If you are like most people, chances are that you are working remotely at home due to COVID-19. Long hours spent on Zoom and other meetings can add up — and your back will feel it with pain, tension, and stress that is no fun. Up your work from home set up by investing in a high quality chair that positions you to sit in the best ergonomic position for your body.
First, it’s important to understand that your body’s musculoskeletal system is fragile and prone to repetitive stress injury. You may already be struggling if you find that your back is less limber and flexible than it used to be. Implementing a solid office chair as part of your remote setup is critical whether you are sitting for long periods because of your work or gaming activities. We will discuss five chairs as well as considerations that may boost both your health and productivity.
NOUHAUS Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair
This rolling office chair is perfectly suited for those looking to balance ergonomics and comfort — both are essential if you are sitting down for long periods of time. Virtually every element of this chair is adjustable and its dynamic lumbar support works to hold you seated in place so that you can work with ease. Although it is on the pricier side at $369, it may be worth it if you are spending significant time typing or doing other types of office based work. The lack of padding between the frame and mesh might be a drawback for those looking for extra lumbar support.
Pros
- Height and inclination can be adjusted freely
- Good price value, but features are minimal or standard
Cons
- Slight rocking can occur when weight shifting — there is no mechanism to lock the tilt in place
Homall Gaming Chair Office Chair
This executive gaming chair has taken Amazon by storm with over 52,000 reviews with its solid rating of almost 4 and a half stars. At a first glance, it didn’t really catch my eye as a gaming chair because of the black and white color scheme, but there is enough unconventionality in this chair’s design and construction that makes it unique. High density leather and shaping foam makes it ideal for those that want a solid fit while sitting. The skin friendly leather material means that it will hold up well with minimal rubbing and friction that can cause irritation. The ability to tilt your knees is ideal for seated stretching without becoming unstable. The thickened cushioning accommodates bigger body types without feeling like you are sinking in the chair.
Pros
- Height and inclination can be adjusted freely
- Good price value, but features are minimal or standard
Cons
- Slight rocking can occur when weight shifting — there is no mechanism to lock the tilt in place
CLATINA 247 Ergonomic Swivel Executive Chair
This executive office chair’s synchronized back and seating system provides for a lot of adjustability and overall comfort. The ability to recline from 90 to 135 degrees makes this office chair ideal for taller people who struggle to sit comfortably. The ability to adjust your seat’s height and setting is particularly ideal if you work in a shared space with other people. This chair is designed to give a modern and professional vibe without skimping on comforts that you’ll need if sitting for long hours. Priced at $259, this chair is a definite step above a standard plush chair with its premium lumber support and breathable material.
Pros
- Height and inclination can be adjusted freely
- Good price value, but features are minimal or standard
Cons
- Slight rocking can occur when weight shifting — there is no mechanism to lock the tilt in place
FelixKing Ergonomic Desk Chair
FelixKing’s spin on the classic office chair is modernized by its design and aesthetic appeal in the form of an S shaped seat design. Bult with the natural curvature of the spine in mind, adjustable lumbar support provides relief to keep you on task or ready for your next gaming session. This chair is ideal if you are looking for more support for your hips or waist because the base of the seat is wider. Priced at $139, FelixKing’s Desk Chair is ideal given its price point and features.
Pros
- Height and inclination can be adjusted freely
- Good price value, but features are minimal or standard
Cons
- Slight rocking can occur when weight shifting — there is no mechanism to lock the tilt in place
YONISEE’s Home Office Desk Chair
This chair’s design accounts for support at the back, shoulders, and buttock area with its center-tilt capability. High padding and mesh components keep you cool so you can stay focused and on task. YONISEE’s flip up armrest also saves space and is also lightweight, so adjustments can easily be made to find the position that you like best. Priced at just $119, this chair provides minimal features without a hefty price tag.
Pros
- Height and inclination can be adjusted freely
- Good price value, but features are minimal or standard
Cons
- Slight rocking can occur when weight shifting — there is no mechanism to lock the tilt in place
What to Look For When Buying A Computer Chair
Height and Adjustability
A dependable office chair for your needs means that a standard factory chair just will not cut it. Therefore, look for a chair that is height adjustable. This is so that your thighs are horizontal to the floor and your feet rest comfortably on the ground. An pneumatic adjustment lever can help provide optimal comfort by helping you to elevate or lower your chair with ease. If your backrest is adjustable, make sure that it is angled properly. You do not want to slouch while typing as poor posture and alignment can cause health problems that you will want to avoid. You do not want to sit in a way that forces you to hunch over your desk or keyboard. Proper adjustment and alignment will reduce strain and hold you up without tilting your torso too far backwards.
Proper Lumbar Support
When looking for a chair with a great backrest, consider the amount of support provided to your lumbar area. Proper lumbar support is key in providing your back with the support it needs for comfort. Ideally, good lumbar support should conform to the natural curvature of your spine. Make sure the backrest and any cushioning is flush against your spine so that your ears, shoulders, and hips are aligned.for best results. This will prevent and alleviate lower back pain by keeping your body at a 90 degree angle. When sitting, do not leave a gap between your butt and the chair cushion — this indicates that you are sitting too far forward and will lead to muscle tiredness that will cause your back to tire out quickly from the constant overcompensating needed to maintain your positional alignment.
Seat Depth and Width
An ergonomic set up also factors in the depth and width of your seat, which refers to the space between the seat and your knee. Ideally, you want to maintain a two inch gap — therefore, taller folks will need a deeper seat while shorter folks will want something more shallow. if the seat depth is too long, you won’t be able to flex your knees over the seat’s edge. This will force you to slide forward into your chair in order to compensate because you might get reduced blood flow and circulation to this area of your body. You want to support your hips so that you do not feel like you are hanging off the chair. At the same time, your knees should not be too constrained by the depth of your seat — it will be uncomfortable and awkward positioning can result.
Easy Movement
The ability to move your chair around your office or workstation is an important factor to consider, especially if you like to move around frequently between your desk area. The ability to easily maneuver around makes you more efficient — especially if you find yourself going back and forth between your computer and printer. Therefore, the wheels of your chair should be tailored to your flooring. Soft caster wheels are great for hardwood floors because they allow you to glide smoothly from one place to another. Hard caster wheels are best if you have carpeted flooring and typically feature a locking mechanism that allows you to prevent an unwanted rolling.