5 design features of the ideal office chair

Your work setup isn’t complete without the perfect chair. However, with so many different designs to choose from, it can be tricky to decide which one to go for. To help you suss out which model is best for you, we’ve compiled a list of the five must-have features of the ideal office chair. 1. Adjustable seat height We come in all different shapes and sizes, so it’s important that your office chair can be altered to suit your individual needs - especially when it comes to seat height. Sitting at your desk with your chair at the wrong height can be extremely uncomfortable. For example, you could find that you’re stooping to look at your monitor, leading to neck and shoulder pain. Being able to adjust the height of your chair will enable you to sit more comfortably. Ideally, your seat should allow you to sit with your feet placed on the floor. You should also be able to alter the height so that your forearms and wrists can rest comfortably on the desk and your eyes are level with the top of your computer screen. 2. Lumbar support When it comes to choosing an office chair, lumbar support is an absolute must. Without this feature, you could be doing your back health more harm than good. Lumbar support refers to the shape and curvature of the back section of the chair and it’s designed to promote a natural, healthy sitting position. It also offers support to the small of your back. So, if you want to keep your back in shape, make sure you go for a model with this feature. 3. A cushioned seat Since there’s a good chance that you’re going to be sitting in your office chair for long periods of time, it’s important that you go for a design with a cushioned seat. If you’re comfortable in your chair, you should feel more at ease and as a result, it’s likely you’ll be more productive when it comes to your work. When you’re on the hunt for a new office chair, make sure you go for one that has a plush, plump, cushioned seat. It also pays to look for designs with padded back sections. 4. Swivel tilt mechanism As you sit in your chair, it’s only natural to want to shift your position from time to time. So, to help you move easily within your seat, you could go for a design with a swivel tilt mechanism. This feature allows you to reposition yourself periodically and offers fluid mobility. It can also help relieve pressure, especially on your back. 5. Armrests While they may not be absolutely necessary, having a chair with armrests can be useful. Armrests can help reduce pressure on your lower back, ease neck and shoulder tension and provide support during tasks such as reading and writing. They can also help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome - a condition that many office workers struggle with. Ideally, the armrests on your chair should be cushioned, contoured and comfortable. When you’re searching for the perfect model, look out for designs with fully adjustable armrests so that you can alter them to a height that suits you. At Furniture at Work™, we offer an impressive selection of office chairs featuring a wide variety of styles, functionalities and colours. For help picking out the perfect seating solutions for your workplace, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of experts.