The best home office chair

Home office chairs

Without a doubt, not all office chairs are created equal. While it can be easy to choose any model that matches your decor, anyone working from home needs a quality chair that strikes the right balance of comfort and support.

Currently our favorite model is the Steelcase Leap Fabric Chair, as it allows you to adjust many aspects of your sitting position, and its weight limit of 400 pounds can easily support most users. The fact that it is available in over 20 colors and fabrics is a bonus.

If you’ve got another office chair in mind and just want to make sure you pick the right one, keep reading this buying guide. It covers everything you need to know to make an informed purchase.

How to choose a home office chair

Ergonomics

Most people spend a lot of time at their desks, which is why it is so important to buy a chair that provides ergonomic support. Sitting all day in a chair that doesn’t provide enough support can lead to back and neck problems, while a chair that doesn’t keep you in the right position can hamper your workflow and even affect your body. the circulation. Also, if your chair is uncomfortable, it can interfere with your concentration and cause excessive fatigue.

Types of office chairs

There are many types of office chairs, each offering specific benefits and better meeting particular needs.

Work chairs: The ubiquitous chair you see in most work environments, task chairs are lightweight, available in a variety of materials, and usually have wheels so a person can easily squeeze in and out of their desks. They are designed with an emphasis on ergonomics and used by people who sit all day at work. These are also sometimes referred to as computer or desk chairs.

Executive chairs: Larger and more padded than task chairs, the design of executive chairs emphasizes style. While comfortable, they often don’t offer the same level of ergonomics as office chairs and may be less adjustable. Usually they will be covered with real or artificial leather and a high backrest with incorporated headrests.

Editorial chairs: The main difference between drawing chairs and task chairs is simply the height and the incorporation of a footrest. Drafting chairs work best with drafting tables and standing tasks, so they should be taller than standard task chairs.

Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chai

Active seats: A somewhat new category of office chairs, active chairs help combat some of the negative health consequences of sitting all day. They have an unstable base which promotes movement and requires you to engage your core. Balance Ball chairs are a form of active chairs.

Kneeling chairs: Just like the name suggests, kneeling chairs distribute the weight between your butt and shins and keep your pelvis tilted forward. It is said to help improve the alignment and posture of your spine. Often times, especially when you are starting with one, you might want to alternate between an active sitting or kneeling chair and your traditional office chair because they have an adjustment period.

What to look for in a home office chair

Materials

Office chairs come in many materials, and choosing the one that meets your needs is essential. Mesh is one of the most common because it is economical, highly breathable and durable. Fabric is also a good choice for many. Like mesh, it’s breathable and affordable, and it comes in a wider range of styles. Those who want more of an upscale appearance may prefer a leather office chair, although you will have to pay for that luxury. The leatherette replicates this premium appearance. However, it is not very breathable and tends to crack over time.

Adjustability

As mentioned earlier, getting an office chair for your home that is comfortable and keeps you in the right sitting position is essential. For this, adjustment is essential. You want a chair that allows you to adjust the height to the minimum. You can also find models that will allow you to change the tilt or tension settings, the amount of lumbar support, the seat depth, and the vertical and horizontal placement of the armrests.

Armrests, footrests and headrests

Most people will want an office chair with armrests. However, you need to consider the height and width of your desk opening to make sure the armrests will fit underneath. If your chair can’t fit fully under your desk, you won’t be able to pull it out all the way, which can cause you to bend over when working. Some models have folding armrests, which can be useful in such situations as you can move the armrests up when you slide them under your desk and rest them when backing up.

If you periodically recline your chair or lean back throughout the day, you’ll appreciate a model that comes with a headrest. As with the armrests, these sometimes offer height adjustment for a perfect fit.

While the footrests don’t seem essential, they do provide additional comfort when you recline. A chair with a sliding footrest is a great option for those who watch movies and other media while sitting at their home desk.

How much can you expect to spend on an office chair?

The price of home office chairs varies widely depending on the size and materials. You can easily find budget work chairs that start around $ 50, while luxurious executive chairs can cost several thousand dollars. Most people can find a chair to suit their needs for $ 100 to $ 300.

Office chair faqs

Are there chairs for tall and tall people?

A. Yes. Just like with clothes, there are office chairs that are specially designed for tall and tall people. If you are concerned that a chair may accommodate you, be sure to check both the actual dimensions of the seat and the maximum recommended weight limit.

Will my chair be assembled?

A. For the most part, office chairs are not pre-assembled. However, the assembly process is generally relatively easy. If you don’t have a screwdriver and Allen key at home, you should check the listing to make sure it comes with the necessary assembly tools.

High office chair

Steelcase Leap fabric chair

What would you like to know: A popular option that comes in over 20 color and fabric options, this chair will fit well in most homes.

What you will love: It offers excellent adaptability, including the ability to customize the firmness of the lumbar support.

What you should consider: The high price tag may make it a non-starter for some.

Or buy: Sold by Amazon

Top office chair for the money

Alera Elusion in the middle of the back

What would you like to know: A good choice for those on a budget, the Elusion features breathable mesh padding and a solid construction that can withstand heavy use.

What you will love: The edge of the seat has a rounded shape to relieve pressure on the legs, and you can adjust both the height and width of the armrests.

What you should consider: Assembly takes time.

Or buy: Sold by Amazon and Staples

Worth the detour

Eurotech Ergohuman High Back Swivel

What would you like to know: Built with an emphasis on ergonomics, the Ergohuman should keep you comfortable and in the correct sitting position all day.

What you will love: It offers an almost unmatched level of fit.

What you should consider: Even at the lowest height settings, it is not well suited to short people.