How to Choose the Best Office Chair For Long Hours

An ergonomic chair can improve your posture, reduce back pain, and boost productivity – so it pays to invest in a good office chair!

Choosing the best office chair can be difficult!

There is a vast variety of office furniture on the market and deciding which office chair to buy can be a challenge. The furniture experts at Spaceist have put this guide together to help you choose the best office chair for long hours.

Why is picking the right office chair so important?

Studies show that a supportive ergonomic office chair can increase productivity and maximise workplace efficiency. You will also be more comfortable when you choose a good piece of office furniture that can be adjusted to your specific body shape and preferences.

Avoid a basic office chair

A basic office chair may not provide the level of support you need which may lead to health problems such as back pain or muscle strain. This will affect your work performance and productivity, which is why it is so important to choose the best chair for work.

How to choose an office chair

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to your office chair and it can be difficult to know which office chair is best.

With that in mind, here are five things to consider when choosing a chair for work:

1. How many hours do you work?

This is the most important question to ask yourself when you are deciding which office chair to buy. The general rule is that the more hours you sit down, the better office chair you will need.

We’ve put together this rough guide to help you choose the most suitable office chair based on the number of hours that you work:

• 4 hours: If your role only requires you to sit at a desk for up to 4 hours a day, you can likely get away with purchasing a relatively inexpensive basic office chair.
• 8 hours: If you work a normal working day e.g. 9 am to 5 pm and spend the majority of your time sitting down, you will need an ergonomic chair with good adjustment possibilities. The most common type of office chair.
• 12 hours: If you work long hours and sit in your office chair for long periods, you will need to invest in a high-quality chair that offers optimum support and premium adjustment features.

2. Adjustability

When deciding which office chair to buy, look for ergonomic features which allow you to adjust the chair to your specific body shape. To ensure optimal comfort and support, look for an office chair with the following adjustment features:

• Adjustable seat angle
• Adjustable seat depth
• Adjustable backrest height
• Adjustable seat height

These features are standard on most good ergonomic office chairs, but make sure you read the specifications carefully before choosing a chair for work.

3. Additional accessories

The best office chair for long hours may also be influenced by specific features and accessories. For example, armrests are included as standard on most ergonomic office chairs, although they may only be available as an add-on if you choose a basic office chair.

Here are some common accessories to look for when deciding which office chair is best:

• High or low back: Tall people should choose an office chair with a high back to ensure that their entire upper body is supported while they work.
• Armrests: Armrests support your arms and relieve the shoulders. Look for an office chair with adjustable armrests so you can tailor them to the right position for you.
• Headrest: A headrest should be at neck height to relieve the neck and shoulders. You should be able to adjust the height and angle to provide the best possible support.
• Mesh back: Mesh office chairs look stylish and they also provide a practical function. According to the Office Oasis, a mesh chair is easy to maintain and provides better ventilation, helping you stay cool and comfortable while working.

4. Colour & design

Once you have decided which office chair will suit your needs, you can choose the design and colour of your chair.

There is a wide range of office chairs available, including both traditional and modern designs. You can also choose from a variety of materials in various colours such as leather, faux leather, fabric, and so only.

5. Budget

Your available budget will influence what office chair you buy. There are office chairs available to suit all budgets and preferences. Look for a chair that offers good value for money e.g. one made from durable materials with a generous warranty.

Tip: We always recommend buying the best office chair you can afford. You are likely to spend a lot of time sitting in your office chair – so it’s worth investing in a good one!

What is the best office chair for long hours?

We often get asked the question: What is the best computer chair for long hours?
We always recommend purchasing a premium ergonomic office chair like our Eco Chairs if you spend a lot of time sitting at your desk. A good ergonomic chair will provide optimum support and help you stay focused on your work tasks.

Ergonomic chair meaning

Ergonomic office chairs are specifically designed for maximum comfort and efficiency. Most ergonomic chairs have the following features as standard: adjustable office chair height, adjustable seat depth, adjustable armrests, and lumbar support.

How often should you replace office chairs?

Quality office chairs are made from durable materials and designed to withstand heavy use and remain in good condition for many years. An average office chair will need to be replaced every 7 to 8 years, although a premium ergonomic office chair may last longer than this. See our guide on how often should office furniture be replaced.

Buying a quality ergonomic desk chair is a good investment

This is definitely something to consider when deciding which office chair to buy. Choosing a good ergonomic desk chair may save you money in the long run as it should need replacing less often.