How to Choose an Office Chair

side by side image of chairs

When considering how to choose an office chair, important factors include the chair size, the presence of armrests, lumbar support, and more. But with so many options on the market, how do you make the right choice? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

In this guide, I’ll break down the most important features you should consider, including my personal experience with chair materials, ensuring that your next office chair looks great and supports your body while you work.

Backrest Height and Support

three tall chairs in an office with a window in the background
Photo Credit: Libreshot

The height of a chair’s backrest plays a crucial role in determining where and how much support your back gets. There are office chairs with a high-back and with a mid-back. Here’s how they differ, so you can make the best choice for your needs:

  • High-back chairs provide full back and neck support, alleviating upper-body strain. They’re ideal for those with neck or shoulder pain and perfect if you sit for long periods.
  • Mid-back chairs prioritize lumbar support and allow easy movement. They’re compact and fit well in smaller workspaces.

I’ve used both types, and while I didn’t used to have back pain, I found my mid-back chair became too uncomfortable once I started working from home. Sitting for long hours every day made me realize I need the extra shoulder support that a high-back chair provides, and that has made a huge difference in my comfort.

Headrest Options

an erogonomic chair in a home office
Photo Credit: jnyemb / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Headrests provide extra support to the upper body, helping to maintain proper alignment and prevent strain on the neck and shoulders. This is especially helpful for those who spend long hours seated. 

So, if you regularly work for extended periods of time or experience neck and shoulder discomfort, opt for a chair with a headrest.

Seat Size and Depth

Ideally, your office chair’s seat should extend along your thighs without pressing against the back of your knee joint. For optimal comfort, aim for a gap of around three fingers’ width between the seat edge and the back of your knee. Here’s why this matters:

  • Too long: If the seat is too large, you may find yourself sitting on the front edge, leading to poor posture and strain on your lower back as you lean forward for support.
  • Too short: A seat that’s too short reduces the support for your thighs and back, making you feel as though you’re perching, which can lead to discomfort.

Also, check the chair’s width. The chair should comfortably match the width of your hips, providing ample space without feeling too tight or too wide.

Customizable Seat Height

A chair’s seat height is fundamental for achieving proper ergonomic alignment, and most office chairs offer a range between 16 and 21 inches from the ground. However, if you’re searching for the ultimate office chair, opting for a model with an adjustable seat height can make a difference in your posture. 

Your chair height should allow both of your feet to rest flat on the ground, and your legs should form a 90-degree angle at the knees. As a 5’8” woman, I quickly realized that adjustable seat height was non-negotiable when shopping for a new chair. Without it, my legs were always at an awkward angle at the knee, which made me uncomfortable.

If your chair’s height is not adjustable, you might want to consider choosing the best desk dimensions for your home office, so you’re still seated at a comfortable height in front of your computer screen.

Tip: For those using standing desks or working on tasks that require a higher surface, a drafting chair could be an ideal choice. These chairs come with footrests, which provide support for elevated seating and are popular among architects and designers.

Chair Mobility

an empty leather office chair
Photo Credit: phonlamaiphoto / Adobe Stock Free / License

Wheels and a swivel function in an office chair allow you to move smoothly across your desk setup without overextending or straining your body. That’s particularly helpful if, like me, you work with a multiple-screen setup. I’ve found that swiveling my chair instead of moving my neck makes a big difference in reducing strain — try it and thank me later.

When selecting a chair with mobility features, look for high-quality, durable wheels that move smoothly and can handle your floor type without damaging it. 

Tip: If your chair is starting to feel wobbly, it might be due to a defect in the wheels or swivel. Check out our article — “How to Fix a Wobbly Office Chair” — to learn how to deal with it.

Built-In Lumbar Support

If you work for several hours at a stretch, it’s likely you’ll start to feel discomfort in your lower back eventually. That’s where lumbar support becomes invaluable. Proper lumbar support helps maintain the natural curve of your lower spine to reduce pressure and prevent slouching.

