There's no denying it - you're a chair-wearer. Sitting at a desk all day is hard work, and the wrong chair won’t help either. Your back hurts, your shoulders pull up, and by the end of the day, you’re helpless. So yeah, it does matter what chair you use. You need to consider how you sit, where you sit and what you need to be able to do.
It doesn’t matter if you’re putting together your first home office, outfitting an entire company or simply replacing an old chair, the right choice in seating will mean a lot less suffering while you work.
But why is it so important to have the right office chair?
Let’s face it- you’re probably sitting in your office chair longer than you care to admit. And your chair isn’t just a chair- it’s your back, neck and legs’ new favorite thing to mooch on. The right chair can not only affect how you sit, but how you look and feel too. If your job involves working with interiors or furniture selection, you understand the importance of it all: comfort, function and appearance.
These days we all spend hours looking at screens. A comfortable chair isn’t just a cute extra at this point – it’s a necessity.
What To Look For in a Good Office Chair
Forget the price tags and gadgets for now. Focus on the simple things:
Back Support
You don’t want to sit in a chair where you own a mound of back or slump. You want a chair that actually supports your lower back. A chair with adjustable lumbar support would be cool, especially if other people will be sitting in the chair.
Seat Height Adjustment
You want your feet on the floor and not dangling, and you want your knees at a decent angle, so you want to be able to adjust the height of the seat easily for everyone.
Seat Cushion
You don’t want to sit on a rock. And you don’t want to sit on a cushion that feels like a pillow. Look for good foam and a seat that supports your legs. And make sure no seats push into the backs of the knees – nobody wants that.
Adjustable Armrests
You should be able to put your arms to rest without hunching up. Adjustable armrests are a huge plus, since not everyone is built alike.
Shiny Mesh
In India sweaty backs are an actual problem, so mesh backs are quite a common solution. The backing lets your skin breathe. Padding is great for comfort, if not necessarily cooling.
Making Your Workspace Work for You
Your chair is just one part of the workspace equation. It should be compatible with your desk, monitor, keyboard, and the whole shebang. An excellent chair does nothing if your desk is too high or your monitor is in the wrong place.
With a decent workstation, you should be able to:
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Place your feet flat on the floor
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Sink back in your chair
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Relax your shoulders
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Let your arms rest on the desk
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Keep your screen level with your eye line
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Move or shift in your chair when you need to
And romping out for a walk or a stretch here and there can’t be replaced by even the best chair on the market.
How to Choose a Chair for Your Workday
Not all jobs require the same chair. Consider what you need to do.
For You Who Live in Your Desk
You need proper lumbar support, a back that lifts and lowers, a cushion that stays pleasant to sit on, armrests, and a back that keeps you in the straight chair. That’s what ergonomic chairs do.
For Meeting Rooms
You won’t need the same fancy features, but you do need something comfy, durable, and easy to clean as different people will use it.
For Executive Offices
You need something to look and feel high-end, so pick a padded chair that looks and feels luxurious.
For Home Offices
Aim for a match with your desk and room size, not just something that looks good online. You still want comfort even for long hours of sitting.
Office Chairs That Match Indian Workspaces
Offices in India come in all kinds from little startups to huge firms. A small office? You want non-bulky chairs which can be moved around in a space. For a big office? You look for design and longevity. With the climate, breathable fabric is a better fit, and indeed the chair can be wiped clean and changed. If you want many chairs, then think about spare parts and warranty.
Quick Chair Buying Checklist
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You want to sit in the chair yourself, does it feel good?
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Can you change the seat height to fit a different desk?
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Does the chair lift your lower back properly?
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How easy are the armrests to move?
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Is the material suitable to your everyday usage and your climate?
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Will it work with your room and your desk?
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Can you roll it around and move it easily?
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Does it feel like long term usage?
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Is there a good warranty if it breaks?
What Farmers Miss All The Time
Some people purchase based on looks, or just buy the cheapest thing in the world. Let's see what they miss:
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Only looking at the looks, pain comes later.
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No checking the height of the desk, violation of this comes at cost.
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If you buy the cheapest chair, it doesn’t last and it doesn’t help your back.
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If you buy the wrong size, too big, it won’t fit. It's too small, so you can’t use it comfortably.
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If you don’t check if you can actually clean the chair, work chairs get grubby fast.
Should You Buy an Ergonomic Chair?
If you work long hours, the choice of a good ergonomic chair can be a game changer. But don’t be fooled by the “ergonomic” sticker – look at adjustability, back support, and choose the right size for you. If you’re buying for a team, test a few first before ordering a whole new lot.
Final Words
Don’t think too deeply. Have back support, a comfortable seating experience, height adjustability, good armrests, fabrics that lend to your office, and the right size. Consider your desk time, work patterns and budget, and the space at your office.
Whether you’re filling a large office or upgrading your home office, it’s a question of balancing comfort, usage, and style. Not sure of what to buy? Seek up help before purchasing, save yourself the trouble later.
Need ideas? Explore Lakdi.com and see what works for your office and your work style.
FAQ
Q.1 What is the best chair for long hours?
A: A back supporting chair providing good sitting experience with proper seat and armrest that cater to your height and work patterns.
Q.2 Is an ergonomic chair worth investing in?
A: Yes if you work long hours. Just enquire about the adjustment capabilities and support, because just because a chair is ergonomically labeled does not mean it is up to the task.
Q.3 How tall should the chair be for your office?
A: High enough for your feet to be on the floor, knees to be in a comfortable position, and you to reach the desk without too much effort.
Q.4 Do fabric mesh chairs work in Indian offices?
A: Mesh is good for airflow in hot months. But again, it is all about the design and the comfort.
Q.5 What are the details I should go through to buy a chair?
A: Back support, cushion comfort, height adjustment features, armrest, material, size fit, sturdiness and warranty.
Q.6 How long should a chair last?
A: Long enough depending upon the usage, material and build quality. If you’re filling a busy office area with chairs, then pick the sturdy ones which have good after-sales servicing and warranty offer.
