With work-from-home considered to be a very viable alternative to commuting in rush-hour traffic, more of us are choosing to embrace remote work options. When done right, working from home increases productivity and performance, and allows employees to have more free time (cut out all those hours spent in travel!) with a much better work-life balance.
If you’ve opted for this way of work, then a well-designed home office is a must-have. And a comfortable, supportive chair that’s ergonomically designed plays an important role in helping you work better! We help you understand what the ergonomics of a chair entails, and tell you how to pick the perfect chair for your office room.
Ergonomics of a Chair, Explained!
If you’re working for 9 hours a day, chances are that you will be in the same position for at least a few of those hours. As doctors tell us, prolonged sitting in the same posture can have seriously detrimental health effects, which can be a cause for concern once you get older. Continuous sitting stresses your spine and poor posture can injure your shoulders and neck too.
There’s a lot to be said for just getting up and walking around for ten minutes every couple of hours. Get a coffee, talk to someone, or do anything that gets you out of that chair! But even while you are sitting in it, the benefits of getting a chair that is ergonomically designed cannot be emphasized enough.
What makes a chair ergonomic? An ergonomic chair is one that has been designed by product designers to best support your body, and takes your posture, comfort and health into consideration. If it’s going to be used by different people, it should have an adjustable seat so that different users feel comfortable.
Features of an Ergonomic Chair
- The seat height should allow you to place your feet flat on the floor. This is usually between 16 to 21 inches off the floor.
- The ideal seat depth leaves a gap of 2 to 4 inches between the front of the seat and your knees.
- The backrest should offer adequate lumbar support, ideally aligned to the natural ‘s’ of the human spine.
- A chair with a swivel attachment allows you to reach out or turn around easily. In a one-person office with a small desk, this may not be a priority.
- Legs with wheels are useful as they increase easy maneuverability.
- If the backrest can be adjusted, you can push back and take a little snooze right at your desk, if need be! A reclining back also helps to move your muscles, which will distribute stress on your back and shoulders better.
- The material should not be too hot or too cold, but should be comfortable to use in any kind of weather.
Here are our top picks for home office chair designs!
#1. High Back Office Chair
A high-back chair with swivel support and wheels offers the best lumbar support and easy maneuverability, making it the best suited for continuous use. This chair also has a ventilated back for ‘breathability’, so that you don’t feel too hot in summer or too cold in winter! The padded seat offers sitting comfort. This chair also has arms, allowing you to rest your elbows comfortably while you work.
#2. Medium Back Office Chair
If you do not require neck support because of your style of working, then opt for a medium back office chair like this one. Also fitted with a swivel seat and wheels, this chair is upholstered in beige leatherette, making it a stylish option for a modern décor theme. Arm rests are a must for those of you who use the keyboard and mouse a lot, as you can rest your elbows while you work.
#3. Moulded Bucket Chair
If you’re looking for a chair that’s stylish, lightweight and easy on the pocket, then this lovely white moulded bucket chair is a great pick! The bucket seat is ergonomically moulded to be a comfy fit for your bottom and back. Do remember, though, that it’s not the best option if you are going to be using it for hours at a stretch.
#4. Moulded Chair with Swivel Seat
If you’re looking for a homework fit-out for your teen, then this might be what you’re looking for. Here’s another lightweight option that also features a swivel seat. With a backrest that tilts and a seat that swivels around, you get the best of everything—a cost-effective chair that’s lightweight, easy to move around and yet comfortable and supportive! Again, note that this might not be an ideal pick for prolonged use.
#5. Wire and Steel
There’s a lot to love about these designer chairs in wood and steel. Perfect for home office meetings, these chairs can be pulled up around a meeting table or used at your work desk. The C-shaped steel legs have some ‘give’ and are not rigid, allowing for more seating comfort. The woven seat and back are good for your back; they offer support and are comfortable, but are for short-term use only.
Looking to outfit your home with more great furniture picks? Whether it’s fixed or movable furniture you’re looking for, we’ve got some lovely options you can look at. Visit your nearest HomeLane Experience Centre for more décor inspiration and ideas!
