An ergonomic office chair is a type of chair designed to support the natural movements and postures of the human body. It is typically adjustable and has features such as lumbar support, adjustable armrests, and seat depth adjustment. Ergonomic chairs are designed to reduce the risk of injury and promote overall comfort and health.

Key features to look for in an office chair include adjustability, lumbar support, seat depth, armrests, and material quality. A chair with adjustable features can be customised to your body, reducing the risk of strain or injury. Lumbar support can help maintain a healthy spine posture, while seat depth and armrests can enhance comfort and support.

Lumbar support on an office chair should fit comfortably into the curve of your lower back. Lumbar back support in your chair helps to promote good posture by filling in the gap between the spine and the seat in order to support the natural curve of the lower back. To get the full effect of your ergonomic chair it is advised to sit up straight against the back of the chair with your feet flat on the ground.

The weight of an average office chair can vary greatly but the standard office chair tends to lie somewhere between 22 and 27kg. The standard office chair can also hold weights of around 113kg.

Most chair models have levers located just below the seat, attached to the base which might contain several controls like seat height and angle. You can adjust the height by pulling on the appropriate lever while sitting in the chair. For some models you will have to turn a knob instead of pulling a lever. Pneumatic models will allow you to pump the lever (repeatedly push up or down on the lever to raise or lower the seat) until you find the right height for you.

The average seat height of an office chair is between 410 to 520mm. However this height is not a “one size fits all” solution and it is important to note that everyone operates at a different ideal height. The best way to judge what height you should set your office chair to is by standing up in front of your chair and adjusting the chair so that the top of the seat or cushion hits the spot right below your kneecaps. Then sit back down and continue to adjust until you are sitting comfortably in your seat with your feet flat on the ground and your keyboard and mouse are in line with your elbows. For the best comfort while seating in the office we recommend our range of ergonomic office chairs.

There are many things to look out for when picking a good office chair. A good office chair should be comfortable and contain features such as a high back, a multitude of adjustable positions, lumbar support and recline settings to ensure you are sitting ergonomically correct at all times. Your joints should always be comfortable at a 90 degree angle when sitting in your chair and your feet should firmly touch the floor at all times. Breathable upholstery or mesh is preferred so as to ensure your comfort and not allow your body to overheat. How your chair feels to your arms and shoulders is also very important, if you need to shrug your shoulders to rest them on the arm rests then your chair is not right for you as your arms should always be able to rest perfectly on the arm rests, or on the desk in line with your keyboard, while in a fully relaxed position.

To adjust your office chair for maximum comfort and support, start by adjusting the seat height so your feet are flat on the floor and your knees are at a 90-degree angle. Adjust the seat depth to support the back of your thighs, and the backrest height to support your lumbar spine. If your chair has adjustable armrests, adjust them to support your arms without causing shoulder strain.

Task chairs typically have a lower backrest, a smaller seat, and fewer adjustments compared to executive chairs. They are generally less expensive and more basic than executive chairs. Executive chairs are typically more comfortable and luxurious than task chairs, with features like higher backs, more padding, and more adjustments. They often come in premium materials like leather and have a more polished and professional appearance.

There are several types of armrests available for office chairs, and choosing the right one for you depends on your personal preferences and the tasks you will be performing while seated. Fixed armrests are attached to the chair and cannot be adjusted. Adjustable armrests can be adjusted up or down, forward or backward, and inward or outward. These are often referred to as Step or 4D armrests and are the preferred option for ergonomic support.