Ergonomics isn’t the only factor you need to worry about when selecting a comfortable and well-made office chair. There’s more to having the right one than simply its looks. There’s also the price to think about. But perhaps the most important of all is your ultimate goal: that you always purchase an ergonomic office product with your long-term outlook in mind. That may seem like a tall order given the fact that there are literally hundreds of different types of chairs available today, and each of them claims to be the best.
The first thing you need to determine is the kind of seat design you want. Most office chairs feature a curved seat with a chair back that can either be straight and well-secured, or curved and flimsy and prone to tipping. To help you select the best ergonomic chairs for your office environment, first look at the seat design and then over the design of the chair back. This will give you an idea of what material (polyester fiberglass) to purchase, as well as how strong the frame/back will be.
Next, think about the padding on the chair and the material it’s made from. For example, leather and vinyl chairs tend to be softer, but are much more expensive. You can find padding in virtually any color, from black to pink to white. Remember that the more padding there is, the more expensive the chair will be.
Ergonomic chair seats come in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, leather, and plastic. With so many options, the best bet is to go with a material that has a high quality. Metal chairs are typically lightweight but are heavy enough to hold the weight of heavier people. Wood can be attractive, but can be prone to rotting. Vinyl is durable, but can dent if dropped or banged on.
The frame, including arms and back, is also important to consider. The arms can be fully adjustable to allow for either lower or higher arm heights. The back can be reclined all the way to a low angle for those who have lower back issues. The chair should be made of material that is wide, sturdy, and long-lasting. Good materials to look for are titanium, carbon fiber, leather, and vinyl.
Most importantly, you’ll want ergonomic chair seats that fit well with your workspace. This doesn’t mean you have to choose a chair that has absolutely everything you need, but rather that it fits right into your workspace. If the chair does not fit, or doesn’t feel comfortable, it won’t be productive. Remember that good ergonomics is all about making the user as comfortable as possible. That means not only seat comfort, but the materials and padding used for upholstery and padding.
