The right office chair can make a huge difference to your working day. Make the wrong choice and you can quickly find that you are not nearly as productive as you had anticipated. Many of us think nothing of buying quality office equipment and furniture but finding a good office chair that will offer the right type of support for your body should also be a key element of planning your home office.

What to Look For in an Office Chair

There is a vast choice of office chairs currently on the market, which can make your search seem overwhelming. However, experts agree that you should look for a chair that is ergonomic. This means that it will include features that will provide the best levels of support and comfort. A chair that is not ergonomic will offer little or no support, which can affect posture as well as your work-related performance.

So, what features should you be looking for in an ergonomic office chair? Here are a few of the things that you should look for when choosing a good office chair.

Seat height: You should be able to plant your feet fully on the floor while sitting at the back of the chair. If you cannot do this properly, blood flow to the lower legs and feet will be restricted. If it is not possible for you plant your feet without moving forwards, you will need to be able to adjust the height of the seat to accommodate your needs.

Seat depth: You should be able to sit right at the back of the chair without having to put pressure on your knees. This will enable your back to be fully supported.

Lumbar support: A good office chair should support your back and the natural s-curve of the spine to avoid slouching. Look for one that allows you to adjust the lumbar support to suit your needs.

Armrests: Ideally, the armrests should allow your arms to be comfortable and your shoulders to feel relaxed. It is fine for your elbows to be positioned on the armrests while typing but your forearms should not be able to do so. Look for adjustable options that can be altered for optimal comfort and support.

Swivel function: The ability to swivel the chair around means that you will not be overstretching or twisting your back when reaching for things that are not within easy range.

Using Your Office Chair

No matter how ergonomic your choice of office chair may be, do not forget the importance of taking regular breaks. Get up every so often to stretch your legs and take a break from your work.