Here are a couple of tips:

  • Look for a chair with a built-in, adjustable lumbar support. This allows you to tailor the lumbar cushion to fit the curve of your lower back based on where your back sits against the chair.
  • Purchase separate lumbar cushions that you can attach to your chair if it lacks the built-in type. They can offer similar relief and support.

My Tip: If you’re looking for a quick, simple solution, consider using a small kid’s pillow you might have lying around. I’ve done this myself, and it worked surprisingly well. Their compact size and shape often fit perfectly into the lumbar curve, giving you temporary relief until you invest in a proper lumbar cushion.

Tilt Control

While maintaining an upright position is important for good spine health, a slightly reclined position can relieve pressure on your spine and improve comfort over long periods. A chair with adjustable tilt control allows you to fine-tune the angle of the backrest and customize your chair to suit your body and preferences.

Tip: If your chair is squeaking when you change the angle of the back, check out our article: “How to Fix a Squeaky Office Chair.”

Presence of Armrests

Armrests might seem like an unnecessary feature at first — after all, you might think, “I’ll just rest my arms on the desk.” However, if you’re aiming for the ultimate ergonomic office chair, armrests are fundamental for proper support. 

Why? They help reduce shoulder and neck strain by providing a stable place to rest your arms, preventing your shoulders from bearing extra weight throughout the day.

For the best experience, look for adjustable armrests, so you can set them at the ideal height for you. Set it just below the underside of your elbows when bent at a 90-degree angle.

Chair Material

side by side image of executive chair and mesh office chair
Photo Credits:
Mesh office chair: Waldyrious / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Executive chair: Beaneater00 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Generally, office chairs come in two main types: mesh and upholstered. Each has its benefits depending on your needs and environment:

Upholstered chairs:

  • Provide additional padding, offering more comfort and support, especially for those with back issues or who sit for long periods of time.
  • They often last longer, particularly if made with durable materials like top-grain leather.

Mesh chairs:

  • Excellent for warmer climates, as the breathable mesh allows for airflow and prevents overheating. 
  • Typically light and easier to move, offering a more minimalist aesthetic.

Personal Experience: Why I Switched to a Mesh Chair

maria isabela reis headshot

Living in a hotter area, switching to a mesh chair has been a total comfort upgrade for my home office. I spend long hours in front of my screen, and with my old chair, I was constantly dealing with sweating and discomfort. No matter how cool I tried to keep the room, I’d still end up feeling sticky and overheated. The mesh chair has been a game-changer for me because it keeps me cool and comfortable all day.

~ Maria Isabela Reis

Type of Chair

When selecting an office chair, it’s essential to consider its specific purpose. Different chair types are designed with features to meet specific needs, so think about the setup of your workspace and the kind of tasks you perform daily.

Are you looking for maximum comfort with an ergonomic chair, or do you wish to survey blueprints and hence need a drafting chair? Check out our article, “Types of Office Chairs,” for more help.

Keep Building Your Ideal Office

With options like adjustable heights, lumbar support, and different materials, the right office chair can make a real difference in how you feel after a long day. But it doesn’t stop there. To build an ideal office space, you’ll also need to think about the desk, lamps, and even lighting. Luckily, you’re already on the right track.

If your office, along with your chair, needs a makeover, Home Gnome connects you to the best local interior designers. Let the experts help you create a workspace that’s comfortable and functional.

To Learn More:

Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with interior designers in your area.

Main Image Credits:
Leather executive chair: Francis Flinch / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
Ergonomic guest chair: Kare_Products / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Maria Isabela Reis

Maria Isabela Reis is a creative writer and Ph.D. candidate in social psychology with a keen interest in home repairs and remodeling. While she's more comfortable with a pen than a power tool, Maria enjoys exploring the ways small renovations can make a big impact on a home's aesthetics.