Working from home has become a relatively common practice over the past few years, but that doesn’t mean it’s always comfortable for everyone. Are you tired of standing up from your chair and being uncomfortable? If you constantly feel like you need to crack your back or massage your neck, it might be time for you to get a new desk chair. Learning how to choose a new desk chair for your home office will help you find the perfect seat to boost your health and comfort throughout your work day. Follow along for a few useful tips.
Decide on the Color and Material
It’s no secret that chairs come in all different styles, colors, and materials. That said, you should decide on the color and material you want for your chair before you start shopping. Whether you want something neutral, stylish, or overly comfortable, knowing what you’re looking for can help narrow your search.
Color
Although the color isn’t the most important thing about the chair, you want a nice piece of furniture that visually fits the rest of your home office space. So you may not want to add a bright red chair to an otherwise neutral room or a black chair to a colorful one. Be sure to look at your overall room design before choosing your ideal chair color.
Material
After choosing a color, you should also consider different materials for your new chair. Even though there are several comfortable options, you’ll want one that suits your personal preferences and office design. With that in mind, vinyl, leather, faux leather, woven material, and mesh are the most popular choices for office chairs.
Vinyl is a great material because it’s long-lasting and easy to clean. However, it’s not very breathable if you work in a hot environment. Leather is one of the best and most luxurious upholstery options, as it’s classy and easy to clean. If you don’t want to pay the price for real leather, faux leather is another great option. That said, breathability is still a concern with both of these materials.
Woven material is an excellent choice for ventilation, but it stains very easily because it soaks up liquid. Mesh is one of the most popular materials for office chairs, as it looks great and offers an abundance of comfort. Not only is it breathable, but it also conforms to your body shape.
Choose Between Stationary, Swivel, or Rolling Designs
Choosing the color and material for your new chair is crucial, but you must also decide what type of chair you want. Stationary, swivel, and rolling are some of the most popular options when shopping for a modern desk chair. Explore each of these styles to determine which is most suitable for your home office.
Stationary
A stationary chair is a standard option that doesn’t move. Typically, this option has four immobile legs with sturdy construction. Even though this design may not be as convenient as an office chair, it’s a good choice for those that don’t like their chairs moving underneath them when they don’t want them to. If you want to ensure you stay in one spot, stationary chairs are right for you.
Swivel
Swivel chairs are similar to stationary chairs, but they have the ability to spin. The seat can rotate, but the legs stay stationary. If you need to stay in one spot but like to be able to move to grab something off to the side easily, swivel chairs are great. Some swivel chairs move 180 degrees, while others spin 360 degrees.
Rolling
Rolling desk chairs are the most common choice for many people, as they provide the most freedom. Most rolling chairs have a swivel option, but they also have wheels on the legs that allow you to move across the room without leaving your chair. Even if you don’t have to move through a huge space, having wheels on your chair makes working at a large desk easier and more accessible.
Ensure It’s Height Adjustable
Aside from the previously mentioned features, an adjustable height is crucial for a desk chair. Even though you can buy a chair that suits your height, you’ll have much more convenience if you choose one with multiple height options. While your physical height should be a consideration, you should also keep in mind the height of your desk. Your chair should fit under your desk neatly.
Make Sure There’s Lumbar Support
Sitting in the same chair all day can wreak havoc on your back and neck. Therefore, you should ensure your new desk chair has lumbar support to keep your lower back in check. Interestingly, our spines have a natural curve, and chairs with additional lower back padding help support this spine shape. Many people choose chairs with a more neutral back and add their own lumbar support cushion.
Figure Out Seat Depth and Width
It’s no secret that chairs come in many different shapes and sizes. Therefore, you must know the seat depth and width necessary to keep you comfortable. For instance, a smaller person will be comfortable in a smaller seat. However, larger people might need an extended seat to be secure. Be sure to check the chair’s seat depth and width before purchasing, especially if you’re buying online.
Sort Out Armrest Flexibility
Most desk chairs have armrests to support your body better while you work. That said, flexible and adjustable armrests are great features for those who sit at their desks for extended periods. Typically, you should find a chair that lets you change the armrest height and angle to suit your personal needs. Additionally, the best ergonomic chairs have padding on the armrests to make them even more comfortable for long periods of sitting.
After learning how to choose a new desk chair for your home office, you can decide which options are right for you. Working from home has many benefits but can take a toll on your body if you don’t have an ergonomic desk chair. However, deciding on the right chair for you can make it much more comfortable to sit and work in your home office for hours at a time.
