When you start your work day, what is one of the first few things that you reach for? If you are like most people, then chances are high that you pull out your office chair so that you can sit down to work. Think about an average eight hour workday at your job — what percentage of that time do you sit at your desk? Most people spend a variety of their day in front of their computer as they take notes, surf the web, play a game, or watch TV online. All of these activities are typically done in an office chair.
A good office chair is essential to get right — you are spending a huge part of your work day in your work chair and so in some ways an office chair is only second to your couch. Therefore, a good office chair can be a serious investment. However, there are some factors as to why a chair might cost anywhere from $100 to $1500. We will discuss some aspects of what goes into office chair pricing below.
Ergonomics and Tilt
Ergonomics is a key factor in the pricing of a chair. Your health is your wealth and premium chairs that account for ergonomics tend to be priced higher than a conventional chair. Ergonomic office chairs provide optimal sport for your spine and back, which even extends far down into the butocks area. — the body is interconnected and therefore, a holistic approach to ergonomics design needs to be taken. For proper health and safety, your body needs to be supported while sitting in an upright position.
When a person sits down, the body undergoes a lot of pressure from having to maintain a seated posture. Spending too much time in an upright position can lead to the pinching of the nerves, which then triggers a pain signal to the brain. Ouch!
Additionally, stress and strain are placed on the body’s joints and ligaments so that a centered position is maintained. Over time however, the body begins to suffer fatigue and tiredness when the muscles, joints, and ligaments become overtaxed. You will notice this in the form of slouching, or a hunched posture as a result of rounded shoulders. You may even experience back pain, muscle tightness, and cramping at the end of each work day.
Tilt is also a luxury feature on most office chairs because the degree of tilt your chair gives you determines just how far you can recline back. If you are the type of person who likes to frequently adjust their sitting position, you might enjoy the ability to kick back while you watch a video or take a quick phone call. Your chair may even come with leg rests that allow you to elevate your legs for increased circulation and blood flow.
The tilt feature is also great for when you just do not feel like getting up to stretch, especially when you are heavily focused into a work zone mode. If you are the creative type, having to stop and start again is too disruptive to the creative process. The quality of your chair is not limited to just tilt and your chair’s ergonomics.
Depending on the quality of your chair you might have features like:
- Added support to the lumbar and thoracic areas of the back: this region of the body is made of sensitive tissue and nervous. Added support to the lumbar and thoracic areas better supports your back’s natural curvature. Improvements to your posture also enable you to stay at your desk longer to really get the job done, especially if you are prone to heavy deadlines or are just busy in general.
- Leveling: Keeping your body at the correct height ensures that your eyes are proportional to your monitor. This helps ellevate strain and stress on your neck as your neck has to crank itself at odd angles so that you can see. Beyond the impact on your neck, your eyes may be straining as well. If you find yourself suffering from tired eyes, redness, or blurriness then it could be because of your alignment relative to your computer screen.
- Adjustability: Every body is made differently — some of us are taller or shorter than others. Either way, it is important that your feet stay firmly rooted to the floor to enable better balancing and stability as you sit in your office chair. Taller people will appreciate the ability to adjust their office chair because this can provide for greater legroom if needed. Furthermore, the ability to adjust the height of your chair can be an added bonus, especially if you have a higher or larger desk.
- Durability: A premium chair is nothing without solid durability. Durability refers to the solid construction and materials used to build your chair. Durability is typically seen in the height adjustment mechanisms used to elevate your sitting position. High quality chairs will be made out of steel or better material if combined with a hydraulic mechanism that allows you to adjust the height of your seating.
- Size: In the same vein as durability, it is important to know that not all chairs are created equally. Standard chairs only account for the average height and weight of most people. This can be cumbersome, especially if you tend to be bigger as your cushion will be too small.
- Fabric, meshes, and other customizations: Fabric and meshes come down to personal choice and preference. Obviously, materials like leather are going to cost more than a foam based seat. These customizations can alter the look and feel of your office chair, especially if you have a theme or design that you are trying to maintain. It is also another way that you can add a more personal touch to your room’s overall decor and atmosphere. For example, you can take your corporate branding up a notch by having your company logo embroidered onto your chair — even your chair wheels can be personalized.