While the idea of working from your bed or sofa is quite tempting, it is certainly not feasible – especially if you, like most people, spend eight or more hours at your desk. Dining chairs or stools do not provide adequate back support, which is why they are not great work-seating options either.
Instead, if you want to improve your comfort and maintain your health while working, the best solution is to invest in an ergonomic desk chair. These chairs keep you from hunching over the keyboard, support the spine, and help improve overall posture.
In this guide, we will talk about some of the best desk chair options for your home office setup.
Top Desk Chairs for Your Home Office:
Ergonomic Office Chair Mesh Swivel Chair:
This ergonomic swivel chair by FlexiSpot is the first on our list and for very good reason.
For one, if you are struggling with low back pain as a result of spending long hours in uncomfortable chairs, the adjusted lumbar support provided by this ergonomic office chair will sort this issue out. The chair has been designed in a way to provide forceful spinal support, which ensures that users do not get tired or comfortable even after sitting for long periods of time.
Secondly, this ergonomic office chair mesh swivel chair offers ideal airflow, thereby preventing sweat or heat from getting trapped between the chair and your body. The chair cushion is made using highly resilient sponge foam that facilitates the natural curvature formed by the human hip.
The headrest and armrest can be adjusted down or up, delivering the perfect support in any position. Moreover, the chair height can also be adjusted with a range of 16.9 to 20.9 inches, making it suitable for different sitting positions and heights.
The lockable and reclining backrest provides 90 to 135 degrees of tilt, allowing you to stay in your comfort zone while working or even taking a quick nap.
HAG Capisco Chair by Fully:
If you use a standing desk (or cannot get comfortable, no matter what you try), this saddle chair by Fully allows you to improve your posture and alleviate back pain by letting the spine rest in the natural "S" curvature. This is also the reason that many doctors and other medical professionals swear by saddle seats.
The chair has a minimalist design which will not only add elegance to your home office but also let you sit and work in a variety of positions. The chair is quite versatile, and ideal for people who struggle to sit still: it lets you sit sideways, backward, and forwards, all without compromising on your posture or level of comfort.
Alera Elusion Series Mesh Mid-Back Chair:
If you are looking to buy an ergonomic desk chair, the presence of armrests is likely to not be a deciding factor. Having said that, having a chair that lets you comfortably rest the forearms, is certainly a perk worth having. The Alera's armrests are made using polyurethane pads which are width- and height-adjustable, presenting you with a wide range of adjustment options.
The height and tilt can also be adjusted at several points, allowing you to find your sweet spot. The breathable mesh, meanwhile, keeps you cool and comfortable on days when the mercury is relentlessly high.
Noblewell Office Chair:
The Noblwell office chair delivers proper ergonomics at a very reasonable price. This budget-friendly option comes with an adjustable headrest and a mesh back, and the breathable design makes it a good choice for stuffy rooms.
Moreover, you can adjust this desk chair in multiple ways: The waist height, seat height, armrests, and lumbar support can be tweaked according to your needs and comfort requirements. The backrest can be tilted between 90 and 135 degrees, while the caster rolls provide adequate stability.
Steelcase Gesture Office Chair:
Gesture by Steelcase promises comfort, regardless of your sitting style or position – whether you cross your legs at the knee, tuck one leg underneath the other, or even sling a leg over the armrest. The chair also offers a wide range of adjustments, allowing you to tweak the entire package as per your comfort and posture demands. The gesture comes with multiple fabric options and has a 12-year warranty.
The only drawback is that the chair is not as breathable as other options within this range.
Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair:
During long working hours, ideal lumbar support is vital for proper neck and back alignment. The Duramont Ergonomic office chair delivers an adjustable design that lets the user move the lumbar support in a couple of different ways.
The dials on the back of the chair allow you to move the support downwards or upwards, as well as outwards and inwards, to find the ideal position for your posture and comfort.
The chair comes with a number of other useful features as well, including adjustable armrests, headrests, and backrests, as well as a contoured seat cushion. In addition, the product is backed by a five-year warranty.
Herman Miller Aeron Chair:
This Herman Miller Chair is on the expensive side but is certainly worth the splurge for people who spend at least eight hours at their chairs every day. The chair comes with a fully ergonomic design, complete with features like a sturdy base, mesh back, and three size options to choose from. These aspects, when combined, ensure that the user enjoys ultimate comfort during their working days.
You also get a wide range of adjustment options. The chair not only allows you to adjust the tilt but also the angle of the seat itself. Besides, the armrests are fully adjustable, and the chair even offers the option to add a lumbar pad for additional support. Last but not the least; the Herman Miller Aeron Chair comes with a 12-year warranty that promises to protect your initial high investment.
Ignition 2.0 by Hon:
Featuring a mesh back, adjustable lumbar support, and adjustable armrests, the Hon Ignition 2.0 delivers the kind of support offered by premium desk chairs –at a fraction of the cost. This chair is less like a flying coach seat, and more like a business-class airplane seat. The seat cushion has been designed to cater to different body shapes and types. Moreover, armrests in standard chairs tend to sometimes dig into the sides – something that is certainly not the case with Ignition 2.0.
The lumbar support is also well-executed, while the adjustable support effectively supports the lower-back region. Besides, the chair is quite durable, and the cushion will not lose its supportability or weight even after prolonged use. The adjustable range of the seat height is also higher than the range in many other seating options.
Factors to Consider when Buying an Ergonomic Desk Chair:
Backrest:
The backrest is a crucial component of any ergonomic desk chair. Your chosen chair should be accompanied by adequate lumbar support, and allow you to adjust the backrest in multiple positions. Ideally, a backrest should be 12 to 20 inches wide, and follow and support the natural spinal curvature. Our spines have inward curves and if the chair does not support this curve, we could end up with hunched backs. A hunched back not only increases the chances of pain and injury but also affects our productivity by impairing focus.
Adjustable Seat:
The next thing to consider is the adjustability of the seat. According to Pittsburgh University, the front portion of a desk chair seat should strike the back of your knees. Seats need to be 16 to 20 inches wide and should offer enough depth for your back to rest on the backrest. Besides, the inclination should also be fully adjustable so that you can maneuver it as per your needs. Make sure that the seat material is sufficiently padded.
The ability to adjust the seat height allows you to maintain a comfortable position while keeping your feet flat on the floor. Adjustable armrests, meanwhile, ensure comfortable and ergonomic arm positions. Some desk chairs also come with cervical or lumbar adjustment features, which are particularly important for people who deal with back pain.
Headrest:
A headrest provides adequate support for your head, allowing you to lean back whenever you feel the need to. Headrests facilitate the relaxation of the neck and head muscles – which is especially important after a long and tiring day of work.
Movement:
An ergonomic desk chair should also promote movement by providing adjustable armrests, back, and seat. Regular movement during work is important: it improves the supply of blood and oxygen to different parts of the body; prevents back, neck, and eye strain; and improves your concentration and productivity.
If you feel that your shoulders, neck, back, or eyes feel strained or stiff, the lack of movement and flexibility offered by your current chair might be the culprit.
Final Word:
To sum up, an ergonomic chair can go a long way in perfecting your posture, improving your comfort level, reducing muscle pain and stiffness, and enhancing your overall work experience.
However, keep in mind that, even the best and most ergonomic desk chair does not take away the need for regular movement and breaks; hence, regardless of the chair you use, do not forget to stand up and walk away from the screen every half hour or so.
