One of the most underestimated yet crucial elements of your workspace is the office chair.
In the pursuit of productivity and comfort, the perfect office chair can make all the difference.
But what exactly makes an office chair perfect? Is it just about aesthetics, or does functionality play a more critical role?
Let's delve into the key elements you need to consider when choosing the right office chair for you.
Office Chair Ergonomics: Looking after your wellbeing at work
Ergonomics is all about designing your workspace to help support wellbeing, and office chairs play a key role as the backbone of your comfort.
Working in an office generally means spending a lot of time sitting - a position that adds a great deal of stress to the spine. Your spine is one of the most important parts of your body, it protects your spinal cord, provides the body with structure and is a hub for nerves that connect throughout the body to help you move. Clearly, it’s very important to look after your spine!
Therefore, to avoid developing or compounding back problems, it's important to have an ergonomic office chair, supporting the lower back and promoting good posture.
Crucially your office chair should support the natural curve of the spine, even during long hours of sitting. For adequate lumbar support, it is essential to ensure that your lower back maintains a slight arch at all times to prevent slouching during the day.
You can do this by ensuring your back is correctly positioned with an adjustable chair. We're all unique, and so are our bodies. That's why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work when it comes to office chairs, everyone needs to customise their chair to fit their specific needs.
To position your chair correctly, sit with your back flat against the backrest. Then, adjust the seat so that there is at least an inch between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees. A correctly positioned chair helps to alleviate pressure on the lumbar discs in the spine, mitigating the risk of future back problems.
Another important adjustable feature is the seat height. You’ll know if your chair is the correct height when both feet are flat on the floor and your knees are slightly lower than the level of your hips. Your eye line should also be level with the screen, so it may be necessary to use an adjustable desk or a device such as a laptop stand.
Although having controls to adjust your comfort level is useful, it defeats the purpose if you have to struggle to reach them! You should be able to effortlessly tilt, adjust the height, or swivel from a seated position to avoid placing more strain on your muscles. It can be useful to opt for a chair like Being in this case. The intelligent weight balancing mechanism at the heart of the Being chair ensures it is quickly & simply adapted to suit a wide range of body types.
Regardless of whether you use an ergonomic chair or a standard office chair, it's important to incorporate brief breaks into your day to enhance circulation. Standing up from your chair periodically promotes better posture, alleviates eye strain, and reduces fatigue.
Materials Matter
The materials used in an office chair play a pivotal role in its comfort and durability. The perfect chair should be made of high-quality materials that stand the test of time. Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics for the upholstery can soak up the heat and help keep you cool and comfortable. The cushioning should strike the right balance between firmness and softness - a harder surface can be uncomfortable and even painful after long periods of work, but a surface that is too soft won’t offer enough support.
The ideal chair should be built to last. This means using robust materials, quality craftsmanship, and a warranty to back it up. A durable chair not only saves you money in the long run but also minimises the environmental impact of constant replacements.
Try to opt for the most sustainable material composition available, considering plastic usage, recycled content, recyclable materials and location of production. For instance, Do would be an excellent choice to opt for. With locally sourced components and 18% recycled content, it only has a 68 kg carbon footprint. Environmental impact is a particularly important consideration if this is one of your business’s values, ensuring you put your money where your mouth is and show off your company’s ethics.
Aesthetic Appeal
Now that you’ve thought about the practicalities of an office chair, you can think about the fun part: the design of your chair. While functionality is crucial, the perfect office chair should also look the part.
It should be a chair that not only supports you but also seamlessly complements the overall decor of your workspace. Whether your workspace features a minimalist, traditional, or contemporary design, there's an office chair design that can complement it.
An office chair is often one of the first things noticed when someone enters a room. Its design should convey a sense of professionalism and attention to detail. A well-designed chair exudes a level of sophistication that can positively influence perceptions of your workspace.
If you’re looking for something modern that’ll add a pop of colour and fun to your workspace, without sacrificing support and comfort, Muuna could be the right choice for you. Or are you looking for something more sleek and sophisticated for your directors? The Northscape range of executive chairs are characterised by modern elegance. These chairs are for the leader who has a sense of style and cares about the aesthetic of their workplace.
When choosing the ideal chair, remember that it's not just a piece of furniture; it's a tool that can enhance your work performance and well-being. So, take your time to find the chair that perfectly suits you and your workspace.
Our extensive selection ensures that you will discover a chair suitable for your needs, regardless of your identity. If you’re having trouble choosing, get in touch with one of our design experts today!