Knowing that we’re living in the era of technology, it’s only obvious that people ask about how to choose the perfect this and perfect that – office chairs aren’t excluded. The market is so vast that your choices are virtually unlimited, which only makes the situation harder for you.
However, there are certain things that make a model stick out from the rest, the qualities that can guarantee you that your pick is the best, taking all other options into consideration. I’ve compiled a list of top 5 tips for choosing the perfect office chair, so, without any further ado, let’s take a look:
#1- Carefully observe the features
The features each chair comes equipped with can give you a clear picture regarding the benefits you’ll be able to reap. First of all, you should make a difference between plain and exquisite office chairs. The former are usually straightforward – what you see is, more often than not, what you’ll get in the best-case scenario.
On the other hand, the latter concerns the office chairs which were specifically designed to provide some additional benefits. For instance, you’ll only be able to see the most exquisite features like SoftLeather™ construction (special blend of leather and polyurethane), ergonomic qualities, stainless-steel casters, and similar features on high-end models.
Not all exquisite models belong to the expensive price point category, though. A handful or premium-quality models come cheap, such is Homall’s leather racing office chair, for example.
#2 – Determine the comfortability of the chair by looking at materials
Comfortability is definitely one of the most important aspects of performance of any office chair. Office workers labour long hours, which is an uncomfortable experience on its own – all the more reason why you should be able to determine the comfortability of an office chair with precision.
To do so, you’ll have to be well-acquainted with materials which are most commonly used. These materials are mesh, leather, and fabric. There are a lot of differences between these materials, but it’s safe to say that each comes with a set of pros and cons:
- Mesh material – mesh is very breathable, and it holds a high comfortability rating. However, it tends to wear faster than others.
- Leather material – Leather is extremely comfortable and looks quite great, but it makes the body’s heat build up faster.
- Fabric material – Fabric is among the least durable materials, but it’s decently comfortable.
#3 – Decent supports for back, arms, head, and legs are imperative
Some of the best office chairs feature lumbar, back, neck, leg, and arm supports. These features are commonly padded, so as to provide additional comfort, and you shouldn’t settle for less. The models that come outfitted with decent supports can be found throughout all price point categories – the price is virtually irrelevant.
The reason why you absolutely need to have an office chair with good support is so that you avoid experiencing back and neck pain. Our spine handles the body weight pressure, and it will start to hurt once it reaches a certain point. Lumbar support helps relax it, for instance, while armrests and footrests help distribute the weight, making the lumbar support more effective.
#4 – Consider saving up
Most people don’t feel too inclined on paying above a certain sum when it comes to the purchase of something as plain as an office chair – I beg to differ. Good budget office chairs are rare, and not to mention that you’ll have to leave no stone unturned while you search for one.
That’s the reason why I’m advising you to save up a couple of hundreds extra – you’ll be surprised at the magnitude of differences between entry-level and high-end chairs.
#5 – Compare the chair you have with the one you consider buying
Usually, the best way to determine what we’re lacking is to take a good look on what we already have. Pay more attention to how you feel once you’re seated in your current office chair – does your back ache? Do you feel comfortable enough while sitting in it? Is there anything you’d change?
If so, these changes are what you should be looking for – the qualities in your next office chair. Given that the market is so enormous, that shouldn’t be so hard.
Conclusion
Finding the best office chair for the buck might prove to be harder than you would’ve thought. There’s a massive number of brands, and even larger amount of models they offer, all sugarcoated with labels such as “best”, “perfect”, “ideal”. The fact is – the chair that’s best by someone else’s standards might not be so good for you.
Take a good look at the aforementioned tips and advices therein. I highly recommend that you, and you alone determine the criteria for the “best office chair”. If it feels good for you, if it can really help you battle it out with your back pain, then, and only then it can be considered as the best office chair for the buck.
Leave a Reply